Chelsea Release Five Players as Enzo Maresca Begins Squad Overhaul for 2025/26 Premier League Season
Chelsea FC have officially confirmed the departure of five players—Lucas Bergstrom, Teddy Sharman-Lowe, Dylan Williams, Harrison Murray-Campbell, and Charlie Webster—following the expiration of their contracts on July 1, 2025. The exits mark a significant step in Enzo Maresca’s squad rebuild ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
The departures, largely consisting of academy graduates who struggled to break into Chelsea’s senior setup, align with the club’s renewed focus on integrating high-profile signings and streamlining squad depth after finishing fourth in the Premier League and winning the UEFA Conference League in the 2024/25 season.
Who Are the Players Leaving Chelsea?
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Lucas Bergstrom, 22, was regularly featured on the bench in Chelsea’s Conference League run but never made a senior appearance. The Finnish goalkeeper is the most experienced name on the list.
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Teddy Sharman-Lowe, also 22, leaves after loan spells at Burton Albion and Leyton Orient.
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Dylan Williams, 21, a promising left-back, departs following a season-long loan at Burton.
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Charlie Webster, 21, spent time on loan at Heerenveen and Burton, but failed to secure a first-team breakthrough.
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Harrison Murray-Campbell, 20, a former England U17 international, trained occasionally with the senior squad but didn’t feature in competitive matches.
These exits reflect Maresca’s intent to create a more focused and competitive squad by releasing fringe youth players and making space for new signings and returning loanees.
Chelsea Transfer News: Major Signings Signal Ambition
Chelsea have already been active in the 2025 summer transfer window, investing heavily in attacking and defensive reinforcements:
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Liam Delap – £30 million from Ipswich Town
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Joao Pedro – £60 million from Brighton
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Jamie Gittens – £50 million from Borussia Dortmund
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Estevao Willian – £51 million from Palmeiras
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Victor Osimhen – £84.5 million deal nearing completion (per football.london)
These marquee signings are expected to be pivotal as Chelsea prepare to challenge for the Premier League title and compete in the UEFA Champions League for the 2025/26 season.
Maresca Balances Youth and Experience
While some youth players have departed, others are being given opportunities. Maresca has shown faith in Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong, both of whom featured in Conference League matches. In addition, returning loanees like Andrey Santos and Mamadou Sarr will offer further depth and versatility.
With Fernandez recovering from a head injury and Chelsea’s five-player release freeing up wages, the club is carefully navigating UEFA Financial Sustainability rules, positioning themselves for further strategic moves in the market.
Fan Reactions and Outlook
Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) have been mixed:
@CFCNews: “Sad to see Bergstrom go, but Maresca’s building a monster squad!”
@BlueArmyFan: “Clearing out deadwood makes sense—Osimhen and Gittens are game-changers.”
Backed by £287 million in revenue from Champions League qualification and Club World Cup progress, Chelsea are financially primed for a major push. Maresca’s vision will be tested on August 17, 2025, when Chelsea open their season at Stamford Bridge against Crystal Palace.