The Hard Tackle lists five players Chelsea should sell during the summer transfer window as they begin their rebuild after a disastrous 2025/26 season.
Chelsea’s 2025/26 season will be remembered as one of the most calamitous campaigns in the club’s modern history. The West London side, who entered the year riding high after their triumphant FIFA Club World Cup victory last summer, saw their entire project crumble beneath them.
Two managers were sacked, the Premier League title dream vanished within months, and the Blues finished a humiliating tenth in the table, missing out on European qualification entirely. It was a fall-off from which fans are still trying to recover.
Enzo Maresca’s tenure grew increasingly toxic behind the scenes as frustration mounted. The Italian tactician’s relationship with the squad deteriorated, ultimately leading to his departure in January. The Liam Rosenior project, after the import was made from sister club RC Strasbourg, failed to yield the desired results either.
Chelsea limped to their tenth-placed finish under caretaker boss Calum McFarlane without winning a trophy, turning what should have been a celebratory year into an absolute disaster. The Club World Cup glory now feels like a distant memory from a different era. However, before Xabi Alonso begins his four-year contract as Chelsea’s new manager in July, the club must address the mounting deadweight within their squad.
The incoming Spaniard will need significant power over transfer decisions, and getting rid of players who no longer fit the blueprint is imperative. The attack struggled badly for goals last season, while the shape at the back remains questionable. So, reshaping the squad is not optional but essential for any hope of revival. Here are the five players Chelsea must sell this summer.
Robert Sanchez
The Spanish goalkeeper has struggled consistently since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023. Despite retaining his place as first-choice for most of his spell at Stamford Bridge, the Spaniard’s record is marred by critical mistakes that have cost Chelsea repeatedly. He made crucial errors leading directly to a goal this past season, which speaks volumes about his reliability concerns.
Although Sanchez enjoyed a shutout in nine Premier League fixtures, his overall performance has been plagued by inconsistency. The 28-year-old was sent off during Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United after wiping out Bryan Mbeumo in the fifth minute, showcasing the defensive lapses that have become characteristic of his tenure.
While Filip Jorgensen has not set the stage alight either, Sanchez’s departure is essential to return to the market for a top-class shot-stopper, or perhaps install the promising Mike Penders as the new first-choice goalkeeper. Xabi Alonso will want a goalkeeper who commands confidence, and the Spanish international has failed to deliver that consistently.
Benoit Badiashile
The French centre-back has been plagued by fitness issues since joining Chelsea from AS Monaco in 2023, struggling to hold down a regular place in the side. Despite making 71 appearances for the club, Badiashile has not been in favour of late, with Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana clearly established as the first-choice partnership.
The 25-year-old made just 16 appearances in all competitions in the 2025/26 campaign, with only eight of those coming in the Premier League. The two-time France international has once again found game time hard to come by in 2025/26, and the time has come for Chelsea to cut their losses on him. His poor form and lack of fitness make him an obvious candidate for departure. Despite undeniable talent, things simply have not worked out for the Frenchman.
Alejandro Garnacho
The Argentine winger’s departure from Old Trafford was less than amicable, particularly after he criticized Ruben Amorim for omitting him from the UEFA Europa League final, effectively severing ties with Manchester United. Now at Chelsea following his £40 million transfer last summer, Garnacho has struggled to alleviate concerns regarding his mindset and attitude.
The 21-year-old is struggling to stand out among the cast at Stamford Bridge, having been linked with an exit already and drawing criticism for a lack of output in attack and switching off defensively. His absence from Argentina’s national squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup reflects the drop in his stature, which has been plagued his career for a while. With Xabi Alonso likely to reshape the attack, Garnacho’s poor attitude makes his exit almost certain.
Marc Guiu
The young Spanish striker barely featured during Chelsea’s disastrous campaign and is expected to leave the club this summer. Guiu has not played for Chelsea since February when he picked up a hamstring injury, and his limited involvement suggests he is not part of the long-term plans at Stamford Bridge.
While the Spaniard showed promise in his debut season, an untimely injury derailed that campaign, and he has never been able to earn his managers’ faith. The possibility of not fitting into Xabi Alonso’s system further diminishes Guiu’s chances at Stamford Bridge.
The incoming manager will want players who can contribute immediately, and the youngster’s lack of appearances suggests he cannot meet that requirement. His £5 million purchase from Barcelona appears to be a misfire, and selling him would allow Chelsea to recoup some funds for more suitable replacements.
Liam Delap
The English striker had a hugely disappointing debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, managing just one goal in 28 Premier League games. Delap managed only 12 starts in the top flight and four in other competitions. On top of that, his longest stretch of consecutive starts across all competitions has been a mere two. This lack of regular minutes has hampered the 23-year-old, and he looks a long way off establishing himself as Chelsea’s first-choice number nine.
Emmanuel Emegha will arrive from RC Strasbourg this summer, and several strikers reportedly remain on Chelsea’s wishlist. While Delap’s physicality and aerial presence are real strengths, his hold-up play remains inconsistent, and his movement off the ball is simply not sharp enough for the system Xabi Alonso prefers. So, it looks like the Englishman will be lost in the shuffle, and a summer exit suits all parties.
Honourable Mentions
Filip Jorgensen, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Jamie Gittens also warrant consideration for departure this summer. Meanwhile, we have not discussed Axel Disasi as he has already been part of Chelsea’s infamous bomb squad and will most certainly leave this summer anyway. The French defender’s position at the club has been uncertain for months, and his departure is now virtually confirmed.
Chelsea’s leadership must act decisively this summer to salvage what remains of their project. Selling these five players will free up resources and create space for Xabi Alonso to build a squad capable of returning the club to its former glory. The Club World Cup triumph feels like a lifetime ago, but with the right summer activity, Stamford Bridge could once again become a place of promise rather than despair.