15 players Chelsea must sell this summer to fix £1 billion squad failure

‎Chelsea are once again preparing for a dramatic squad overhaul—regardless of whether they secure a top-five finish and qualify for the Champions League. Despite spending over £1 billion under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, the Blues remain a work in progress.

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‎Chelsea set for another squad overhaul—Champions League or not.

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‎Although Sunday's win over Fulham halted a slide in form, the performance did little to inspire confidence. The second half of the season has exposed significant shortcomings within the squad, and calls for change are growing louder.

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‎While the future of under-pressure manager Enzo Maresca is uncertain, one thing is increasingly clear: this team needs more than just tweaks. A comprehensive summer clear-out is on the horizon, with up to 15 players potentially heading for the exit.

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‎Goalkeepers Under Review

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‎Robert Sanchez has been a liability between the posts, leading the Premier League in errors directly resulting in goals. Maresca has defended him publicly, but with multiple high-profile mistakes, Chelsea are almost certainly looking for a new No.1. Internally, Djordje Petrovic—impressive on loan at Strasbourg—and promising Belgian Mike Penders could be in line for promotion.

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‎Kepa Arrizabalaga, enjoying a solid loan spell at Bournemouth, is also expected to leave permanently. The club’s sixth-most expensive signing is set to depart at a significant financial loss.

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‎Defensive Departures

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‎Axel Disasi has dropped down the pecking order and failed to establish himself even on loan at Aston Villa. Chelsea are likely to cut their losses on the £39m defender.

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‎Tosin Adarabioyo joined as a free agent but has underwhelmed. With no signs of becoming a regular starter, a sale would mean pure profit.

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‎Benoît Badiashile has failed to stay fit and hasn't impressed when available. Despite being a talented passer, his defending has left much to be desired.

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‎Ben Chilwell, once a fan favourite, has struggled for game time and form. Loaned to Crystal Palace, he hasn’t made the desired impact and could be sold, depending on Maresca’s future.

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‎Midfield Crowding Sparks Exits

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‎With Dario Essugo incoming and Andrey Santos returning from a strong loan, the midfield is getting crowded.

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‎Lesley Ugochukwu, who has failed to impress while on loan at Southampton, is unlikely to break through and looks set for a permanent departure.

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‎Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, signed for £30m and viewed as a tactical fit for Maresca, has played a bit-part role. With little to suggest long-term value, the club may move him on.

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‎Carney Chukwuemeka has struggled with injuries and a lack of game time. Now at Borussia Dortmund, he could make that move permanent.

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‎Omari Kellyman, signed for £19m from Aston Villa despite limited senior experience, has spent the season sidelined with injury. His future at Stamford Bridge is in serious doubt.

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‎Attacking Misfires

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‎Raheem Sterling, on loan at Arsenal, has failed to win over Chelsea fans or regain top form. His £325,000-a-week wages will make him difficult to shift, but a sale seems inevitable.

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‎Christopher Nkunku, finally fit but underperforming, was nearly loaned to Bayern Munich in January. A permanent move could materialize this summer.

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‎Joao Felix, yet another attacker Chelsea failed to unlock, hasn’t impressed on loan at AC Milan. His future almost certainly lies away from west London.

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‎Armando Broja has struggled with injuries and form. A move to Everton hasn’t sparked a revival, and he remains goalless in 2024–25. Selling the academy product would represent pure profit.

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‎David Datro Fofana, sidelined by injury on loan in Turkey, hasn’t shown enough in previous spells either. He’s among a long list of signings who may need a fresh start elsewhere.

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‎Chelsea’s long-term vision under Boehly and Clearlake remains clouded by missteps and misfires in the transfer market. Now, with European qualification uncertain and another bloated squad on their hands, another mass exodus looks not only likely—but necessary.