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22 Jul 2026 11:18:23
I think we're approaching the point where we have a Very good starting 11 on paper.
Depends on formation obviously but in Colwill, James, Caicedo, Enzo*, Palmer, Rogers and Pedro we have what should be a strong spine added to which you'd have Estevao, Palestra, Hato, Quenda and (in theory) Lavia who are all demonstrably top class albeit young players operating outside of that consistent/experienced bracket.
If Enzo goes it's important to add the same quality and experience (which I think's achievable at a profit), and we have the likes of Neto, Gittens, Gusto, Sanchez, Trev, Fofana, Essugo who are all probably OK but in an ideal world need upgrading.
Add to that very promising young players like Josh, Barco and Penders and we have a very strong squad taking shape.
A top class centre back (or maybe 2) should be added shortly with Lacroix seeming likely plus a left back and we are ready to go.
It may have taken several seasons to put together and may still take another window or 2 but I can now see us being a real threat again especially with Alonso as our manager.
1.) 22 Jul 2026 12:26:36
Ebw, I totally agree, mate.
2.) 22 Jul 2026 13:02:38
I agree with most of that as well, but would add that we still need a top class goalkeeper.
Diogo Costa apparently had a release clause in his contract of approx £50 million, pay it.
3.) 22 Jul 2026 13:05:48
I agree we have a good team on paper, but as Brian Clough reminds us: "We had a good team on paper. Unfortunately, the game was played on grass."
4.) 22 Jul 2026 14:34:38
Seems certain that Trevoh C will be sold if not already by the time I write this.
There is also the question of back up striker/s? Plus, is Sanchez a good enough keeper and/or Penders ready to be a challenger or replacement?
Yes, on paper - and despite longlasting doubts about the fitness of 3 players in RJ, WF and RL, i.e. quite a few! - we do have some quality players. We also have what most of us feel is a big upgrade as a manager. But we will still have to see who will partner LC in heart of defense, plus what the back up is there if injury; ditto if James is injured at RB - or will Alonso play three at the back and a RWB - and how Palestra adapts to the EPL (and is Gusto going or not? Can Alonso get him back to best form), plus who will be a Cucurella replacement LB/LWB alternate to Hato: Pep Chavarria? Hall?.
Then back to the back up striker option... will this be Emegha, Jackson or Delap (assuming Guiu is loaned out?).
Having said all that, and given we are 'free' of European games this season, we should certainly have the talent - especially if Enzo stays or is replaced with someone who can help shore up midfield, as I reckon Rogers and Palmer will need this as primarily attackers and Essugo is still relatively untested - to be at least challengers for a Champions League place.
5.) 22 Jul 2026 17:36:23
And interestingly, we keep putting James down as one of the key men in the spine - he has to start staying fit for that to be the case.
6.) 22 Jul 2026 19:27:20
Kazblue, I'm not really sure where James fits in with a back three. He isn't a wing back and CB is his worst position. Obviously there will be times when we play a flat back four or change formation during a game. We shall see.
13 Jul 2026 23:07:17
Appears that Alonso really rates Enzo Fernandez and wants him to stay. I would be very pleased with that.
1.) 14 Jul 2026 00:24:46
What makes you say that? The only thing he said in the press conference was that they had spoken, and what was said will remain private. A follow-up question of 'Do you want Enzo to stay?' was met with a single-word answer of 'yes' haha.
2.) 14 Jul 2026 08:17:08
Melbourne, unless somebody pays the fee, he will be staying.
This window, our SD's seem to have found some backbone and are telling clubs to pay what we want or they move on, I have read Inter are pulling away from the Chabs deal as it is too expensive.
Previous seasons the begging bowl if the Italians meant that we would pay 200% of the salary and they would give us a packet of Rolo's as a loan fee.
As you probably can guess, I can't stand Italian clubs
3.) 14 Jul 2026 09:19:00
I don't think we can read too much into Alonso's response. If he answered No to that question, then the player's transfer fee would drop.
4.) 14 Jul 2026 10:14:00
I agree, Bill. I know some supporters want Enzo to stay, but we already know he wants to play somewhere else, so I'd prefer we sold him, but, like you say, he is worth what he's worth. I wouldn't take a discount. I think if he stays, he likely has a good year, and his price shouldn't drop due to the long contract.
I actually like that Como and Inter supposedly agreed not to get into a bidding war for Chabolah. The Italian league isn't known for ethics, typically. I'm sure he will have plenty of options if the Inter sale doesn't materialize.
5.) 14 Jul 2026 10:26:05
Melbourne, like you, I have read different reports about Enzo, but do any of us actually know for sure that he 100% wants to leave now that Alonso has arrived? Lots of the current squad had great admiration for the club when we won the Club World Cup and started last season, but it seemed to change when the club appointed LR. That has now changed.
6.) 14 Jul 2026 12:44:49
It's safe to assume he wants to leave. His agent has said he is actively searching for solutions to let him leave Chelsea. I hope Xabi is persuasive enough to get his mind back on staying long term, but he has history with pushing for moves away from clubs he kisses the badge of.
7.) 14 Jul 2026 14:43:33
Bill, our SDs have grown a backbone now that they've packed the club full of below average players no one particularly wants. We'll see by the end of the window where those players are, but I'm not holding my breath. Like I've said before, we're on the verge of absolute catastrophe as a club, and we desperately need this summer and the season to work out.
8.) 14 Jul 2026 16:20:13
I hope we don't get relegated yet again.
Let's see how good Alonso is. I think he will get our squad playing to its potential. Obviously, other teams are not going to stand still and wait for us to catch. It will be interesting, but I'm looking forward to the new season.
9.) 14 Jul 2026 16:40:01
I don't think we are on the verge of a catastrophe, but I accept that next season will be important for the club. I believe that, with 3 or 4 smart signings and the moving of the dross we have recently signed, things can improve.
I believe we have picked the right manager for the task. Let's just hope he has influence on signings that he believes can thrive in his system. Not quite the last chance saloon, but nearly.
10.) 14 Jul 2026 17:57:12
Catastrophe may be slightly strong, Jimbo - however I'm worried, the media noise isn't helping. Stories of us haggling over a few million for a 28 year old back-up wing-back. I'm confident no one on here has heard of him before.
Stories of players wanting to leave, losing Cucurella, who, regardless of anything, was one of our best players and one of our most experienced.
The lack of interest in players like Garancho, who I feel have no business being at Chelsea.
Countless names can be added to that - Tosin, Delap, Gittens, Badiashile, Neto, Lavia, Gusto, Sanchez.
Talk of Alonso being backed with experience and a change in model, i.e. a lowball bid for Xhaka and not much else. A constant stream of more kids again, most of whom no one's heard of, and just huge, glaring weaknesses in the squad as of yet not addressed.
11.) 14 Jul 2026 17:59:50
I also think, with less playing time, players won't get injured as much and won't be too tired.
I.
12.) 14 Jul 2026 18:38:11
Kazblue, I share your concerns. That's why the ins and outs will be significant in determining the direction of the club - early days yet.
Bill, the fact we are playing less football is because we didn't qualify for the Champions League and are not at the top table.
As for injuries, some of our players wouldn't be able to play two games of croquet in a week. Not sure why our players are tired, they were outrun by every team except Liverpool last season. Perhaps, they should go to bed earlier.
13.) 14 Jul 2026 21:56:15
On the verge of a Catastrophe? Oh my oh my. I have seen some comments on here over the years, "Moises being called a donkey" being the stand out, but Kaz, you are rivalling yourself there.
14.) 14 Jul 2026 22:35:16
How not edw - we have overspent, we came 10th, we have huge areas of concern in the squad - we have SDs that have so far shown no competence, on the football side of things and in large parts of the business side. We have a long list of players we'd like to move on, having only brought them in in the last few years.
We are awash with rumours of players wanting out - you think Enzo, Caicedo, Palmer, JP want to sit tight if we have another season coming 8th/9th/10th? A footballer's career can end in a moment - these players won't wait forever for us to sort ourselves out.
We have an exciting young manager and some exciting players - if it fails now, I struggle to see where we go from here.
15.) 14 Jul 2026 23:06:06
I am not sure we are "awash with players wanting out", but all players should want success. A transfer window is the time when rumours abound, and, as much as I enjoy those rumours, the vast majority just make me laugh. If a player wants to leave, then goodbye as far as I'm concerned.
I personally think we will challenge for CL football next season.
I think we have a lot more talented players than some believe, and, without last season's manager turmoil, those players would and should have finished in the top four.
I worry less about our SDs signing players than I do managers, and although Alonso wasn't my first choice, I think he will prove to be a solid appointment.
16.) 15 Jul 2026 08:28:13
I agree, Tom, and he will have the respect of the players. Something LR didn't, but I have to admit Maresca did.
We don't need many coming in, but those that do must improve the first 11.
17.) 15 Jul 2026 08:29:46
I don't think managers should sign players, but they should have an influence on the positions and types of players needed. I certainly don't trust our SDs signing players.
18.) 15 Jul 2026 08:30:13
Verge of catastrophe is maybe a bit strong, but I totally understand the sentiment. This season is definitely make or break. I said for a while that we could do a Spurs this season and be in relegation trouble. Now that we have Alonso, I'm more confident, but as people have said, if this doesn't work, what then.
19.) 15 Jul 2026 09:06:07
Some of the so-called big clubs have gone through long periods of mediocrity in recent seasons. I hope we don't drop into that category. I am personally convinced we have some very good players who can challenge for trophies over the next few seasons.
I do not see us on the verge of some "catastrophe." I want to see progress this season. I want to see patterns of play, but more than anything, I want to see the team working hard and not the passive nonsense of last season.
20.) 15 Jul 2026 11:09:30
Who are these good players and can they actually stay fit. And are they good right here, right now - don't want to hear about Estevao and Quenda as good players when they have done very little as of yet - forget potential, I'm interested in who's ready here and now....
Colwill
James (never fully fit, so he becomes a headache for us).
Caicedo
Enzo (can't stand him as a bloke, but he's a good player).
Palmer (needs to regain form and confidence).
Joao Pedro
6 good players and then a handful of decent/might be alright players, and then about 157 players we need to wait for to see if they end up any good.
Another bad season and our problems on and off field increase massively - and I do not trust these owners and clown SDs to get us through tough periods. They came in on the back of a UCL win and almost capsized the club faster than the Titanic.
21.) 15 Jul 2026 11:46:55
Your opinions on our players will no doubt be different to mine.
I remember posters slaughtering the signing of Hato for the majority of last season. Strangely, that criticism disappeared later in the season. Cucarella was given pelters for a season, and then became a fans' favourite. Of course the reverse is true. I was a fan of Gusto, but he was horrible last season, but that doesn't mean he will be a bad player for the remainder of his career.
Like most clubs, we have made mistakes in the signing of some players, in my opinion, but any criticism I have of our SDs would apply to a lot of Premiership clubs, judging by some of the criticism from posters on other team sites.
I will wait and see if Alonso can get a tune out of these players before I make a final decision about a lot of our players.
I do think the SDs have made mistakes in manager appointments, and hopefully the appointment will bring some improvements.
I'm not sure we have 157 players in the whole club, but I do want the club to continue investing in potential. Of course not all of that investment will work out, but with this current inflated transfer market, to me, it seems the logical way to go.
Just one more small note. At some stage last season, I got pelters from certain posters about my views on Hato. I have also given my opinion on the qualities of Lavia, and now I will repeat, with good coaching, Gittens will prove his worth.
22.) 15 Jul 2026 12:37:28
Usual condescending nonsense from you Tom
Hato has had a handful of decent games in a chelsea shirt has done
Nothing on note yet and if the rumours are true and he's playing LB /LWB you may be in for a shock as he's not
Gusto is poor and the 75m price tag for him gave me a proper chuckle
Cucurella was average when he signed
Settled in became solid- he is spains number 1 left back however and we have sokd him to sign a Spanish Left back no one has ever heard of
23.) 15 Jul 2026 12:58:11
I always chuckle when posters feel it necessary to make personal comments or judgements. That also includes laughing at myself.
When I make a player assessment and prove wrong, I'm always happy to admit it. Hato is class and will only get better. Lavia, if he stays fit, will be POS and Gittens, with good coaching, will prove he is a top player.
I agree, I have very little knowledge about our FB signings, but I will wait and see them playing in Chelsea blue for an extended period of time before I make a judgement. Others can have a negative view before they have seen them play, that's up to them. That reminds me of some posters' view when we signed Caicedo and his first few games for the club.
24.) 15 Jul 2026 14:39:12
Kazblue, why did you tell Tom he posts condescending nonsense? Just because other posters don't agree with you, why do you have to be so nasty?
25.) 15 Jul 2026 14:56:19
EbW, don't worry about it mate. As I said, amongst other things it makes me chuckle.
26.) 15 Jul 2026 16:40:21
Hato hasn't proved anything yet to be considered a class player. Lavia Pos. He'd be lucky to get a MOTM with his injury record. Gittens is absolutely dreadful: any coaching should have been done years ago. Alonso is not a miracle worker.
27.) 15 Jul 2026 17:04:43
Agreed, Jimbo... About time we rate players on performance, not supposed potential.
28.) 15 Jul 2026 17:05:22
I disagree. I think Hato has proved that, at this moment in time, he is good enough for the Premiership, and the frightening thing is, he could well improve.
Lavia just oozes class. Staying fit has been a problem, but his class as a player is something I don't doubt.
I have seen enough of Gittens, when he is given the chance, to know he has quality.
As I said when we signed him, I have one reservation, and that is he sometimes plays with his head down. Good coaching, I hope, can sort that out.
Alonso wasn't my first choice, but I'd see his team win the German League, and they were well drilled and worked hard. I'm happy he has joined our club, and I'm now convinced he will get our players to their full potential.
29.) 15 Jul 2026 17:11:13
Maybe it's about time some people realise that all fans have different opinions and those opinions deserve respect.
30.) 15 Jul 2026 17:41:17
Tom, you gave your opinion about certain players; I gave mine, and then you repeated your opinions. Respect is a two-way street.
31.) 15 Jul 2026 17:49:43
Jimbo, you are correct. Respect is a two way thing, and if you think that my last post on the subject of "respect" was aimed at you, then I apologise.
As far as repeating my opinion is concerned, I gave my reasons for believing the three players mentioned have quality. That was something I hadn't done in my original post.
32.) 15 Jul 2026 18:32:26
Tom, posters have different and strong views about players. Like most posters, I go into the new season with hope but also with an underlying fear of failure and a drift to mediocrity. For me, that could be assuaged by 3 or 4 good signings and a clear out of players who are not up to standard. Alonso was my top choice, so I have no complaints on that score.
I have World Cup fatigue at present and will be pleased to concentrate on domestic football. That said, I hope Reece has a winner's medal on his neck on Sunday. Tonight will be spicy. Very important that England keep their composure and avoid red cards. Oops, nearly forgot about Trev.
33.) 15 Jul 2026 18:39:55
Jimbo, it is good and totally understandable that fans/posters have different opinions about players, SDs, managers and owners.
Those differences can be delivered with respect for other people's opinions.
34.) 15 Jul 2026 20:00:35
I really don't see the condescending bit about TomB.
He gave his opinions on players, with some good arguments. I see that, if he sees someone say he is not good enough or they are rubbish, they should give a reason for it.
As for some of your picks, TomB,
Gittens, I don't see what you do, I'm afraid. Your comment on having his head down is valid. But if he hasn't had that coached in the 20 years, there isn't much hope now. He clearly relies heavily on speed. Coming up against low blocks, in 80% of the teams that play us, he struggles as there is no space for the pace. He always runs into blind alleys.
Hato, I do think, will be class.
Not there yet, but his composure on the ball is excellent. He makes some great passes, but is lacking in positional awareness. This will get better the more experienced he gets, and with more coaching.
Lavia, his press resistance is, do I dare say, world class. His eye for a pass is world class. But his body just isn't, and will need working on to keep him fit. Can we, can't we, I am unsure, but he has all the aspects to be world class.
I am upbeat about this season.
And I am probably one of the only people that think/want to keep Enzo. I think the guy is class, a warrior. Although, after tonight, I may really hate him.
35.) 15 Jul 2026 21:09:14
Finchy, thanks for your comments. My assessment on both Hato and Gittens comes from watching a lot of German and Dutch football, before my Dutch and German sons-in-law took my daughters back to their respective countries for work reasons. Both players had excellent seasons.
36.) 16 Jul 2026 10:30:23
I took a while to be convinced by Hato after his start for us - and having thought highly of him when an Ajax player - but I came round to your point of view, Tom, and also rate him as one of our brightest prospects.
But losing Cucurella is a blow, as he was one of our few players who had demonstrably become world class, with Enzo and Caicedo being two others. We know that Palmer and Pedro have the talent too. LC and Hato probably too. Estevao pretty likely, if his hamstring injury has healed properly and he can be consistent. So we need to keep those seven. I'd also keep Jackson unless we are bringing in another experienced striker, as Delap and Guiu are not good enough yet, and I am not sure about Emegha, who is also coming back off an injury.
If Alonso can get Gusto playing as he did before last season for us, he may also be worth keeping. Otherwise, we still seem far short of major rivals like City or Arsenal, or now perhaps United, in terms of proven quality squad depth.
So yes, this summer transfer window is v important, and I have that feeling that we must make this coming season one in which we get Champions League football or we are in danger of slipping further away from the current top teams.
11 Nov 2025 23:52:41
Tosin, Hato, George, Santos, Gittens, Delap all useless. Why sell Jackson who is miles better than Delap and Guiu, what does the brighton loanee give us? Maresca is a decent coach but hindered by the idiots running the club.
1.) 12 Nov 2025 06:33:39
Edw, Hato will turn out to be class signing, as will Gittens and Santos. I haven’t seen enough of Delapas our CF or when he was at Ipswich to be totally sure if he is good enough. Tosin was ok last season but hasn’t looked good without Colwill playing next to him. I assume George will get limited games time as will Guiu and both will be sold or go out on loan.
I agree about the manager’s ability but disagree with your description of our current owners.
2.) 12 Nov 2025 10:36:56
I think you're right in your judgments in this post Tom though clearly Gittens and Hato in particular have seemed fair bit of way to go yet in terms of being trusted starters and Santos - who is closer in this respect imho - looks much closer to getting there but then is competing for place in most competitive area for us in terms of quality ie midfield. Gittens has problem that Garnacho looking more tried and tested EPL ready and seems to be improving and had best game yet v Wolves. Hato had dreadful first half v Qarabag and has looked most nervous of the three when I've watched him closely but did recover reasonably well in second half but looked vulnerable.
But he is still do young and think you're right in seeing potential and he was v highly rated at Ajax of course thought that club has been in decline for some time. But there have been glimpses of insightful and skilful passing and still hope he can develop into player we hope he can be. Obviously they all need game time to do this though and doubt Maresca trusts Hato is anything other than near bottom of current CB options at the moment?
3.) 12 Nov 2025 11:34:47
JBS, I think Hato was signed as a player who can cover two positions. A bit like Iva or even maybe Dave.
I think the danger with him is he might fall between two stalls. If that makes sense?
4.) 12 Nov 2025 17:16:20
Tom, just to say, the above poster is not me.
5.) 12 Nov 2025 18:03:36
EdW, I am so sorry I should have looked more closely at the posters name. I should have also realised that the above post was completely out of character.
Apologies again.
31 Oct 2025 21:36:52
Reading the comments about Slot on the Liverpool page it appears they think he is out of his depth.
1.) 01 Nov 2025 08:33:09
True EbW,
If people think we are negative on this site, they should look on the Liverpool site, according to most on there, Dlot, who won the league last season needs to be sacked.
2.) 01 Nov 2025 08:58:33
Edw, as we know it doesn’t take a lot for us fickle fans to turn on a manager.
I have only watched the scousers a couple of times and one of them was at our place. In that game I couldn’t believe how bad a few of there players performed in comparison to last season. Salah just looked a passenger and if that is his normal game then I pity any RB playing behind him. It also means that the right side of there midfield has to act as extra cover for him and he wasn’t even hooked.
You cannot carry players in this league who are not performing, regardless of their playing history.
3.) 01 Nov 2025 10:02:39
I think Liverpool supporters expectations were far too high particularly considering the amount of money of money they spent. Just like us spent money on forwards and ignored defence. Last season Liverpool were the best of a bad bunch as are Arsenal this season . That said, they wouldn’t be surprised if they turned things around.
4.) 01 Nov 2025 10:37:44
ED01, did Slot just inherit a very good team and keep it simple last season together with Arsenal and City imploding in order to win the premier league? what is your opinion of him?
{Ed001's Note - he did inherit a very good team, but he also used them to their best. Arsenal and City imploding was in part down to him having his team apply pressure by being consistent. This season he has tried to learn lessons, but has forgotten to also use the players to their strengths and misunderstood other lessons. He has tried to go further down the route he began last season, but has completely forgotten that the control comes from a strong midfield and has instead vacated it when Liverpool have the ball. It makes little sense and the assistants should be telling him that, instead of reinforcing the approach tactically. It is still early and there are a lot of players to integrate, so I can understand it being difficult for him, but, and it is a ****ing huge but, he is not showing signs of learning from the early season performances. If he is not going to learn and adapt, then he is going to get himself the sack as performances and results will just get worse.}
5.) 01 Nov 2025 12:41:26
Thanks ED01, will be interesting to see how it all pans out. A lot of fans turn quickly on a manager/ coach and want the next shiny toy which of course very rarely works anyway.
6.) 01 Nov 2025 13:03:16
Ed001
Do you think the owners will wait until the end of the season bearing in mind he won the title just last season.
{Ed001's Note - really depends on performances, there just needs to be signs of improvement or he will be walking the plank. Right now he looks lost.}
7.) 01 Nov 2025 16:24:33
Swap maresca any day.
8.) 02 Nov 2025 08:56:33
Another one struggling is Thomas Frank, his own players snubbed him at the end of the game and the fans booed him. Looks like he might of lost the dressing room?
9.) 02 Nov 2025 10:22:35
It’s a big stadium and I know he has only been there for a short while but surely he knows where the dressing room is! ???.
22 Oct 2025 13:05:47
Reading the papers this morning you would think Arsenal had already won the Premier League and Champions league and it's only October. calm down lads.
27 Oct 2025 20:54:03
Bill, the club may trade players who are no longer wanted but certainly won't trade top players/ coaches who are valued and wanted/ needed to drive the project.
16 Jul 2026 23:05:02
Kazblue, try to be nice and less hostile to your fellow human beings. Finchy, we have a good Chelsea family on here but as Jimbo has mentioned a few regulars have drifted away possibly caused by Kazblue who seems intent on causing problems. It will be a shame if he and the likes of him succeed
16 Jul 2026 16:32:09
Why do you always use nasty words on this page, Kazblue? Yesterday, you were calling Tom things, and now you are calling Chelsea FC employees "Mugs". Why don't you make your points without always being rude to fellow human beings.
15 Jul 2026 14:39:12
Kazblue, why did you tell Tom he posts condescending nonsense? Just because other posters don't agree with you, why do you have to be so nasty?
14 Jul 2026 21:56:15
On the verge of a Catastrophe? Oh my oh my. I have seen some comments on here over the years, "Moises being called a donkey" being the stand out, but Kaz, you are rivalling yourself there.
31 Aug 2025 16:23:52
There are more Nibs on this page than King Franks. lol.