Chelsea faces intense pre‑season and squad overhaul ahead of 2026‑27 campaign

Chelsea's 2026‑27 calendar gives new manager Xabi Alonso a tight timeline. The club opens pre‑season on 28 July against Western Sydney Wanderers, continues with a tour of Malaysia and a match versus Johor Darul Ta'zim on 9 August, then begins the Premier League away at Fulham on 24 August, followed by games against Brighton (29 August) and Arsenal (5 September). The schedule overlaps with the close of the summer transfer window on 1 September, leaving little room for squad adjustments.

Reports list several players expected to leave before the season starts, including Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Malo Gusto, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo. Chalobah has a reported offer from Serie A side Como, while Gusto is linked with Manchester City. The departures are part of Alonso's plan to reshape the squad and fund new signings as Chelsea aims to compete for major honours in the new campaign.