Alonso Clears Out Chelsea Squad With Five Senior Exits

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has reportedly informed five senior players that they are free to leave the club, signaling the start of a squad overhaul less than a week into pre-season training.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, defenders Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile, winger Alejandro Garnacho, and striker Liam Delap have all been told they can seek moves elsewhere this summer. The five players are said to have a combined market value of approximately £160 million.

Alonso, who officially began pre-season preparations at Cobham last week, had already hinted at Garnacho’s potential departure during his first press conference. “We have spoken to the sporting director and there’s interest from him, from another club, so let’s see how it develops,” Alonso said. “I hope it finishes in the best possible way for all parties”.

Garnacho joined Chelsea from Manchester United last summer for a reported £40 million but endured a difficult debut campaign, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 43 appearances. The 21-year-old winger has been linked with a move to Serie A side Roma.

Liam Delap, who arrived from Ipswich Town in a deal reportedly worth £30 million, also struggled to make an impact, managing two goals and four assists in 41 games.

In defence, Benoit Badiashile featured only 16 times across all competitions last season, while Axel Disasi fell out of favour and spent the second half of the campaign on loan at West Ham United. Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who signed a seven-year contract after joining Chelsea in 2024, made just 12 appearances last season.

Chelsea have already strengthened Alonso’s squad with the arrivals of Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, and Marco Palestra ahead of the new season. Players involved in the FIFA World Cup are expected to rejoin pre-season training in the coming days.