Chelsea Set for Major Summer Clear-Out as Maresca Axes Nine Players
In what appears to be another bold step in Chelsea’s ongoing squad evolution, new manager Enzo Maresca is set to offload nine players this summer, as part of his plan to streamline the team ahead of the 2025/26 season.
According to BBC Sport, Maresca has submitted a list of players who are no longer part of his long-term vision, with several big names now on the market.
❌ Players Listed for Sale:
Raheem Sterling
João Félix
Axel Disasi
Djordje Petrovic
Armando Broja
Renato Veiga
Ben Chilwell
Carney Chukwuemeka
Lesley Ugochukwu
Notably, Sterling and Félix were already left out of Chelsea’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S., a clear signal that their days at Stamford Bridge are numbered.
Sterling, once seen as a marquee signing, struggled during a loan spell at Arsenal, while Félix — who spent the latter half of the season at AC Milan — has not convinced the Italian giants to make his deal permanent.
💬 OPINION: Is Maresca Clearing the Deadwood or Taking a Risk?
This clear-out is a double-edged sword. On one hand, Chelsea need to reduce their bloated wage bill and focus on players committed to Maresca’s football philosophy. On the other, letting go of experienced names like Sterling, Félix, and Chilwell could leave the squad short on leadership.
But maybe that's the plan. Maresca seems determined to build a younger, more tactically disciplined unit — and that means no room for sentiment.
This isn’t just a squad shake-up. It’s a philosophical purge — a reset button on the chaos of recent transfer windows.
🔄 What Next for the Departing Players?
Sterling could attract interest from Saudi clubs or a return to the Premier League mid-table.
Félix may consider La Liga again if a top club offers him a fresh start.
Broja and Chukwuemeka, still young, are likely to draw offers from other EPL sides looking for raw potential.
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