For the first time since we started looking at the projected Chelsea squad for Xabi Alonso’s debut campaign, there has been some seismic movement that indicates some changes to the overall squad. Instead of rumours and hints of some departures, there is now a number of incomings being reported that would change the squad’s makeup. In this one, we’ll bring together all of the latest news surrounding the club to look at what the squad could look like when they suit up for their opening Premier League fixture.
Read More: Projected Chelsea Squad for 26/27 as of June 18
Current Projected Chelsea Squad for 2026/27 Premier League Campaign
Goalkeepers
The one area with the least change so far and pretty quiet on the credible rumour front. As of now, there is no change to the expected trio that are expected to fill the goalkeeping department.
Goalkeepers: Rob Sanchez, Mike Penders, Filip Jorgensen
Defenders
The area of the field currently expected to have the most overhaul is the back line with rumours aplenty of incomings and some outgoings. Trevoh Chalobah is being linked with an exit to Serie A as both Como and Inter are noted as potential suitors, he is likely to exit the side this summer.
While not officially announced, reports are that wing-back Marco Palestra is coming in from Atalanta. Journalists in France indicate that this isn’t the only addition the back line will see as Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix is allegedly set to move to Stamford Bridge after he returns from the World Cup where he’s currently part of the French camp.
Read More: Chelsea Make Official Olise Contract Announcement
Fellow Frenchman Malo Gusto could be on his way out of the club after a few seasons in London folllowing his signing from Lyon. There are growing whispers of interest and a move to Manchester City being on the cards to reunite with Enzo Maresca.
One final incoming being linked is a move for La Liga left-back Pep Chavarria. The 28-year-old plays for Ray Vallecano and is more experienced and older than targets in recent years, marking a slight shift in the team’s transfer strategy to someone ready-made to help out.
Read More: Chelsea Players Who Can Improve the Most Under Xabi Alonso
With all that, we still have to consider that Reece James, Levi Colwill, Josh Acheampong, Jorrel Hato, and others are already set to stay as defensive options from last term.
Defenders: Jorrel Hato, Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix, Wes Fofana, Josh Acheampong, Reece James, Pep Chavarria, Marco Palestra, Tosin Adarabioyo, Valentin Barco (has played wing-back)
Midfield
Very little is certain in the middle of the park as a lot seems to wait on Real Madrid and their desire to sign Enzo Fernandez. Without him there is still a choice to make between Romeo Lavia, Andrey Santos. Moises Caicedo, and Dario Essugo to whittle down. Despite not being officially announced yet, the Here We Go for Valentin Barco was posted a while ago and is still expected to go through.
Sunderland veteran Granit Xhaka has emerged as a recent target with the midfielder playing for Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen and offering some leadership that has at times been lacking in the Blues unit.
Read More: Every Chelsea Player Going to The 2026 World Cup
This is one area of the field that will likely see more movement late in the window as it is most likely going to be too many bodies for too few positions, particularly with the lack of European football.
Midfield: Moises Caicedo, Granit Xhaka, Andrey Santos, Romeo Lavia, Valentin Barco, Reece James (emergency option)
Attackers
The return of Nicolas Jackson from his loan at Bayern Munich and the pre-agreement for Emmanuel Emegha are just two reasons why the attack is plentiful with not enough game time to go around. The striking department alone is looking like Jackson, Joao Pedro, Emegha, and, depending on interest Liam Delap or Marc Guiu.
Read More: New Report Reveals Why Xabi Alonso Accepted Chelsea Job
Behind them Cole Palmer is a guaranteed starter with Geovany Quenda coming in on a pre-agreement, Pedro Neto a starter last year, Alejandro Garnacho and Estevao hunting minutes, as well as a Jamie Gittens to potentially factor in.
Read More: Updated 2026 World Cup Power Rankings For the Final 32: Can Anyone Stop Lionel Messi?
This is similarly, a place that will likely see some outgoings but they may be later in the window with pre-season used to dictate who stays and who goes.
Attackers: Joao Pedro, Nicolas Jackson, Emmanuel Emegha, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Geovany Quenda, Estevao, Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens
Projected Chelsea Squad as of June 29
- Rob Sanchez
- Mike Penders
- Filip Jorgensen
- Jorrel Hato
- Levi Colwill
- Maxence Lacroix
- Wes Fofana
- Josh Acheampong
- Reece James
- Pep Chavarria
- Marco Palestra
- Tosin Adarabioyo
- Valentin Barco
- Moises Caicedo
- Romeo Lavia
- Andrey Santos
- Dario Essugo
- Granit Xhaka
- Nicolas Jackson
- Joao Pedro
- Emmanuel Emegha
- Cole Palmer
- Geovany Quenda
- Pedro Neto
- Estevao
- Alejandro Garnacho
- Jamie Gittens
