A New Trio Joins the Squad
As Chelsea enters the 2025-26 season as champions of the Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League, there are high expectations for manager Enzo Maresca and the squad to add to their trophy cabinet. After a staggering investment of €280 million on new players this summer, the Blues have enhanced both their starting lineup and squad depth while offloading surplus players. With this clear intent, many anticipate a stronger challenge for the Premier League title compared to their fourth-place finish last season.
Further signings may be on the horizon for Stamford Bridge, with reports suggesting that Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United has agreed to personal terms with Chelsea, and Xavi Simons is also firmly in their sights. However, there could be some exits; Nicolas Jackson has recently been linked with a move to Newcastle United.
These developments may influence Maresca’s team selection ahead of their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, presenting a challenge for opposing managers trying to predict which eleven players will take the field. Transfermarkt reviews the players most likely to feature in the starting XI next week.
Possible Starting XI for Chelsea Next Season
It seems that Maresca has finally addressed the striker dilemma that perplexed former managers Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino, with the acquisition of João Pedro from Brighton. The Brazilian made a strong case for a first-team position at the Club World Cup by scoring twice against Fluminense and netting another impressive goal in the 3-0 final victory over PSG. His chemistry with Cole Palmer was evident, and Pedro is poised to secure a starting spot ahead of Jackson and Liam Delap, with Palmer playing in the No. 10 role behind him.
Other recent signings like Estevao and Dario Essugo may need to bide their time as they adapt to the Premier League. During the Club World Cup, Maresca favored using Pedro Neto as a right winger, where he excelled with three goals, making it likely he will retain this position; however, the left-wing spot remains up for grabs.
Jamie Gittens currently leads in contention for that position, although the 20-year-old will be keeping an eye on the rumors surrounding Garnacho and Chelsea’s interest in RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. Moisés Caicedo is expected to be a key player alongside Enzo Fernández in midfield, while Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto are solid contenders for the full-back roles under Maresca—even with Reece James available for selection.
Levi Colwill’s serious knee injury will keep him sidelined for the foreseeable future, but Maresca has a variety of options to fill the centre-back role. New €44.2 million signing Jorrel Hato is likely to start ahead of Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile, partnering Trevoh Chalobah in central defense. Additionally, Maresca has confirmed that Robert Sánchez will be the first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming season, barring any injuries.
