-Five Chelsea Players Depart as Maresca Begins 2025/26 Squad OverhaulChelsea have officially confirmed the departure of five players whose contracts expired on June 30, marking a significant moment in manager Enzo Maresca’s reshaping of the squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Lucas Bergstrom, Teddy Sharman-Lowe, Dylan Williams, Harrison Murray-Campbell, and Charlie Webster have all exited Stamford Bridge as free agents. The move reflects Chelsea’s strategic shift under Maresca, who is aiming to streamline the squad and integrate higher-caliber signings as the club prepares for both a Premier League title challenge and a return to the UEFA Champions League.
While the five departing players were primarily youth prospects, their exits underscore the club’s focus on developing and retaining only the most first-team-ready talents.
Lucas Bergstrom, 22, a Finnish goalkeeper, was perhaps the most recognized among the group. He frequently featured on the bench during Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League campaign last season but never made a senior appearance.
Teddy Sharman-Lowe, also 22, leaves after loan spells with Burton Albion and Leyton Orient, while Dylan Williams, 21, departs following a similar loan stint at Burton.
Charlie Webster, 21, a central midfielder who previously spent time on loan at Heerenveen and Burton, and Harrison Murray-Campbell, 20, a former England U17 defender, complete the list. Neither managed to break into the first team despite training stints with the senior squad.
This trimming of the squad aligns with Maresca’s broader transfer policy, which emphasizes a balance of elite young talent and experienced professionals.
The Italian manager has already made bold moves in the market, overseeing the arrivals of:Liam Delap – £30 million from Ipswich TownJoao Pedro – £60 million from BrightonJamie Bynoe-Gittens – £50 million from Borussia DortmundEstevao Willian – £51 million from PalmeirasAccording to football.
london, Victor Osimhen is also nearing a move to Chelsea in a deal believed to be worth £84.5 million.These acquisitions are supported by returning loanees such as Andrey Santos and Mamadou Sarr, all contributing to a refreshed and competitive squad.
The aim is clear: to transform Chelsea into genuine contenders on both domestic and European fronts.Fan reaction has been mixed. On X (formerly Twitter), @CFCNews wrote, “Sad to see Bergstrom go, but Maresca’s building a monster squad.” In contrast, @BlueArmyFan stated, “Clearing out deadwood makes sense—Osimhen and Gittens are game-changers.”
Financially, the exits will also ease the club’s wage bill as Chelsea navigate UEFA’s Financial Sustainability Regulations. The club has already generated an estimated £287 million in revenue from last season’s Champions League qualification and their progress in the Club World Cup.
With further departures possible—Raheem Sterling and Christopher Nkunku have both been linked with exits—the transfer window could yet bring more changes before the campaign begins.
Chelsea are set to open their Premier League season against Crystal Palace on August 17, where several of the new signings are expected to make their debut.
Maresca’s rebuild is well underway, and the coming weeks could prove decisive in shaping Chelsea’s aspirations for the 2025/26 season.-
