Guardian Writers’ Predicted Position: 3rd (This reflects the average predictions of our writers, not necessarily Billy Munday’s forecast)
Previous Season’s Finish: 10th
After experiencing a challenging season marked by setbacks, including the dismissal of two head coaches and interim management, there is a sense of cautious optimism as the new campaign approaches. Much of this hope is tied to the hiring of Xabi Alonso, a distinguished manager eager to prove himself. Additionally, there is anticipation that the younger players acquired during BlueCo’s substantial investment of £1.8 billion in recent years are entering their prime. With no European commitments this season, the primary goal will be a top-four or top-five finish to secure a Champions League spot, along with a renewed focus on domestic cup competitions after a trophyless season.
Alonso’s roster appears more balanced compared to what Enzo Maresca or Liam Rosenior had previously. The additions of Maxence Lacroix and Morgan Rogers enhance the team’s options in crucial areas like center-back and wing positions. Veteran players Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson, referred to as the “uncs” by Tosin Adarabioyo, are expected to provide valuable support both on and off the field. The acquisition of Marco Palestra, a specialist wing-back, indicates Alonso’s intention for tactical versatility, as he has experimented with both a back four and back three during pre-season preparations.
What lies ahead for Cole Palmer? Throughout his tenure at Stamford Bridge, the team’s performance has often mirrored his form. When he has struggled with fitness, the squad has felt the impact. After being left out of England’s World Cup squad, Palmer took a seven-week hiatus to seek treatment for a groin injury that plagued him last season. “I got bored after six weeks,” Palmer remarked upon his return to pre-season training, recalling his time in Marbella and his eagerness to resume play. With the chance to collaborate with Rogers and João Pedro, who has also enjoyed a period of rest, Palmer has a lot to look forward to this season.
In late July, Chelsea faced a £10 million fine and a suspended transfer ban due to several breaches of transfer regulations dating back to the Roman Abramovich era. However, an appeal helped the club avoid a potential six-point deduction. Chelsea remains compliant with the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations through 2025, despite recording a significant pre-tax loss of £262.4 million for the 2024-25 season. The club has not been deterred by its failure to qualify for European competition and has invested over £300 million in new players. For the fourth consecutive year, Chelsea is set to start the season without a front-of-shirt sponsor.
Fan protests against Todd Boehly’s BlueCo ownership have been a common sight on matchdays, including prior to the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City in May. There are ongoing concerns regarding the club’s youth-focused transfer strategy, and last season’s shortcomings prompted co-owner Behdad Eghbali to acknowledge the need for “more ready-made players” in the squad. It remains uncertain if fans anticipated the signings of Welbeck and Henderson. Furthermore, the introduction of a ticket ballot system for home matches has not been well-received by dedicated supporters.
Securing Alonso’s services this summer was considered a significant achievement for Chelsea, particularly with the managerial position at Liverpool open. The Spaniard, seeking to redeem himself after a brief and disappointing stint at Real Madrid, stated, “I got a scar, now it is healed.” His track record of nurturing young talent, as demonstrated during his time at Bayer Leverkusen with players like Florian Wirtz, aligns perfectly with the aspirations of Chelsea’s management. Notably, Alonso has been designated as the manager rather than the head coach, a distinction from his predecessors. He has also brought in Austin MacPhee, renowned for his expertise in set pieces from his time at Aston Villa.
Chelsea made headlines by acquiring Rogers for a British record fee of £117 million, surpassing Manchester City’s previous record of £116 million for Elliot Anderson. Although Rogers started England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina on the right wing, he has excelled at Aston Villa primarily on the left and should fit seamlessly into Chelsea’s lineup. The 24-year-old has established himself in the Premier League, and his close friendship with former Manchester City youth teammate Palmer is an added advantage. “I can see them linking really well,” Alonso noted.
Is it possible that Chelsea has assembled a team of players who seem to defy age? Over the past three seasons, the average age of their starting XI has decreased, maintaining their status as the youngest team in Premier League history. This explains the acquisitions of Henderson and Welbeck.
Robert Sánchez remains Chelsea’s primary goalkeeper, but this season he may face significant competition from 21-year-old Mike Penders. The young goalkeeper, who was third-choice for Belgium during the World Cup, was signed from Genk in 2024 and spent the last season on loan at Strasbourg. Comparisons to Thibaut Courtois, who was also signed from Genk at a similar age, are evident. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, Penders boasts a remarkable reach and has gained recognition for his passing ability. Although opportunities will arise in cup competitions, the demand for Penders to be the starting goalkeeper could become increasingly difficult to overlook.
Enzo Fernández experienced a tumultuous World Cup, scoring vital late goals for Argentina in the knockout stages, including a game-winner against Egypt and an equalizer against England. However, his involvement in Argentina’s contentious tactics during the final against Spain left a lasting impression, as he received two yellow cards for dissent and a foul. In July, Real Madrid stated they had “no intention” of pursuing Fernández, despite his earlier comments expressing a desire to move to Madrid—remarks that resulted in a two-game ban under Rosenior. Could a move to Manchester be on the horizon? City has been linked with him as well.
