Chelsea’s 2026/27 Squad Predicted by May 26

Projected Chelsea Squad for the 2026/27 Season

With the current season drawing to a close and a mid-table finish lingering in the minds of fans, many are already looking ahead to a more promising future. This projected Chelsea squad for the 2026/27 term will focus on potential transfers, new arrivals, and how the absence of European football might affect the size and structure of the team.

Goalkeepers

At the goalkeeping position, there are no credible rumors of any exits, which means Rob Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen are expected to remain with the team. The third-choice goalkeeper is likely to rotate between Gaga Slonina and Teddy Sharman-Lowe, but there could be a new face added to the bench.

Mike Penders has completed his latest loan with Strasbourg, where the 20-year-old Belgian was a regular starter. He is likely to stay as one of the main three goalkeeping options unless a loan opportunity arises.

Goalkeepers:
– Rob Sanchez
– Filip Jorgensen
– Mike Penders

Defenders

This area of the team may need some trimming, as the Blues will only be playing around 45 fixtures next season due to their exclusion from European competitions. Players who featured towards the end of the season, such as Levi Colwill, Malo Gusto, Jorrel Hato, Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Wes Fofana, and potentially Josh Acheampong, could all be retained.

On the left-back position, Marc Cucurella has been the starting option, but reports suggest that the Spanish international could be heading back to Spain, with Atletico Madrid showing interest.

Defenders:
– Jorrel Hato
– Levi Colwill
– Trevoh Chalobah
– Wes Fofana
– Malo Gusto
– Josh Acheampong
– Reece James
– Valentin Barco (started out as a left-back)

Midfielders

In the midfield, Moises Caicedo partnered with several players, including Andrey Santos or Romeo Lavia depending on the opponent. Dario Essugo did not play much and could be moved on.

Enzo Fernandez was used as the number ten in the midfield, and while he is reportedly being linked with a move, he could be replaced by Valentin Barco, who is versatile enough to play in midfield or as a wide defender.

Midfielders:
– Moises Caicedo
– Andrey Santos
– Romeo Lavia
– Valentin Barco
– Reece James (emergency option)

Attackers

The attacking department may not require a major overhaul, as injuries limited the options this season. The final campaign saw Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Alejandro Garnacho as the primary attackers.

Players like Estevao and Jamie Gittens may struggle to secure minutes with a reduced schedule, which could lead to decisions about their futures. Pedro Neto is reportedly attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, and could leave due to the lack of Champions League football.

Attackers:
– Cole Palmer
– Estevao
– Joao Pedro
– Alejandro Garnacho
– Geovany Quenda
– Nicolas Jackson
– Emmanuel Emegha

Incoming Signings

Nicolas Jackson is returning from a loan at Bayern Munich, while Emmanuel Emegha has a pre-agreement to join from Strasbourg. Winger Geovany Quena also has a pre-agreement and will be added this summer. This leaves Chelsea with four striker options, which could mean a decision must be made on at least one player’s future.