Chelsea will have to trim their squad after the introduction of new rules as they look to be active in the transfer window.
Xabi Alonso could see a few exits from Chelsea between now and the end of the summer transfer window. (Image: Qin Zhicheng/VCG via Getty Images)
New FIFAPro rules mean that some focus for Chelsea and Xabi Alonso could be on outgoings before the end of the transfer window as they look to reduce the size of the squad.
In the Premier League, clubs are allowed a squad of 25 senior players, with no more than 17 not fulfilling the ‘homegrown player’ criteria. As it stands, Chelsea have a squad that contains 41 senior professionals.
The Blues have previously used ‘bomb squads’, where players with no future at the club train away from the main squad. But that will no longer be an option, with FIFAPro banning the practice.
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It means that Chelsea will have to sell 16 players before the end of the window, or reintegrate them into first-team training, even if they are not part of the Premier League squad. But it could see the Blues make a lot of money.
Among the players who could potentially leave this summer are goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, defenders Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi, midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Dario Essugo, and forwards Marc Guiu, David Datro Fofana, Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson, Emmanuel Emegha and Pedro Neto.
Several have already been heavily linked with exits. Reports in Italy suggest that Napoli have opened talks with Chelsea over Badiashile, with Chelsea seeking around £30 million for the defender.
The Blues also reportedly want around £25 million for Disasi, who has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace. They want a similar price for striker Marc Guiu, who is available for transfer.
Aston Villa have been linked with an interest in Jackson, with Chelsea reportedly wanting a fee of around £65 million. Earlier this summer, it was reported by the BBC that Chelsea have stuck a £75 million asking price on Gusto, who has been linked to Manchester City.
Enzo Fernández is a player who has been linked with a move away, although Real Madrid have ruled themselves out of a potential move. Chelsea will reportedly demand a fee of £120m if they are to sell.
Then there are the players without a transfer price currently on their heads. According to FotMob, Essugo’s transfer value is £17 million, while striker Marc Guiu has a value of £14 million.
David Datro Fofana is valued at £4.5 million, Liam Delap at £29 million, and Emmanuel Emegha at £22 million. Pedro Neto is valued at the most with a price of £44 million.
If Chelsea do cash in on all of the players who have been linked with moves away, and get either the price they want, or the price they are valued at, then they will raise £445.5 million.
There’s also players who are available for loan, who could help push that up slightly with any loan fees received. Caleb Wiley, Omari Kellyman, Shim Mheuka, Reggie Walsh, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen and Krndry Paez are among those who could head out on a temporary deal this summer.
Chelsea have already seen Alejandro Garnacho, Andrey Santos, Marc Cucurella and Tyrique George leave the club, raising £126m. Filip Jorgensen and Trevoh Chalobah are both also expected to leave the club, joining Strasbourg and Como, respectively.
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