Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca trims bloated 55-man squad to a lean 25, with over 20 players sold or loaned this summer.
Chelsea’s summer overhaul has reached dramatic levels, with new head coach Enzo Maresca cutting his squad almost in half ahead of the 2025/26 season. The Italian has made it clear he wants no more than 25 first-team players — meaning more than 20 have been shown the door.
The ex-Leicester boss inherited a squad of 55 players at Cobham, a figure he considered “unsustainable” for building tactical cohesion. Big names such as João Félix, Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga have already departed, with further exits expected for the likes of Renato Veiga, Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell.
Chelsea have not been idle in the market either — spending a staggering €279m on reinforcements including Dário Essugo, Estevão, João Pedro, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Jorrel Hato. Player sales have brought in €231m, keeping the club within financial fair play parameters.
With Maresca determined to mould a compact, tactically flexible squad, can Chelsea’s trimmed-down group deliver results from the opening weekend?
Maresca Explains Ruthless Squad Cuts
The former Manchester City assistant has wasted little time in streamlining the dressing room.
“We need a group that can work together every day, not a crowd. This is how we set high standards.” — Enzo Maresca, club media
That clarity has resulted in a flurry of exits across all positions, from senior internationals to fringe academy graduates.
Chelsea Summer Transfer Activity (2025)
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Squad at start of summer | 55 |
| Target squad size | 25 |
| Players out (sold/loaned) | 20+ |
| New signings | 6 |
| Spend | €279m |
| Sales income | €231m |
Analyst Verdict
Chelsea’s clearout under Maresca is as much about culture as it is about numbers. A tighter squad allows for more focused tactical sessions and reduces dressing room noise. From reviewing their pre-season friendlies, Chelsea’s pressing triggers look sharper and the build-up play more coordinated — signs that a smaller, more settled core could pay off quickly. However, the real test will be how well new signings integrate under early-season pressure.
Key Insights
- Chelsea cut squad from 55 to target size of 25.
- Over 20 players sold or loaned so far this summer.
- Six signings made, totalling €279m in spend.
- €231m recouped from player sales.
- Maresca aiming for tactical cohesion and high standards.
What’s Next
With the Premier League opener days away, further exits are expected to hit the target squad size. Chelsea’s recruitment focus may now shift to one final addition in defensive midfield — but only if more outgoings are finalised.
Will Maresca’s smaller squad deliver stability — or leave Chelsea short in a long season?
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