Xabi Alonso Sends Clear Transfer Message To Chelsea Centre-Backs Ahead Of Expected Summer Sales | OneFootball

What to expect during Chelsea's pre-season as Xabi Alonso refines squad. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

Xabi Alonso has confirmed he expects to have four or five centre-backs in his squad next season as Chelsea continue to try to trim their squad.

Following the arrival of Maxence Lacroix, who joined on a £52 million deal from Crystal Palace, Chelsea have as many as 10 centre-backs in their first-team squad.

Six of these are currently in their pre-season tour squad: Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Aaron Anselmino, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, and Mamadou Sarr.

Two are training away from the first-team group: Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi, while Lacroix and Trevoh Chalobah remain on leave after representing France and England, respectively, at the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking in a press conference in Sydney, Australia, on Friday, Alonso answered the question about the number of centre-backs he wants in his squad.

“Four or five,” said the Chelsea boss. “Is that accurate enough?”

This means Chelsea may have to find suitors for at least five of these 10 centre-backs in this transfer window.

Alonso speaking to the media during Chelsea's pre-season tour of Australia. REUTERS/Hollie Adams

There are already candidates for Chelsea summer sales

Badiashile and Disasi, who are left out of the pre-season squad, are obviously the primary candidates for summer exits.

Disasi, in particular, already went through a similar situation last season.

He and Raheem Sterling had to spend the first half of the season away from the first team after failing to secure moves away by the end of the summer window.

Disasi eventually joined West Ham on a short-term loan in early February, while Chelsea had to reach a settlement with Sterling over an early contract termination.

Trevoh Chalobah has also attracted interest from Italian clubs, including Como, who have been in talks with Chelsea over a potential transfer.

Chelsea are understood to have valued Chalobah, Badiashile, and Disasi at £35m, £30m, and £25m, respectively.

Sarr, who is with the main group on the pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, is also expected to leave on loan.

Chelsea understandably remain reluctant to let highly-rated young defender Acheampong join another club on loan.

However, he certainly needs regular playing time to develop, and he may have options on the table.

If, as the 6-4 pre-season win over Western Sydney Wanderers suggested, Alonso continues to play a back-four system, there will be only two starting spots for grabs among these centre-backs.

Lacroix and Colwill are likely going to be Alonso’s primary centre-back pairing, and it is unclear if Acheampong is even third in the pecking order ahead of Fofana.

The lack of European football also means Alonso will not have to rotate his line-up as often.