Chelsea transfer update: Latest on Morgan Rogers, Rodrygo and more | OneFootball

Chelsea’s 2026 Planning, Youth Pathways and Key Decisions

Chelsea’s long term squad management has rarely been anything less than bold, and Simon Johnson’s latest insight for The Athletic paints a picture of a club refusing to rush the January window while mapping out 2026 with forensic detail. The message is clear. January will be quiet, summer will be strategic, and the club’s appetite remains fixed on rising talent rather than headline names.

Squad Depth Priorities

The focus for 2026 revolves around reinforcing depth rather than reinventing the first team. Chelsea are assessing multiple positions, but their approach depends entirely on outgoings. A reader favourite topic, the goalkeeper situation, appears settled. As Johnson notes, the club are “happy with their current options in Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen and Mike Penders.” That stance ends any lingering curiosity about Milan’s Mike Maignan, whose name has been floated since negotiations took place in June.

Photo IMAGO

At centre back there is no urgency either. Levi Colwill is expected to return next year from his knee issue, and Mamadou Sarr will come back from Strasbourg with the intention of being evaluated for first team involvement. Chelsea’s confidence in their defensive future is reflected in how still the club appear in this area.

Rising Talent Targets

Chelsea’s recruitment blueprint remains unchanged. They want emerging quality rather than expensive solutions. That explains why their once firm interest in Morgan Rogers has eased, especially now that he has committed to Aston Villa. The same logic applies to Rodrygo at Real Madrid, who “does not fit the profile” despite constant links, and Murillo at Nottingham Forest, who is assessed as a starter level player and therefore does not align with Chelsea’s succession plan model.

Outgoing Plans and Difficult Calls

January will bring clarity for those heading out. Axel Disasi has not been part of a single matchday squad and is being prepared for a move. He has already played for the Under 21s to build sharpness. Raheem Sterling is in a similar situation, and as Johnson reports, both sides are “keen to part ways if the deal suits both parties”.

Young forward Tyrique George is attracting interest following his impressive response to a failed Fulham move. His contract, which expires in 2027 with an option for a further year, adds intrigue to any negotiation. Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson looks set for a summer exit regardless of how Bayern Munich handle his loan.

Future Arrivals Already Secured

Chelsea have not been idle behind the scenes. Geovany Quenda and Emanuel Emegha are already locked in for 2026-27, while Dastan Satpayev and Denner Evangelista will arrive in the summer once they turn 18. The monitoring of Aaron Anselmino and Mike Penders continues, with decisions due next year.

Our View, EPL Index Analysis

For Chelsea supporters this update offers reassurance about long term structure but also raises questions about short term ambition. Many fans will welcome the clarity over the goalkeeping department, because Sanchez, Jorgensen and Penders feel like a coherent trio rather than another stopgap cycle. The decision to avoid chasing Maignan again adds a sense of stability in a position that has not always enjoyed it. The club clearly expect one of the young keepers to take over the reigns eventually.

There will be mixed feelings about the approach to centre backs. Supporters love Colwill, and his return is a major boost, but some will worry that relying on internal options leaves little margin for disruption if injuries hit again. The reluctance to move for Murillo could feel like a missed opportunity for fans who have watched him impress in the Premier League.

The outgoing list is what will draw the most debate. Disasi leaving will not shock many, as will Sterling’s. As for Nicolas Jackson, some supporters will view his proposed sale as harsh, especially after flashes of promise, though plenty accept the need for a more reliable goalscorer.

The excitement comes from the youth strategy. Quenda, Emegha, Satpayev and Evangelista represent a clear plan to build a squad with long term ceilings. Supporters love seeing young talent emerge at Stamford Bridge, and these moves align with that identity. The hope will be that at least two of these players become meaningful first team contributors rather than trading assets.

Overall, the report suggests Chelsea are staying patient and purposeful. Fans will hope the summer window brings not only depth but also the spark that can push the squad back toward the top four conversation.