Football
Earthquake at Chelsea: Xabi Alonso Puts Five Players Up for Sale
Chelsea’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, has immediately begun his revolution at Stamford Bridge. According to initial reports from British newspaper The Sun, the Spanish coach has informed five first-team players that they are free to leave during the 2026 summer transfer window.
Alonso, who officially took charge of Chelsea on July 1, wants to rebuild the squad according to his footballing philosophy and tactical ideas. The club’s disappointing 10th-place finish in the Premier League convinced its hierarchy that major changes were necessary.
The Five Players Who Could Leave
The following players are reportedly not part of Alonso’s long-term plans:
Filip Jørgensen — goalkeeper Axel Disasi — defender Benoît Badiashile — defender Alejandro Garnacho — winger Liam Delap — striker
Selling these five players could generate more than £150 million for Chelsea. The money would then be used to finance Alonso’s main transfer targets.
Garnacho Heading to Napoli?
Alejandro Garnacho is the biggest name on the departure list. Chelsea are reportedly prepared to listen to offers for the winger, who is attracting strong interest from Napoli.
The Italian club could submit an offer worth around €55 million. Talks concerning the player’s future are believed to have begun, while Alonso reportedly does not consider him part of his long-term project.
Filip Jørgensen, meanwhile, wants to leave in search of regular first-team football. Regarding Liam Delap, the club must reportedly decide whether he or Nicolas Jackson will be permanently sold.
French defenders Axel Disasi and Benoît Badiashile are also being pushed toward the exit. Alonso wants to build a faster and more technically gifted defensive unit suited to his preferred style of play.
Xabi Alonso’s Transfer Targets
The Spanish coach has asked the club’s hierarchy to secure several important signings as he looks to rebuild the spine of the team.
The reported targets include:
Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace for central defence. Álvaro Carreras of Real Madrid for the left-back position. Eduardo Camavinga, whom Alonso considers an ideal midfield reinforcement. Maximilian Araújo of Sporting CP as a possible replacement for Garnacho. Diogo Costa of FC Porto for the goalkeeper position. Jamie Gittens, identified as one of the main attacking targets.
Chelsea have reportedly submitted an improved €50 million offer for Carreras. An offer of approximately €40 million is being prepared for Diogo Costa, although Porto are demanding around €60 million.
Maximiliano Araújo is valued at between €60 million and €70 million, while Camavinga is viewed as the marquee signing capable of taking Chelsea’s midfield to another level.
The earthquake has begun at Stamford Bridge. Xabi Alonso wants a new Chelsea built according to his philosophy, while five prominent players appear to be preparing their suitcases.