Chelsea’s returning players: Who is in contention to play a part next season?
Even before Chelsea make any new signings this summer, they have options to add to the 2025-26 squad.
A combination of purchases made in advance and returning loanees means the club have at least 11 ‘new’ players to consider. Manager Xabi Alonso officially starts work on July 1, although he has already had conversations about the squad as part of the interview process. How individuals perform in pre-season training will have a major bearing on what happens next.
Granted, some players on the list will need a major turn of events to be involved, but here, The Athletic runs through the contenders and whether they stand a chance of first-team involvement.
Geovany Quenda
The Portugal Under-21 international was bought by Chelsea from Sporting CP for £40million ($53.4m) in March last year with a view to joining the club this summer. He has continued playing for Sporting, but also spent four months out with a broken metatarsal.
Quenda did part of his rehab at Chelsea’s training ground this year and also used the time to acclimatise to his new surroundings, including looking for a house. Comfortable playing on either wing, the talented 19-year-old will add to the competition on both flanks.
Verdict: In the squad
Geovany Quenda will arrive at Chelsea this summer (Miguel Ropa/AFP via Getty Images)
Emmanuel Emegha
Like Quenda, Emegha was also signed in advance. Chelsea agreed a fee with Strasbourg — they are both owned by the same parent company, BlueCo — for the striker in September.
But unlike Quenda, his role is uncertain after a rather underwhelming campaign in France, partly due to injury. The 23-year-old Netherlands international scored eight goals in 19 appearances.
A big factor in Emegha’s recruitment was the situation surrounding Nicolas Jackson, who was not expected to play for the club again after joining Bayern Munich on a season-long loan. Yet that situation may change, as discussed below.
Even with Marc Guiu lined up for a loan move away, Chelsea have Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Emegha and Jackson to choose from up front, which is one too many, especially without European football. Joao Pedro is one of Chelsea’s untouchables, so someone is going to be sold or, as a last resort, loaned out.
Verdict: Loaned out
Emanuel Emegha arrives from BlueCo-owned Strasbourg (Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Nicolas Jackson
This situation is going to be interesting to watch over the summer.
When Jackson left for Bayern on September 1, the loan included a clause with a conditional obligation to buy. While the chances of those terms being met were always unlikely, neither the player nor Chelsea expected him to return to Stamford Bridge. Even if Bayern did not sign him, which they chose not to, a move elsewhere was in everyone’s thinking.
However, with Jackson able to play off the left as well as down the middle, he is in contention for a role at Chelsea. Sources speaking anonymously to The Athletic to protect relationships say the fact that Enzo Maresca is no longer head coach, with Alonso at the helm, is partly behind the possible shift in his situation.
Jackson may not have been the finished article when he joined Chelsea from Villarreal, but he registered 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 appearances, a very useful return that has looked even better following Delap’s disappointing contribution (three goals and five assists in 47 appearances) since arriving from Ipswich Town 12 months ago.
It is worth pointing out that Jackson’s sale would raise significant funds. The club value him at up to £60m and that price may go up if the 24-year-old shines at the World Cup with Senegal.
Verdict: In the squad
Nicolas Jackson could earn a surprise Chelsea reprieve (Ronny Hartmann/AFP via Getty Images)
Mike Penders
Penders turns 21 next month and is rated as one of the finest young goalkeepers in Europe. Chelsea beat a lot of competition to buy Penders from Genk in 2024. He has yet to play for Chelsea, having spent the 2024-25 season with Genk and 2025-26 on loan at Strasbourg.
Such is his progress, Penders is going to be part of Chelsea’s goalkeeping contingent and will compete with first-choice Robert Sanchez. A spot will open up anyway because backup Filip Jorgensen has told the club he wants to leave and they are happy to sell him.
Verdict: In the squad
Aaron Anselmino
Injury issues, rather than a lack of ability, are the major reason Anselmino is unlikely to be involved. He played just 13 times on loan at Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg last season. The 21-year-old needs to prove his fitness before securing a chance at Chelsea.
Verdict: Loaned out
Axel Disasi
Despite a very good loan spell at West Ham United in the second half of last season, Chelsea will try to sell the 28-year-old centre-back, just like last year. There is a lot of interest.
Verdict: Sold
Axel Disasi revived his career on loan at West Ham United (Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
Tyrique George
The 20-year-old academy graduate was loaned to Everton in the January transfer window, a move that included an option to buy. Other clubs are keen if Everton decide against it.
George is prepared to leave Chelsea for good because he wants regular first-team football. A sale would count as ‘pure profit’ on Chelsea’s books.
Verdict: Sold
Omari Kellyman
Chelsea are happy with how Kellyman performed on loan at Cardiff City, playing a good role in their promotion from League One.
The 20-year-old is highly rated and they want him to continue his development with another loan, so much so that they have already decided against the attacker joining the pre-season tour, helping him get a move as soon as possible.
Verdict: Loaned out
Omari Kellyman (left) did well in League One with Cardiff City last season (Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)
Kendry Paez
On loan at River Plate, there is an agreement in place for the rest of the year. Even if those plans change, the Ecuador international will be lined up for another loan. The 19-year-old is not ready for Chelsea.
Verdict: Loaned out
Caleb Wiley
The 21-year-old USMNT international has played just 21 times on loan at Strasbourg and Watford since joining Chelsea from Atalanta United for £8.5million in 2024. This is partly due to injury issues and another loan is earmarked.
Verdict: Loaned out
David Datro Fofana
The 23-year-old striker was part of Chelsea’s ostracised ‘bomb squad’ last year but they were only able to arrange loans to Fatih Karagumruk and Strasbourg during the season. A permanent solution will be attempted again.
Verdict: Sold