{"id":1477178,"date":"2026-08-04T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-04T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&#038;p=1477178"},"modified":"2026-08-04T17:20:23","modified_gmt":"2026-08-04T16:20:23","slug":"tactical-analysis-chelsea-xabi-alonso-squad-needs","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-chelsea-xabi-alonso-squad-needs\/","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea analysis: What else does Xabi Alonso need to succeed with the Blues?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/chelsea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chelsea<\/a> have been very busy already this summer, with Xabi Alonso leading the way.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Blues finished 10th last season and missed out on all forms of European football. It forced the owners to reflect on their approach, appointing Alonso as manager &#8212; and not head coach. That was the first key step, but Chelsea&#8217;s transfer model has also shifted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chelsea have spent over \u00a3300million so far this summer, with the big-money move being Morgan Rogers&#8217; \u00a3117m signing from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/aston-villa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Aston Villa<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other notable expensive arrivals include Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra and Valentin Barco. Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha, Denner and Dastan Satpaev have also arrived after agreeing deals prior to the window opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the most-interesting signings so far are the additions of Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck. They, more than most, reflect the change in Chelsea&#8217;s transfer strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And Chelsea don&#8217;t appear to be done there, with Alonso eyeing up more moves to strengthen his squad. So what else do the Blues need, and how does the squad look ahead of the 2026\/27 season?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>How might Chelsea look in 2026\/27:<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-goalkeepers\" data-level=\"2\">Goalkeepers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-defenders\" data-level=\"2\">Defenders<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-midfielders\" data-level=\"2\">Midfielders<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-attackers\" data-level=\"2\">Attackers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-goalkeepers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Goalkeepers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alonso is yet to clarify who is first-choice goalkeeper will be this season. Robert Sanchez was the No.1 under the various manages last season, keeping 15 clean sheets in 50 games across all competitions. He largely kept the preference despite losing the spot for Chelsea&#8217;s crucial <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/champions-league-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Champions League<\/a> last-16 tie against <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/paris-saint-germain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Paris Saint-Germain<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jorgensen looks set to join sister club Strasbourg on loan, replacing Mike Penders who has returned after a temporary stay in France. The Belgian was Strasbourg&#8217;s No.1 last season, keeping 12 clean sheets in 52 games across all competitions last season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"959\" height=\"688\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164050\/chelsea-goalkeeper-options.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1477317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164050\/chelsea-goalkeeper-options.png 959w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164050\/chelsea-goalkeeper-options-300x215.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164050\/chelsea-goalkeeper-options-768x551.png 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164050\/chelsea-goalkeeper-options-372x267.png 372w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164050\/chelsea-goalkeeper-options-279x200.png 279w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164050\/chelsea-goalkeeper-options-84x60.png 84w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164050\/chelsea-goalkeeper-options-150x108.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164050\/chelsea-goalkeeper-options-103x74.png 103w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 959px) 100vw, 959px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to reports, Penders will battle with Sanchez to be Alonso&#8217;s first-choice goalkeeper last season. There have also been links of potential incomings, including Portuguese shot-stopper Diogo Costa. But Chelsea are unlikely to make a move, due to the highly-rated Penders&#8217; pathway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chelsea could look to add an experienced third-choice goalkeeper to help set the standards on the training ground and in the dressing room. But they could also opt for one of their youngsters to fill the third spot for the upcoming season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-defenders\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Defenders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-centre-backs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Centre-backs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alonso has made it clear that he wants four or five centre-backs in the squad next season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Levi Colwill is expected to take one of the starting spots, with Lacroix signed as a potential partner to bolster Alonso&#8217;s options. But Wesley Fofana will also be looking to compete for the spot alongside Colwill. As will the highly-rated Josh Acheampong, who the club view as untouchable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tosin Adarabioyo is currently expected to fill the fifth centre-back slot. Trevoh Chalobah, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile are all being linked with moves away, having a better market for sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While another centre-back arrival cannot be discounted, it would surely ocme at the detriment of Acheampong. Which could leave the young star to leaving the club, angering a lot of Chelsea fans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"959\" height=\"688\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164350\/chelsea-defence-options.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1477321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164350\/chelsea-defence-options.png 959w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164350\/chelsea-defence-options-300x215.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164350\/chelsea-defence-options-768x551.png 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164350\/chelsea-defence-options-372x267.png 372w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164350\/chelsea-defence-options-279x200.png 279w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164350\/chelsea-defence-options-84x60.png 84w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164350\/chelsea-defence-options-150x108.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04164350\/chelsea-defence-options-103x74.png 103w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 959px) 100vw, 959px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-full-backs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Full-backs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the full-back areas, Alonso wants versatility with his options on both sides. Reece James and Jorrel Hato give a more defensive option on the right and left, respectively. One that can tuck into a three-man defence and operate in lower full-back zones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Palesta and a potential new left-back signing are there to offer more dynamic attacking options. Full-backs who can overlap, making energetic final-third runs and hold the width.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With Alonso often looking to have one natural winger and one who drifts inside to act as an inside forward, having a width holder option at full-back on either side is key to Chelsea&#8217;s tactical versatility.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class='vccm vccm-compare'data-compare=\"y3fzihyYAZbjOXcWsKgUx\" data-show-sponsor=\"false\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Marc Cucurella was sold this summer, joining <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/real-madrid\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Real Madrid<\/a> for an overall fee of around \u00a350m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With Hato already at the club, this will allow Chelsea to add a more attacking option down that side. Alonso is said to be keen on Pep Chavarria from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/rayo-vallecano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rayo Vallecano<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chavarria has similar intensity off the ball to Cucurella, getting in attackers faces, hassling them into dispossession and then having the engine to get forward and provide attacking support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-midfielders\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Midfielders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chelsea may also look to add to their midfield, particularly with Enzo Fernandez&#8217;s future uncertain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Blues have already said goodbye to Andrey Santos, who joined <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/manchester-united\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Manchester United<\/a> for \u00a350m. It leaves Moises Caicedo, Fernandez, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo as the senior midfield options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chelsea have then added Braco and Henderson to their ranks this summer which, theoretically speaking, would be enough bodies for two positions in a campaign without European football. However, Henderson&#8217;s arrival is likely much more driven by his off-field influence rather than what he&#8217;ll add on the pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"959\" height=\"688\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04165531\/chelsea-dm-options.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1477322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04165531\/chelsea-dm-options.png 959w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04165531\/chelsea-dm-options-300x215.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04165531\/chelsea-dm-options-768x551.png 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04165531\/chelsea-dm-options-372x267.png 372w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04165531\/chelsea-dm-options-279x200.png 279w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04165531\/chelsea-dm-options-84x60.png 84w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04165531\/chelsea-dm-options-150x108.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04165531\/chelsea-dm-options-103x74.png 103w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 959px) 100vw, 959px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you consider that Lavia hasn&#8217;t completed a full game in his three seasons at Chelsea, and Essugo looking like he needs a loan move, Chelsea&#8217;s midfield unit begins to look thinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then factor in the unknowns of Fernandez&#8217;s future and Barco&#8217;s role under Alonso. A new midfielder will likely be needed to add more balance in the middle of the pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">James is another player that could be used in midfield, but we are yet to see how Alonso will profile him. And whether he is truly an option there or not.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class='vccm vccm-compare'data-compare=\"W9uTQsl0k6bpPJzei7GSq\" data-show-sponsor=\"false\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The biggest midfield link so far appears to be Alex Scott from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/afc-bournemouth\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bournemouth<\/a>. According to reports, Chelsea had a \u00a364m bid rejected for last month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adding Scott to the midfield unit to effectively replace Santos would bring a lot more confidence in that department, especially when it comes to his engine and off-ball involvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alonso&#8217;s midfield is the heartbeat of the team, giving the side control both on and off the ball, making another addition in this area feel like the most important quest for the remainder of this window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-attackers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Attackers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alonso&#8217;s attacking unit does feel somewhat complete with the additions of Rogers, Welbeck, Quenda and Emegha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Between Cole Palmer, Rogers, Estevao, Quenda and Jamie Gittens, Chelsea have a nice blend of natural touchline winger profiles and interiors. Once again giving Alonso plenty of tactical versatility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also include Fernandez as an option for a more advanced midfield role between the lines. So Chelsea would have at leat two players in each position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The striker position, however, is more interesting. Chelsea currently have five senior centre-forwards on the books, not including Marc Guiu who is expected to leave.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class='vccm vccm-compare'data-compare=\"44ZV11brMB5J6NftRcXO1\" data-show-sponsor=\"false\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Joao Pedro, Welbeck, Emegha, Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap are the current strikers Alonso has at his disposal. But only three are expected to remain in the squad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pedro scored 20 goals across all competitions last season, and has already netted a hat-trick in pre-season. The Brazilian is a perfect centre-forward for Alonso&#8217;s ideas, making him the clear first choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Welbeck&#8217;s addition takes another of the three striker slots, being an experienced option who can come from the bench and add valuable qualities both on and off the pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This would leave the final spot between Emegha, Jackson and Delap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With Jackson and Delap having plenty of interest from other Premier League clubs, the most likely scenario as of right now feels that those two will be cashed in on, leaving Emegha as part of the striker unit next season with Pedro and Welbeck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-how-chelsea-s-squad-could-look\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Chelsea&#8217;s squad could look<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"959\" height=\"688\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04170052\/chelsea-squad-options.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1477325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04170052\/chelsea-squad-options.png 959w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04170052\/chelsea-squad-options-300x215.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04170052\/chelsea-squad-options-768x551.png 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04170052\/chelsea-squad-options-372x267.png 372w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04170052\/chelsea-squad-options-279x200.png 279w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04170052\/chelsea-squad-options-84x60.png 84w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04170052\/chelsea-squad-options-150x108.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/04170052\/chelsea-squad-options-103x74.png 103w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 959px) 100vw, 959px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overall, the squad could look something like this heading into the 2026\/27 season, made up of 26 players, inlcuding a few new additions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main question marks will be focused around outgoings, as players such as Pedro Neto and Malo Gusto could find themselves part of Alonso&#8217;s plans once they return if they impress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Players such as Essugo, Satpaev and even Aaron Anselmino could also stay at the club and become options, despite loans looking like the most likely outcome for these players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Either way, Alonso&#8217;s Chelsea are going to look far different to previous Blues sides from seasons gone by, with added experience and physicality being added this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/premier-league\/\"><strong>Premier League predictions &amp; tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/outright-markets\/premier-league-title-odds\/\"><strong>Premier League outright odds <\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Chelsea have been very busy already this summer, with Xabi Alonso leading the way. The Blues finished 10th last season and missed out on all forms of European football. It forced the owners to reflect on their approach, appointing Alonso as manager &#8212; and not head coach. That was the first key step, but Chelsea&#8217;s&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3107,"featured_media":1477179,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"chelsea transfers","_yoast_wpseo_title":"What transfers do Chelsea still need for Xabi Alonso to succeed %%page%% %%sep%% %%sitename%%","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Chelsea have been busy in the transfer window this summer. But Xabi Alonso doesn't appear to be done with his squad building.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"squawka-category":[],"class_list":["post-1477178","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What transfers do Chelsea still need for Xabi Alonso to succeed | Squawka | EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Chelsea have been busy in the transfer window this summer. 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