Top seven Chelsea players who must leave this summer

Many Blues players are considering their future at the club.

Ever since the takeover of Todd Boehly and Co., Chelsea seem to have made the transfer window a sort of business, where they have been one of the most active clubs. The Blues over the years have made signings in bulk, which has often bloated their squad.

Their knee-jerk purchases on plenty of occasions have resulted in failure. The club have mainly focused on bringing in young players, who have taken time to adjust to the Premier League level. Meanwhile, it has also affected the future of those players.

Some had been sent on loan while others warmed benches at the club. The West Londoners still have several such players. It may be better for them to look for more playing time elsewhere.

Seven Chelsea players who must leave this summer for better game time & future

7. Lesley Ugochukwu

It’s possible that Lesley Ugochukwu, 21, won’t stay at Chelsea past this summer. In the summer of 2023, the Frenchman moved from Stade Rennais to Chelsea, but he hasn’t established himself in a position where the Premier League team has many players.

The France youth international is coming off a successful loan stint at Southampton. Although he has only played 15 games for Chelsea since the transfer, it’s unlikely he would want to continue playing for them. He will hope to look for a move somewhere else.

6. Andrey Santos

Andrey Santos has thrived while on loan at Strasbourg, the Blues’ sister club, during the 2024–25 campaign. With 34 appearances across all competitions, Santos scored 11 goals and provided five assists, solidifying his place in the starting lineup for the upcoming campaign at Stamford Bridge.

But under Enzo Maresca, there is fierce rivalry for the midfield positions. He will have to compete for his place at the club, which will be difficult for the player, as Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez have been used for the bulk of the campaign. However, staying at a Ligue 1 team could be a smart move.

5. Armando Broja

In an attempt to ultimately leave Chelsea permanently this summer, Broja is now in negotiations with four clubs. In recent seasons, the Albanian striker has been on loan at Southampton, Fulham, and Everton, but injuries have impeded his development. In addition to dealing with an Achilles tendon injury, he had a severe ankle issue when he returned.

He was only able to make four Premier League starts in 2024–2025.

4. Romeo Lavia

Romeo Lavia’s time at Chelsea has been marred by injuries. The midfielder has barely seen the pitch ever since making a move to West London. However, the player did manage to get some playing time the previous season.

But his injuries have kept him from reaching his top performance for the club. Moreover, next season he could be fighting for his spot in the midfield as the club already boasts a number of options. Hence, he could either be sold or have to look for a new loan club.

3. João Félix

Chelsea paid £46 million ($63.1 million) to sign João Félix permanently last summer, but he was unable to convince Enzo Maresca. So he was quickly loaned to AC Milan for the second half of the 2024–25 season in order to get more playing time.

The Portugal international, however, had a difficult time in Italy, scoring only three goals in 21 games in all competitions. Milan’s loan agreement with Chelsea did not obligate them to purchase the 25-year-old. They officially announced his departure.

It is now certain that the Blues will try to sell the player again during the current window because they do not want to keep him.

2. Noni Madueke

Chelsea want to complete a number of attacking deals in order to reduce Maresca’s squad and recover money. They have already sent Jadon Sancho back to Manchester United. Noni Madueke is one of the players who could leave the team since the Blues have already signed his backup.

It would be prudent for the forward to look for playing time elsewhere.

1. Christopher Nkunku

Christopher Nkunku is anticipated to be one of the first players Chelsea sell in the upcoming weeks. As a result, Nkunku is pushing to leave Stamford Bridge. However, this summer, the France international won’t be the only one leaving.

Despite making 45 appearances in all competitions and scoring 15 goals, Nkunku was unable to secure a starting position for Chelsea’s most crucial games.

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