Chelsea drop nine players from 2025/26 first-team squad

Chelsea have officially excluded nine players, including England international Raheem Sterling, from their 31-man first-team squad for the 2025/26 season, signalling a significant shake-up under head coach Enzo Maresca.

Sterling, who spent last season on loan at Arsenal but failed to make a strong impression, returned to Stamford Bridge only to find himself deemed surplus to requirements. The 30-year-old winger is now among a group of players the club is actively looking to offload this summer.

The Blues have been busy in the transfer market, most recently sealing the £37 million signing of Dutch defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax. As the club updated its official squad list to reflect recent changes, several familiar names were noticeably missing.

Alongside Sterling, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi were also omitted, hinting at potential exits. Young talents like Carney Chukwuemeka, Alfie Gilchrist, and Lesley Ugochukwu were also left out, while forwards Armando Broja and David Datro Fofana appear to be on their way out as well.

Despite uncertainties over his future, Christopher Nkunku has retained his place in the squad.

Sterling has attracted interest from Napoli, Fulham, and Bayer Leverkusen, though no formal deal has yet been announced.

Chelsea, who recently clinched the FIFA Club World Cup title, are set to face Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan in upcoming pre-season fixtures before kicking off their Premier League campaign at home against Crystal Palace on August 17.