Xabi Alonso on Chelsea’s training ground
“Oh, it's brilliant! The setting, it's wonderful. The standards of the club are of the highest quality. The structure is great, but you need to give soul, you need to give purpose, you need to bring good work, good energy, positiveness, that we are in a nice place to work, and we have all the ingredients for that.
So, I’m looking forward to it. Tomorrow, I will be with the guys, and you start creating this connection, because this is all about the human connections, for them to feel good. And when you feel good, normally you perform well.”
Xabi Alonso on the importance of building the right culture at Chelsea
“I think a strong culture is already in place. There’s an important core within the squad, and those established players have to help the younger ones understand what this club is about.”
“It starts with professionalism, work ethic and recognising that the team always comes first. Through our daily work, we can strengthen that culture, and whatever we build here at Cobham will be reflected at Stamford Bridge and everywhere we play. We’ll have the time to keep developing it.”
Niamh Charles has today completed a permanent transfer to Manchester City, bringing a trophy-laden six-year spell at Chelsea to an end.
Niamh Charles has today completed a permanent transfer to Manchester City, bringing a trophy-laden six-year spell at Chelsea to an end.
Charles leaves the Blues having won five WSL titles, four FA Cups and three League Cups. She played 178 games for us and scored 13 goals, with her consistent, high-quality performances for Chelsea ensuring she has become a regular member of the England squad.
Charles was 21 years old when she arrived at Chelsea in the summer of 2020, joining from Liverpool for whom she had impressed against us on several occasions.
Initially used in an attacking role, Charles soon found a home at full-back, with her versatility and two-footedness ensuring she could play on either side. Her maiden campaign at Chelsea concluded with her in the starting XI in the Champions League final.
Charles quickly established herself as an invaluable member of Emma Hayes's all-conquering side, and she marked her 100th Chelsea appearance by scoring in a 4-0 win at West Ham in May 2023 as we closed in on yet another WSL title.
Chelsea can confirm Julia Bartel has joined Juventus on a permanent transfer.
Bartel joined the Blues from Barcelona in the summer of 2024 and made her Chelsea debut in October that year, coming on as a second-half substitute against Twente in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage, before featuring against Celtic in the same competition.
Bartel embarked on a loan move to Liverpool during the second half of the 2024/25 campaign, featuring in seven matches in all competitions.
The midfielder then spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid, making 42 appearances in all competitions for Las Rojiblancas as they finished fifth in Liga F.
Chelsea regret to announce the passing of a Legend, former chairman and owner of Chelsea fc
Former Chelsea chairman and Leeds owner Ken Bates has sadly died aged 94.
Chelsea Statement: "It is with great sadness that we share the news of the loss of Ken Bates, former owner and chairman of Chelsea Football Club. The club sends our heartfelt condolences to Ken’s wife Suzannah, the rest of his family and his friends.
"Ken’s determination to fight for Chelsea when times were tough, and drive the team on to winning trophies will never be forgotten."
Thought with Suzannah and Ken's family and friends.🙏
Garnacho is drawing interest from England, Italy and Saudi as Chelsea set to offload the Player
Chelsea value Alejandro Garnacho at €50m and want a permanent exit. There have been talks with Roma, but the Serie A side want a loan formula. Chelsea are only looking at a permanent sale.
Garnacho is drawing interest from England, Italy and Saudi.
Like Andrey Santos, he wants to be a regular starter, and Chelsea can’t offer that. Club and player working together to find a solution.
Garnacho is yet to report for training as all parties are focused on an exit.
Progress being made and it is hoped an exit can be facilitated in the next two weeks.🇦🇷
Chelsea made a pure profit on Santos sales
Chelsea sources say that the deal that brought Andrey Santos to England from Vasco da Gama in January 2023 was worth around £10.2m (€12m).
Given this relatively paltry transfer fee had already been reduced in the accounts by three-and-a-half years of amortisation, the fee United have agreed to pay is not far off being pure profit on the books.
“ Chelsea are a great club and I’m excited to play here at Stamford Bridge” - Quenda
Geovany Quenda:
“Chelsea are a great club and I’m excited to play here at Stamford Bridge. The club has shown faith in young players like me, and I’m looking forward to working with Xabi Alonso.”
“I’m a very hard-working person. I want to be known for having the right mentality, helping my team-mates and always giving my best so the club can win trophies.”
Eden Hazard on Chelsea fc
Eden Hazard: "I am very proud to represent Chelsea, and everything I achieved while wearing the club's shirt."
Eden Hazard: "I know things were difficult for Xabi Alonso at Real because he didn't necessarily get the time he needed, unlike in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen.
The Premier League is difficult too, but he knows the competition well. I hope he can bring us what we need. But we can't let Liverpool win either [laughs]."
Hazard On Reece James:
“I like him a lot. It’s a shame he couldn’t play at the World Cup. It’s sad for him, but I hope he comes back even stronger.”
Eden Hazard: "Estevao is still young, so you have to give him time. His first season was pretty good. He's from Brazil too, so he has that natural quality on the ball - he can bring flair and pace.
I like him. It's a shame he couldn't take part in the World Cup, it's sad for him, but I hope he comes back even stronger."
Eden Hazard on Cole Palmer “Of course I still follow Chelsea, and Cole Palmer is a player I really enjoy watching. I hope he can win trophies with the Blues.”
Reggie Watson (16) has committed his future to Chelsea by signing scholarship terms.
The highly-rated youngster is expected to sign his first professional contract when he turns 17 in January.
Granit Xhaka possibility of coming to Chelsea is seemingly off
Midfielder Granit Xhaka is set to stay at Sunderland this summer despite attracting interest from Chelsea.
Xhaka is under contract to 2028 at the Stadium of Light and had been keen on the idea of the move.
However, following discussions, he has pledged his commitment to Sunderland and is set to remain at the Stadium of Light, where he is considered a key figure.
Enzo is going nowhere
There is a belief at Stamford Bridge that Xabi Alonso can successfully reintegrate Enzo Fernandez into the squad and help repair his relationship with fans through strong performances and results on the pitch.
helsea believe Enzo Fernandez can be reintegrated into their squad if that comes to pass in this pre-season, and insiders insist it will if nobody comes close to their £120m asking price. They expect Enzo to report to pre season duty after a period of significant rest following the conclusion of the World Cup
If no move materialises, it is presumed Enzo will show his professionalism and concentrate on the club with who he is contracted to.
Enzo Fernandez will want to hear evidence that Chelsea will be title challengers if he is to stay.
Marco Palestra signs as new Chelsea player.
“I’m very excited to get started. I’ve felt the energy since the first day Chelsea wanted me, can’t wait to start; see all the fans, team mates and manager”.
“We have so many talented players here, a very strong squad, and manager in Xabi. He spoke to me about how he wants us to play, which is exciting”.
Can’t Tame Palestra.
Chelsea complete Marco Palestra signing from Atalanta
The 21-year-old has signed a contract through to 2033 and will join his new team-mates for pre-season under manager Xabi Alonso.
Palestra, who was named Serie A Defender of the Year last season, said: ‘A lot of things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world.
‘I’m very excited to get started. I’ve felt the energy since the first day Chelsea wanted me. I can’t wait to start, see all the fans, my team-mates and the manager.
‘We have so many talented players here, a very strong squad and manager in Xabi. He has spoken to me about how he wants us to play, which is exciting, and we can’t wait to compete in the Premier League.’
Following an impressive 2025/26 campaign on loan at Cagliari, Palestra arrives at Stamford Bridge with a strong reputation across European football.
He featured in 37 league games for Cagliari last season, with his performances as a full-back and wing-back, on both flanks, standing out in the Italian top flight.
Palestra earned his senior debut for Italy earlier this year, which was quickly followed by a second cap for the Azzurri.
Welcome to Chelsea, Marco!
We Breathe Blue