Chelsea didn’t waste any time setting the tone for the 2025/26 season. On day one of preseason, less than a month after winning the Club World Cup, the club quietly updated its squad list, removing nine players from the official roster. The update, spotted on the team’s website, caught attention. Missing from the page were players like Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, both of whom had held important roles at different moments.
The club has spent nearly €280 million in recent months to reshape its squad. Winning a global title was significant, but clearly not the end goal. Chelsea’s front office is moving with purpose, and even without big announcements, the shift is already underway.
Big names dropped from the list
Raheem Sterling, now 30, is no longer listed as part of the first team. The forward, previously with Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal, never really found his place at Chelsea. Ben Chilwell, 28, is also gone. The left back had worn the captain’s armband and was seen as a locker room leader.
Axel Disasi, Renato Veiga, Alfie Gilchrist, Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu, Armando Broja and David Datro Fofana were also removed. All had been part of the first-team squad through the end of last season.
A rebuild focused on fresh talent
Chelsea’s message is clear. They’re rebuilding the foundation. The club has already brought in several key names and remains active in the market. One standout signing is Brazilian forward João Pedro, who had a breakout run during the Club World Cup and played a major part in the team’s title. He comes in with confidence and is already seen as part of this new direction.
Spending has already exceeded €278 million, and more changes are expected. Chelsea appears determined to assemble a squad that’s stronger, more balanced and ready to perform consistently in domestic competitions, where results have fallen short in recent years.