It might feel like the 2025-26 season has only just finished, but in a month, Chelsea will be back in pre-season training under Xabi Alonso, and the Spaniard is already putting plans in place.
Alonso will not officially take charge at Chelsea until July 1, with the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid manager putting pen to paper on a four-year deal. But Alonso has already visited Cobham of late.
Who is the most exciting academy talent at Cobham right now?👀
Let us know of any young players we may have missed…
The new manager has plenty to do. When all the new signings, loanees and World Cup players return, Alonso could have the best part of 40 players to choose from. Obviously, that is far too big a number.
Many will be sold or sent on loan, especially with Chelsea failing to qualify for Europe. Removing some of those players will also allow some of Chelsea’s academy players to get their chances in the off-season.
Alonso to hand Chelsea academy quartet a pre-season chance
During the 2025-26 season, only two academy products were given their debuts. Jesse Derry made a handful of appearances in the second half of the season, even starting against Forest in the league.
Shim Mhueka also made his senior debut for Chelsea. But which academy products will get the chance to shine under Alonso this summer? BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella names which youngsters will be promoted.
Mhueka, Harrison Murray-Campbell and Kaiden Wilson are expected to go out on loan, while Derry will be one of four youngsters in first-team training. Kinsella also names three others set to join Derry.
The highly-rated Reggie Walsh will have a chance to showcase his talents, as will Ryan Kavuma-McQueen and Landon Emenalo. The latter is the son of Chelsea’s former director of football, Michael Emenalo.
Only seven senior Chelsea players will definitely stay this summer
As aforementioned, Chelsea are going to have to conduct a fire sale of players due to such a bloated squad. With no Europe, there’s no need to have such a big group of players; a cash injection is needed.
The lack of Europe means Chelsea have missed out on a big financial boost. Last season, Chelsea earned just over £80m from the Champions League last season. That means an £80m loss during 2026-27.
Is there anyone we are missing?🤔
According to reports, seven Chelsea players are untouchable this summer. They are Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Josh Acheampong, Levi Colwill, Moises Caicedo, Reece James and teenage winger Estevao.
Even new arrivals like Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda are not guaranteed a place next season; indeed, they could be shifted out on loan. Alonso has some big decisions to make in the coming weeks.
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