Chelsea star told to leave immediately over Champions League failure 'amid Barcelona interest'

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Evening Standard

·8 de mayo de 2026

Chelsea star told to leave immediately over Champions League failure 'amid Barcelona interest'

“Given the way Chelsea has been run, if I were him, I would do everything to complete this transfer.”

Chelsea's failure to qualify for the Champions League could see one star player in particular leave this summer.

The Blues are expected to miss out on a place at Europe's top table next season after six straight defeats in the Premier League.

There is a small glimmer of hope for Chelsea should they manage to leapfrog Brentford, Bournemouth and Brighton to finish sixth on the final day of the season, but even then will need a helping hand from Europa League finalists Aston Villa.

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What is guaranteed is that this summer will be another one of change at Chelsea, as the club look for another permanent manager after Liam Rosenior's disastrous spell in charge, which lasted less than four months into a six-year deal.

Joao Pedro

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And whoever is appointed may have to juggle players looking to leave should the club not earn a Champions League spot.

That's according to Shaun Wright-Phillips, who believes Joao Pedro could jump ship a year after joining from Brighton in a deal worth £60million.

Joao Pedro has been linked with a move to Barcelona, and former Blues star Wright-Phillips has backed the Brazil star to leave Stamford Bridge as soon as possible.

"I believe it would be fantastic for Joao if he were to go," Wright-Phillips told Somos Fanaticos of a move to Barcelona.

"Personally, given the way Chelsea has been run, if I were him, I would do everything to complete this transfer.

"Playing at Camp Nou, alongside Raphinha and [Yamine] Lamal, would be great for him. He would score many goals, since we have already seen what he did in a team that wasn’t as good as this Chelsea team.

"If I were Joao Pedro, I would want to play in the Champions League, and I can’t see Chelsea qualifying for any European competition. Joao has the level and deserves to be playing in the Champions League."