Xabi Alonso starts Chelsea overhaul, cuts four players as pre‑season begins

Since taking charge of Chelsea in July, manager Xabi Alonso has dismissed four first‑team players. Left‑back Marc Cucurella left for Real Madrid, midfielder Tyrique George moved to Everton for £18 million, Argentine forward Alejandro Garnacho joined Aston Villa on a season‑long loan with a £42.5 million mandatory buy‑out clause, and Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos transferred to Manchester United for £48 million. The club reported a £17.5 million profit on the Cucurella fee, improving its finances ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Chelsea then travelled to Australia for the Sydney Super Cup, where Alonso oversaw his first match in charge against the Western Sydney Wanderers. The pre‑season friendly featured several Wanderers players, including goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas, left‑back Alex Gersbach, midfielder Dylan Scicluna, and winger Brandon Borrello, as the English side prepared to improve on a 10th‑place Premier League finish.