Chelsea

Latest updates

  1. Football provides 'connections' in 'increasingly lonely' worldpublished at 11:49 BST 5 August

    Nicola Pearson
    BBC Sport journalist

    A black banner with the words My Club My Passion in white capitals. A woman at the end celebrates with fists raised in front of a yellow background
    A child football fan looks on in wonder as she watches a matchImage source, Getty Images

    'Why did you fall in love with your club?'

    This week, we have asked hundreds of football fans across the world that very question and got hundreds of different answers.

    Yes, the themes might be similar - born near a ground; family supported the team; watched a certain player - but the individual story will be unique to each supporter.

    The relationship between a fan and their club should not be underestimated, with people ploughing uncountable amounts of money, time and emotional energy into their support for their team.

    But what is that makes us love our clubs the way we do?

    "A lot of it comes down to our identity," researcher and co-writer of the Routledge Handbook of Sport Fans and Fandom Danielle Sarver Coombs told BBC Sport.

    "We become part of this group that means so much to us. It becomes a way to find a community that you're a part of and to find a group of people that, no matter where you are, you could find a pub with other fans of your team. You have that kinship.

    "In a world that's increasingly quite lonely, this provides one of the ways that we can have connections so we can have the feeling that we're part of something bigger."

    Connection and identity plays a big role in someone's love for their club - particularly when it is a family link.

    Many fans talk of being born into who they support - that the connection is so strong there was no other team they could, or would, have chosen.

    "The great thing with football is that there's such a strong heritage component to it," Sarver Coombs said. "Often, your grandfather, father, mother or whomever was a fan of the team, so it's part of your family's tradition.

    "It's handed down from generation to generation."

    The uniqueness of football fandom is something researchers are increasingly investigating.

    An article, external published earlier this year in psychology journal Frontiers discusses how football fans often follow follow teams with 'significant attachment and commitment, sometimes to the bewilderment of those outside of the game'.

    "With football clubs, you have decades of tradition that you can tap into and it's going to keep coming," Sarver Coombs added.

    "Players come and go, managers come and go, shirts change, badges change, but the club itself - the heart and soul of it remains constant. You always have that piece that you're tied to, so the longevity of clubs is a really important part.

    "But also, that constant in-person opportunity to be present in a community space really sets football apart from other passions that may be transient or do not have that constant engagement."

    Share your story in our My Club My Passion campaign

  2. Did Dewsbury-Hall fail at Chelsea?published at 11:40 BST 5 August

    Nizaar Kinsella
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Kiernan Dewsbury-HallImage source, Getty Images

    Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall hasn't had an easy time at Chelsea after following his former manager Enzo Maresca to Stamford Bridge in a £30m move from Leicester City.

    The 26-year-old rejected an offer from Brighton to stay playing in the Premier League with his Championship-winning boyhood club, but Chelsea's move was too big to turn down.

    The midfielder adapted well to Maresca's system at Chelsea, but not to playing a bit-part role as Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez all featured ahead of him in the midfield pecking order.

    He started only twice in the Premier League but made an impact in their Conference League run, where he scored four times and came off the bench to set up Jadon Sancho's goal in the 4-1 triumph over Real Betis in May's final.

    Dewsbury-Hall was used mainly as a substitute in the Club World Cup, but scored his fifth goal for the club in a 4-1 victory over Benfica and appeared in the 3-0 final success over Paris St-Germain.

    He was a decent performer when given a chance for the Stamford Bridge side, but became part of a trend of players moving quickly in and then out again.

    Read the full article here

  3. Is player trading working?published at 09:10 BST 5 August

    Chelsea have your say banner

    On Monday, we revealed Chelsea top the Premier League for player sales this summer.

    The Blues have spent approximately £240m on new players this summer but have already recouped over half of that total by moving on eight unwanted players.

    In all, around £130m has been brought in, with Liverpool second on £112m.

    So Chelsea fans, is the strategy of buying plenty of players and trading them working? How do you feel about it?

    Get in touch with your views here

  4. Why sell Dewsbury-Hall?published at 09:03 BST 5 August

    Nizaar Kinsella
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

    The sale of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is particularly important as Uefa's recent punishment for financial control violations suggests Chelsea must sell players from their last Conference League squad to ensure a "positive transfer balance" this summer.

    If not, they can't register new signings like Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap for the Champions League by September.

    Chelsea are also still looking to strengthen their midfield options for next season, with talks ongoing for RB Leipzig's Netherlands international Xavi Simons.

  5. Chelsea lead league in player salespublished at 15:38 BST 4 August

    Tom McCoy
    BBC Sport

    Kiernan Dewsbury-HallImage source, Getty Images

    Chelsea are reportedly ready to sell Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Everton and have accepted an offer from Burnley for fellow midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu.

    The Blues have spent approximately £240m on new players this summer but have already recouped over half of that total by moving on eight unwanted players.

    Selling the likes of Noni Madueke, Joao Felix and Djordje Petrovic has brought approximately £129m into the club, more than any other Premier League side.

    Should Dewsbury-Hall and Ugochukwu also depart, that figure could rise by a further £50m.

    Graph that shows income from player sales this summer with Chelsea earning the most ahead of Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth
  6. Burnley agree fee for Chelsea midfielder Ugochukwupublished at 13:42 BST 4 August

    Nizaar Kinsella
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Lesley UgochukwuImage source, Getty Images

    Burnley have agreed a fee to sign midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from Chelsea on a permanent basis.

    The 21-year-old is expected to sign a five-year contract having been given permission to complete a medical at Turf Moor.

    Ugochukwu has been considered surplus to requirements this summer as Chelsea look to sell multiple players in their so-called "bomb squad" - a group of players including England internationals Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell - training separately from Enzo Maresca's first team.

    Meanwhile, Burnley are also in advanced talks to sign striker Armando Broja from Chelsea, which could be the third move between the two clubs after defender Bashir Humphreys also moved on a permanent basis for £14m.

    Ugochukwu spent two seasons at Chelsea making 15 appearances in all competitions during his first season before joining Southampton on a season-long loan in his second campaign.

    The France Under-21 international joined Chelsea in 2023 from French club Rennes in a £23m deal.

  7. 'A great fit for Chelsea's project' - fans on Hatopublished at 13:05 BST 4 August

    Your Chelsea opinions banner
    Jorrel Hato at his signing for Chelsea Image source, Getty Images

    We asked for your views on Chelsea's latest signing Jorrel Hato from Ajax.

    Here are some of your comments:

    James: Good signing - very pleased with this one. To have played 111 games and be capped for the Netherlands at 19 speaks volumes of how highly rated he is. competition is needed throughout the squad, just need a new keeper I feel to complete the team.

    Nick: A very good young player, with the potential to be a top class defender. My worry is that, like (the excellent) Renato Veiga, he may not be happy as a back-up player getting appearances off the bench and in cup matches and seek a loan move after a few months to play regularly.

    Ayoola: He is young, energetic, and a great fit for Chelsea's project.

    Hector: Excellent signing and he will only get better as an understudy to the master of inverted left-backs, the mighty Marc Cucurella. Remember when they said Chelsea's squad was too large? Who's laughing now?

    Frederick: Let's stand by him and give him all the support he needs to excel. Welcome. BLUE IS THE COLOUR.

    Shaun: Good to have back-up for Cucurella, but makes it even more important that we move Ben Chilwell on.

    Steve: Another promising young player. Roman Abramovich bought trophies to the club but if we're honest the scouting at the club during his time was shocking. It was more of a scattergun approach. While Todd Boehly has spent a lot of money it certainly looks like the scouts know what they're doing and buying players that fit a type of system rather than just the latest 'name'. Looking forward to seeing these young players gel together and form a cohesive unit. Still need a goalkeeper though.

  8. 'I liked the sound of Chelsea, so I picked them' - fan storiespublished at 11:47 BST 4 August

    A black banner with the words My Club My Passion in white capitals. A woman at the end celebrates with fists raised in front of a yellow background

    We know the relationship between a football fan and their club is a special one so, as we gear up for the new season, we asked you to share why you fell in love with Chelsea and some of your favourite moments supporting them.

    A programme from Saturday, 11 May 1963 of Chelsea v Stoke City
    Image caption,

    Steve: My first visit to Stamford Bridge was on 11 May 1963, where as an 11-year old, I not only witnessed a team I'd supported since 1960 but also saw the legendary Stanley Matthews in action for Stoke City. Stoke won the cliffhanger game but the Blues went on to beat Portsmouth 7-0 at the next match. I witnessed that also and Chelsea secured a place in Division One. It's been a rollercoaster ride, in my lifelong support for Chelsea and the current side look every bit as capable of great achievements.

    Sam: Wolves v Chelsea 1977. Chelsea were banned from away games towards the end of the season with no tickets for the game available to Chelsea fans. Me and my mate heard there were touts selling tickets in the Chelsea area so a day before the game we decided to try our luck to find if we could somehow get hold of some tickets.

    We bunked off school and made our way to Chelsea from Leyton in the remote hope of finding someone with match tickets. As luck would have it, we found a tout and got four tickets.

    As we were leaving, we were approached by a man claiming to be from the club and said they were looking for two ballboys for the Chelsea v QPR reserve game urgently and from thinking we were busted, we were taken to the dressing rooms to get tracksuited up. Relieved and excited at the same time, we kept the tracksuits as well.

    We drove to Wolverhampton with Wolves needing a point to go up as champions and us needing a point to go up as well to Division One. The game ended with a 1-1 scoreline so both teams got what they wanted - but my abiding memory of that day was seeing 10,000+ banned Chelsea fans in one massive stand in the ground.

    I'm sure that day the saying you can't ban a Chelsea fan was born.

    A picture of a woman in a Chelsea shirt next to an elderly Alan Hudson who has her arm around her shoulders
    Image caption,

    Christine: We lived in Singapore for years and there was no football over there, so when I came back aged 11, I was told I had to support a football team in what was Division One. This was 1971 and my dad gave me a Sunday newspaper with all the clubs in it. I liked the sound of Chelsea so I picked them. Have been a fan ever since and go to as many games as possible. I have met Chopper Harris and Alan Hudson and spoken to John Terry when his car was parked next to mine in a queue! Photo of Alan Hudson attached as I just love this team.

    Send your pictures and stories here

    A blue banner with HAVE YOUR SAY written in white block capitals. On the right side, is a Chelsea crest on a yellow background
  9. Gossip: Garnacho set on Chelsea movepublished at 07:52 BST 4 August

    Gossip graphic

    German side RB Leipzig enquired about English winger Tyrique George, 19, during talks with Chelsea over a move for Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons, 22. (Fabrizio Romano), external

    Manchester United and Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho, 21, has given total priority to Chelsea and is waiting for talks to begin over a move. (Fabrizio Romano), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  10. 'The right time to make a big step' - Hatopublished at 18:48 BST 3 August

    Jorrel Hato at the 2025 Eredivise AwardsImage source, Getty Images

    New signing Jorrel Hato says he "will be a good fit" for Chelsea's style of play after his £37m move from Ajax was confirmed.

    The 19-year-old has finalised a seven-year contract with the Blues after a medical in London over the weekend, becoming the club's eight summer addition.

    Hato emerged from Ajax's famed academy, making his debut in the first team aged 16 before captaining the side at 17 and making 111 appearances in total for the Dutch club.

    "It feels strange to leave everybody in Holland, of course, but for me it's a new journey with new people in a new culture, a new team, new competitions," he said on the move.

    "I was really thinking about my future and this is what I wanted. I think I will be a good fit for the way Chelsea are playing, so I was sure about taking my step to Chelsea.

    "For sure it was a big decision. I played seven years at Ajax and for me it was home – the people, the players, the coaches, the culture. So it was not easy to leave, but my feeling was that at this moment I needed to make a step to the biggest club in the biggest competitions, and for me this was the right decision at the right time.

    "This was for me the right time to make a big step, to come to the Premier League, to come to Chelsea. And now I'm here!"

    Blues fans, what do you make of the signing? And what role do you see Hato occupying in the upcoming season?

    Let us know here.

    Have your say on Chelsea
  11. Chelsea-Strasbourg connection reaps rewardspublished at 11:04 BST 1 August

    Nizaar Kinsella
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Mamadou Sarr ChelseaImage source, Getty Images

    Chelsea's close ties to Strasbourg are highlighted by the five deals from the bigger English club into the smaller French club.

    Defender Mamadou Sarr completes a maximum of three loans into the Ligue 1 club this summer, with midfielder Kendry Paez and goalkeeper Mike Penders also moving to the Alcase-based club this week.

    All three of those loaned were looked at by Enzo Maresca and his coaching staff at the Club World Cup and were in contention to make his squad for the coming season but in all cases it was decided a loan move would be more productive for their development.

    Sarr was pleased to re-join Strasbourg while Penders is going to be number one and earn valuable experience. There was some confusion around Paez who had hoped he would make Chelsea's squad for the Club World Cup but travelled to the United States without being registered instead.

    Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino was also considered for a loan move by Strasbourg.

    In addition to the three loanees, Strasbourg have signed Chelsea academy defender Ishe Samuels-Smith for £6.5m and midfielder Mathis Amougou for around £12m.

    There are further signs of the connection between the clubs with Strasbourg led by English manager Liam Rosenior, who secured a seventh placed finish last season to allow the club to qualify for the Conference League.

    They previously signed Diego Moreira from Chelsea and have Sam Amo-Ameyaw, Maxi Oyedele and Andrew Omobamidele who have spent time in the English academy system.

    Chelsea have also discussed signing Strasbourg's star striker Emanuel Emegha next season as part of his ongoing contract negotiations to keep him for a further year at Stade de la Meinau.

    To some, multi-club models feel wrong but Chelsea are just the latest club from England after the likes of Manchester City, Brighton and Bournemouth to benefit from such a connection.

    The Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership are understood to prefer a small but mutually beneficial connection - similar to the one between RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg - rather than a bigger model like the 12-club City Football Group, led by Manchester City.

  12. Sarr makes loan move back to Ligue 1published at 10:58 BST 1 August

    Mamadou Sarr looks on for Chelsea in warm-upImage source, Getty Images

    Chelsea defender Mamadou Sarr has completed a season-long loan move to Strasbourg.

    The Blues and the Ligue 1 club, who are both owned by American Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital under the BlueCo umbrella, agreed a deal for Sarr in January and completed the £12m signing this summer.

    It was the first permanent transfer between the clubs, but becomes the fifth bit of business between the sides this summer.

    The 19-year-old made his Chelsea debut in the team's victory over ES Tunis in the Club World Cup and featured in every matchday squad en route to the Blues becoming world champions last month.

  13. Gossip: Chelsea target Garnacho published at 07:19 BST 1 August

    Gossip graphic

    Chelsea are expected to make an offer for Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho, 21, before the transfer window shuts and have no concerns over his character after a series of background checks on the Argentina winger. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

    The Blues are also interested in Club Brugge's Ardon Jashari but the 23-year-old Switzerland midfielder prefers a move to AC Milan. (Sacha Tavolieri), external

    Finally, Inter Milan have rejected the chance to sign Chelsea and France striker Christopher Nkunku, 27, as they are focus on a move for Atalanta's 27-year-old Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

    Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  14. Send your pictures and stories of why you love Chelseapublished at 16:32 BST 31 July

    A black banner with the words My Club My Passion in white capitals. A woman at the end celebrates with fists raised in front of a yellow background
    Young boy standing with arms aloft outside of Stamford BridgeImage source, Ross

    On Monday, we asked you to tell us why you fell in love with Chelsea and some of your favourite moments supporting them.

    You have already been getting in touch with your photos and stories and here is just a taste from Ross:

    "My dad was Chelsea through and through and made me fall in love with this wonderful club. He took me to my first game at Stamford Bridge, which was the Gianfranco Zola tribute match against Real Zaragoza. Got to see the magician play in blue for the last time!

    "Now I get to take my son, and create memories of our own. His first game at the Bridge was pre-season against Inter Milan last season - Enzo Maresca's first home game in charge. That was followed by FA Cup and Conference League games, and even managed to get tickets for home league game against Ipswich!

    "Can't wait for this season - hopefully many more games to witness live together."

    Join the conversation and send your best photos about why you love the Blues.

    Your first visit to the stadium? A special kit? An amazing away trip?

    Send us your pictures and stories

  15. Chelsea's plan for Estevao Willianpublished at 14:09 BST 31 July

    Nizaar Kinsella
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Estevao Willian Cole Palmer and Dario EssugoImage source, Getty Images

    Chelsea forward Estevao Willian will meet his team-mates when they return to the UK on Monday, 4 August, following their Club World Cup triumph.

    The 18-year-old, who is a versatile forward able to play across the frontline, chose Chelsea over a host of other teams. Most notably Paris Saint-Germain, who produced a rival bid, along with Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.

    The choice to join Chelsea was driven by belief in their project, as well as the offer of a substantial role in his first season, as Estevao aims to join the Brazil national team for the next World Cup in 2026.

    That said, there is also the expectation he will be signed easily initially, but that he could quickly become a starter if he impresses in training.

    Defender Thiago Silva was among those who met Estevao before he chose Chelsea in 2024, but manager Enzo Maresca also spoke with him during a meeting during the Club World Cup in the United States this summer.

    Chelsea are ready to help Estevao settle in, as he will arrive early to find a place to live in London and the surrounding area.

    Estevao does not speak English, but Maresca is fluent in several languages and reportedly managed to communicate with the striker in a mix of Portuguese and Spanish. The youngster has been taking English lessons since the beginning of the year and will intensify his studies when he arrives.

    There is also optimism that Estevao will adapt quickly to English life, as he does not drink and is known for being a laid back person. He will also have his family with him as he escapes the unique pressures of Brazilian football.

  16. Paez completes loan move to Strasbourgpublished at 13:32 BST 31 July

    Chelsea midfielder Kendry Paez sits on the substitute bench in training wearImage source, Getty Images

    Chelsea attacking midfielder Kendry Paez has joined Ligue 1 side Strasbourg on a season-long loan.

    The youngster signed from Independiente del Valle in June 2023, but only officially completed his Stamford Bridge move after turning 18 in May this year.

    Paez already has plenty of first-team experience, making 70 appearances for his previous club and earning 18 caps for the Ecuador national team.

    However, he was left out of Enzo Maresca's travelling squad for the recent Club World Cup.

  17. Why Chelsea are signing Hatopublished at 11:24 BST 31 July

    Matthew Hobbs
    BBC Sport journalist

    Jorrel Hato #4 of Ajax looks on in the second half of the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg match between AFC Ajax and Eintracht Frankfurt at Johan Cruyff Arena Image source, Getty Images

    Chelsea have agreed a £37m deal to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, subject to clearance by the Dutch club's supervisory board – and it is a signing that makes sense for the dynamics of Chelsea's bloated squad.

    The Blues boast seven centre-backs in their current squad but only Levi Colwill, who played regularly last season, and Benoit Badiashile are naturally left-sided.

    Badiashile's 2024-25 campaign was disrupted by a hamstring injury in December while just three Premier League starts suggests head coach Enzo Maresca wants a different option to compete with Colwill in the heart of defence.

    Hato brings versatility having spent large parts of last season at Ajax playing at left-back and, with Ben Chilwell firmly out of favour, the 19-year-old can also offer competition to regular left-back Marc Cucurella given the Champions League campaign to come.

    In 2023-24, Hato played 80% of his football at centre-back, most commonly in a 4-2-3-1 formation. However, last season, new head coach Francesco Farioli deployed him at left-back for 94% of his minutes, as part of a 4-3-3 formation.

    Hato has already played 111 competitive games for Ajax's first team, after making his debut aged just 16 years and 335 days in 2023. That made him the third-youngest player to feature for the club in Eredivisie after Clarence Seedorf and Ryan Gravenberch. He also won his first Netherlands cap less than a year later.

    Since that first appearance, Hato has been nearly ever-present for Ajax. Of players from Europe's top six leagues born after 1 January 2003, Hato has played the most minutes at club level in all competitions since the start of 2023-24 (8,347), ahead of Jude Bellingham (7,988) and Lamine Yamal (7,506).

  18. Gossip: Chelsea target Garnacho will cost £40mpublished at 07:43 BST 31 July

    Gossip graphic

    Chelsea are still pushing to sign Alejandro Garnacho, but Manchester United are holding out for at least £40m for the 21-year-old winger. (Talksport), external

    Meanwhile, England Under-19 midfielder Leo Castledine is set to join Huddersfield Town on a season-long loan from Chelsea. (Athletic - subscription required), external

    Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

    Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

  19. Sunderland eye Chelsea's Guiupublished at 15:50 BST 30 July

    Nizaar Kinsella
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Marc Guiu ChelseaImage source, Getty Images

    Sunderland are keen on taking Chelsea striker Marc Guiu on a season-long loan deal.

    The 19-year-old is being made available by Chelsea given they boast a host of other options and Guiu has previously attracted the attention of relegated Ipswich Town.

    However, the chance of going on loan within the Premier League could also be attractive as Chelsea and the £5m signing from Barcelona in 2024 weigh up their options.

    Guiu got six goals in 16 matches in his first season at Chelsea.

    The Blues could also loan out winger Tyrique George, also 19, with both attackers having played a substantial role during Chelsea's Conference League win last season.

    Chelsea have since signed Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens. They are also in talks to add RB Leipzig attacker midfielder Xavi Simons to Enzo Maresca's squad.