Chelsea Players Under Pressure: Who Must Improve in the 2025/26 Season or Face the Transfer List
As Chelsea prepare for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, the message from Stamford Bridge is loud and clear — perform or perish. Under Enzo Maresca’s leadership, the Blues are undergoing a transformation fueled by aggressive spending, a focus on youth development, and an increasingly cutthroat squad policy.
With new signings like Estevão Willian and Kendry Páez waiting in the wings, competition for places is fiercer than ever. And in a club where patience is in short supply, players who fail to deliver are often quickly replaced. The stakes are high, and several Chelsea stars could find themselves on the transfer list if they don’t step up soon.
Here are six Chelsea players who must raise their game in the upcoming season — or risk being offloaded before the next transfer window closes.
Nicolas Jackson: Time to Deliver More Than Just Potential
At first glance, Nicolas Jackson’s record of 24 goals in 65 Premier League matches may seem promising — especially for a young striker adjusting to English football. But a deeper look reveals a player still struggling with consistency, decision-making, and composure in front of goal.
Despite his natural pace, movement, and ability to get into scoring positions, Jackson is underperforming relative to his expected goals (xG) — which suggests he should have scored at least 31 goals with the chances he’s had.
Worse still, Jackson's needless red card during the FIFA Club World Cup has raised concerns about his temperament. With Liam Delap arriving and pressure mounting, Jackson must prove he can sharpen his finishing and stay mentally focused, or face being relegated to a backup role — or worse, the exit door.
Chelsea’s Ruthless Transfer Approach in 2025
Chelsea’s ownership group has shown a clear tendency to move swiftly on players who fail to make an impact. Big names like Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi have already felt the heat, and this season, several others are on thin ice.
The club’s strategy of recruiting high-potential youngsters like Estevão and Páez signals a long-term vision, but it also means less room for error for current squad members. With these elite prospects hungry to break into the first team, the message is simple: Adapt, improve, or be replaced.
Who’s Next? More Underperformers at Risk
While Nicolas Jackson may be the most high-profile case, he’s far from the only one under scrutiny. More Chelsea players will be assessed closely by Enzo Maresca in the early stages of the season. Players failing to show growth or consistency will be quickly identified as expendable assets.
Whether it's due to poor form, lack of adaptation, or simply being outshone by rising stars, underperformance won’t be tolerated. The pressure to deliver has never been higher, especially in a squad where talent is abundant and competition is relentless.
Conclusion: The Clock is Ticking for Several Chelsea Stars
As Chelsea gear up for a season that could define their Premier League resurgence, the focus will be not only on new signings and tactical improvements but also on accountability. Players like Nicolas Jackson must seize their opportunity — or risk becoming the next casualties of Chelsea’s unforgiving rebuild.
With expectations rising and youth knocking at the door, 2025/26 may be a make-or-break year for several Stamford Bridge stars.