Chelsea enter the 2025/26 campaign strengthened by a summer that mixed heavy recruitment with continuity. After a turnaround in 2024–25, the squad assembled by Maresca aims to press for honours, and on paper this is the side most likely to start given the club’s transfer business and injury situation.

GK: Robert Sánchez
Goalkeeper was largely untouched during the window. Chelsea explored a deal for AC Milan’s Mike Maignan but ultimately kept Robert Sánchez as the starter. Sánchez remains prone to the occasional mistake but has shown improvement, notably at the Club World Cup. Mike Penders, on loan at sister club Strasbourg, is viewed as a possible long-term option.

RB: Reece James
Now largely free of the injury problems that disrupted two seasons, Reece James has been managed carefully by Maresca and is expected to be a major factor when fit. Chelsea’s captain offers physical defence, technique and wide passing range, and will be preserved for key moments while contributing across the season.

CB: Trevoh Chalobah
After his loan at Crystal Palace was ended in January, Trevoh Chalobah has established himself back at Cobham and into Maresca’s plans. With Levi Colwill sidelined long-term with an ACL injury and Wesley Fofana still struggling for fitness, Chalobah’s role in the back line has grown in importance.

CB: Tosin Adarabioyo
Signed from Fulham for depth, Tosin has become a regular given the defensive injury list. A strong aerial presence, he has been embraced by the dressing room and nicknamed “Uncle Tosin.” At 27 he is one of the senior leaders in the squad.

LB: Marc Cucurella
Cucurella’s career regained momentum after Euro 2024 and he led Chelsea in appearances in 2024–25. Tenacious defensively, he added attacking output last season with seven goals and four assists. Jorrel Hato arrived as cover but Cucurella looks set to start.

DMs: Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández
Caicedo, signed from Brighton for £115 million, anchors midfield with relentless duels and ball-carrying. Enzo Fernández provides vision, passing range and has evolved into a goal threat, becoming a key creative and attacking presence.

AM: Cole Palmer
Palmer is the focal point of attack, capable of decisive moments from the right or as No. 10 with a special left foot.

RW: Estêvão
The 18-year-old Estêvão Willian has shown glimpses of top potential after signing in 2024, and Maresca appears ready to bring him through carefully.

LW: Pedro Neto
Pacy and effective on either flank, Neto has found form since joining last summer and delivers dangerous crosses from the left.

ST: João Pedro
João Pedro, the only summer 2025 arrival to start, hit the ground running with five goals and two assists in his first six matches and helped secure the 2025 Club World Cup. With Liam Delap injured and Nicolas Jackson now at Bayern Munich, Pedro is the primary striker option with Marc Guiu as cover.

Chelsea have been formally charged by the Football Association with 74 alleged breaches of FA regulations after a review of historical transactions. The charges cover conduct between 2009 and 2022, with the focus on activity during the 2010/11 to 2015/16 seasons.

The FA set out the allegations in a statement: “The Football Association has today charged Chelsea FC with breaches of Regulations J1 and C2 of The FA Football Agents Regulations, Regulations A2 and A3 of The FA Regulations on Working with Intermediaries, and Regulations A1 and B3 of The FA Third Party Investment in Players Regulations.

“In total, 74 charges have been brought against Chelsea FC. The conduct that is the subject of the charges ranges from 2009 to 2022 and primarily relates to events which occurred between the 2010/11 to 2015/16 playing seasons.

“Chelsea FC has until 19 September 2025 to respond.”

The club’s current owners, BlueCo, identified the issues during their 2022 takeover and immediately self-reported to the FA, the Premier League and UEFA. Sky Sports News have revealed that transfers involving Eden Hazard, Samuel Eto’o and Willian were among the transactions that “raised potential concerns”, with alleged breaches linked to payments to offshore companies and to players’ families and representatives that were not recorded in official accounts.

BlueCo reportedly withheld £100 million from the £2.5 billion purchase price to cover “unforeseen liabilities” while the club has cooperated with the investigators. Chelsea has already agreed an £8.6 million fine with UEFA, and reporting has suggested a financial penalty from the Premier League is likely. It has also been reported that the club are “confident” their self-reporting will help them avoid a points deduction or transfer ban.

Chelsea issued a formal response that reiterated the voluntary disclosure and the club’s co-operation: “Chelsea FC is pleased to confirm that its engagement with The FA concerning matters that were self-reported by the club is now reaching a conclusion.

“The club’s ownership group completed its purchase of the club on 30 May 2022. During a thorough due diligence process prior to completion of the purchase, the ownership group became aware of potentially incomplete financial reporting concerning historical transactions and other potential breaches of FA rules. Immediately upon the completion of the purchase, the Club self-reported these matters to all relevant regulators, including The FA.

“The club has demonstrated unprecedented transparency during this process, including by giving comprehensive access to the club’s files and historical data. We will continue working collaboratively with The FA to conclude this matter as swiftly as possible. We wish to place on record our gratitude to The FA for their engagement with the club on this complex case, the focus of which has been on matters that took place over a decade ago.”

Estêvão’s entry into Chelsea’s first team has been as rapid as it has been conspicuous. The Brazilian teenager has carried momentum from Palmeiras and the FIFA Club World Cup into Stamford Bridge, and he has already started two of Chelsea’s three Premier League matches. That run included an eye-catching contribution in the 5–1 demolition of West Ham United, where he collected the official Player of the Match award.

The 18-year-old admits the speed of his progress has surprised him, but he is clear about what earned him opportunities. “It’s been very quick, and I’m already having a lot more opportunities than I expected at Chelsea,” the Brazil international told Globo Esporte. “That’s because of the work I’ve done in training. Maresca trusts me a lot, and I try to repay that on the pitch.”

Estêvão has also been frank about the on-field adjustment required by English football. “The intensity of the games and the style are very different. In England it’s more physical, more intense. I’m still adapting, but thanks to God it’s all working out.” The forward said that his approach remains straightforward and joy-driven. “I’m very happy because this is the only thing I know how to do, the only thing I love to do. I play with joy, with pleasure. That’s who I am.”

An early injury to clubmate Cole Palmer opened additional first-team minutes, and Estêvão has seized the chance to impress Enzo Maresca and supporters. The player’s comments underline a simple formula: consistent training, trust from the manager and a willingness to adapt to a more physical, fast-paced game. For now, those elements have combined to deliver a promising start to his Chelsea career and a clearer path into the team during a formative early run of fixtures.