Chelsea coach, Xabi Alonso removes five senior players from first team
Chelsea's head coach Xabi Alonso has made a significant decision by removing five senior players from the first team. This move is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the squad and prioritize younger talent.
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has reportedly informed five senior players they are free to leave the club as he begins reshaping the squad ahead of the new season.
The Spaniard, who officially began pre-season preparations at Cobham last week, is said to have identified goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, defenders Axel Disasi and Benoît Badiashile, winger Alejandro Garnacho and striker Liam Delap as surplus to requirements.
According to Portuguese publication A Bola, the five players have been granted permission to seek moves away from Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window. The group is estimated to have a combined market value of about £160 million.
Speaking at his first press conference as Chelsea manager earlier this week, Alonso outlined the standards he expects from his squad. He said: "For sure we want to be active, we want to be brave, we want to play good football, we want to compete well, but above that we need good mentality. I think that's fundamental to understand what to do and what it takes in each moment. We want to show that we are ready to go."
Alonso also acknowledged speculation surrounding Garnacho's future. "We have spoken to the sporting director and there's interest from him, from another club, so let's see how it develops. I hope it finishes in the best possible way for all parties."
Garnacho joined Chelsea from Manchester United for a reported £40 million last summer but endured a difficult debut campaign, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 43 appearances. Delap, who arrived from Ipswich Town in a deal reportedly worth £30 million, also struggled to make an impact, registering two goals and four assists in 41 appearances.
Badiashile featured only 16 times across all competitions last season, while Disasi did not make a first-team appearance before spending the second half of the campaign on loan at West Ham United. Goalkeeper Jorgensen, who signed a seven-year contract after joining Chelsea in 2024, made just 12 appearances last season.
Chelsea have already strengthened the squad this summer with the arrivals of Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha and Marco Palestra, all of whom reported for pre-season training last week. Players who have been involved in the ongoing FIFA World Cup are expected to rejoin the squad after the tournament concludes.
- Linda Ikeji's Blog Original article
