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Chelsea Season Preview – Maresca’s Blues are looking hungry

Photo of Alan Sully Alan Sully06/08/2025 - 07:46 am
Cole Palmer #10 of Chelsea FC celebrates scoring his team's second goal
(Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Stamford Bridge is alive with anticipation. Chelsea’s 2024-2025 season was a rollercoaster: a
fourth-place Premier League finish, a Conference League triumph, and a Club World Cup victory
that sent fans into a frenzy.

Now, as the 2025-2026 season dawns, the question is whether the Blues can parlay their
European success into a serious Premier League title challenge. With Enzo Maresca at the helm,
a squad brimming with young talent like Estevao and established stars like Cole Palmer, and a
flurry of new signings, Chelsea are ready to make waves. But injuries, a crowded midfield, and
the weight of expectations could make this a bumpy ride. Let’s break down what’s in store for
the Blues.

A Season of Trophies and Top-Four Grit
Last season was a tale of redemption for Chelsea. After a rocky start under new manager Enzo
Maresca, including an opening-day loss to Manchester City, the Blues found their groove, losing
just one of their next 16 Premier League games. They finished fourth with 69 points, securing a
Champions League spot for 2025-2026 – their first in three years.
The real magic happened in Europe, though. Chelsea crushed Real Betis 4-1 in the Conference
League final, with Cole Palmer earning Man of the Match honors for two assists. They followed
it up with a 3-0 thrashing of Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final, with Palmer
scoring twice and assisting once. These were Chelsea’s first silverware under new owners
BlueCo, and it proved they’re back among the elite. But the Premier League title? That’s the big
prize, and they’re itching to chase it.

Enzo Maresca: The New Boss with Big Plans
Enzo Maresca’s first season at Chelsea was a statement. Hired from Leicester City on a five-year
deal, he brought a tactical edge that turned heads. His high-pressing, possession-based style,
honed at Leicester, transformed Chelsea from a disjointed outfit into a cohesive unit. By October,
he was Premier League Manager of the Month, and Cole Palmer’s four-goal haul against
Brighton earned him Player of the Month.
A mid-season wobble, starting with a Boxing Day loss to Fulham, saw them settle for fourth, but
the trophies kept spirits high. Maresca’s challenge now is to build on that momentum. With a
packed schedule, Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup, it’s on him to
keep the squad firing on all cylinders.

(Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)

The Squad: Youth, Flair, and a Few Question Marks
Chelsea’s squad is a dazzling mix of young prospects and proven stars. Cole Palmer is the
talisman, a 23-year-old maestro whose four goals in a single half against Brighton and heroics in
the Conference League and Club World Cup finals have made him a fan favorite. Reece James,
the club captain, is a world-class right-back when fit, though injuries remain a concern. Marc
Cucurella has locked down the left-back spot, while Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández anchor
the midfield with grit and guile. Up top, Liam Delap is set to bring pace and power.
The new kids on the block are stealing the show, though. Estevao, the 18-year-old Brazilian
wonderkid from Palmeiras, joined this summer and already looks like a future star, with a goal
and two assists in the Club World Cup (including for Palmeiras against Chelsea!).
Jamie Gittens, a 20-year-old winger from Borussia Dortmund, adds Bundesliga experience and
flair. Jorrel Hato, a 19-year-old versatile defender from Ajax, can play center-back or left-back,
challenging Cucurella and Levi Colwill. Delap from Ipswich and Joao Pedro from Brighton
bolster the attack as well.

But there’s a catch. The midfield is crowded. Caicedo, Fernández, Romeo Lavia, and Kiernan
Dewsbury-Hall are all vying for spots, and integrating Paez could be tricky. Injuries to James
and Wesley Fofana are a worry. It’s a talented group, but Maresca’s got to find the right balance.

Transfer Talk: A Blockbuster Window
Chelsea’s transfer window has been a whirlwind, with over £200m spent on new talent. Estevao
(£35m plus add-ons from Palmeiras), Jamie Gittens (£55m from Dortmund), and Jorrel Hato
(£37m from Ajax) are the headliners, with Joao Pedro (£53m from Brighton), Liam Delap (£30m
from Ipswich), and youngsters like Dario Essugo and Kendry Paez adding depth.
The club’s also in talks for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, a versatile attacker who could add
another dimension, and there’s chatter about Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, though
that seems a long shot.
On the outgoing side, Noni Madueke’s £40m move to Arsenal raised eyebrows, but it cleared
space for Estevao and Pedro Neto. Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, and Armando Broja are on
the chopping block, with Sterling linked to West Ham and Broja to Burnley.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Jadon Sancho (end of loan), and Djordje Petrovic have also left, streamlining
the squad.
A potential move for AC Milan’s Mike Maignan could solidify the goalkeeping spot, but it’s
unlikely this summer. Chelsea’s owners, BlueCo, are backing Maresca’s vision, but the sheer
volume of changes is a gamble.

The Fixture List: A Test of Depth
The 2025-2026 schedule is relentless. Chelsea kick off the Premier League at home against
Crystal Palace on August 16th, a hopefully winnable game to set the tone. Early tests include
trips to Arsenal and Manchester City, and a clash with Liverpool in October. The Champions
League group stage, with opponents yet to be drawn, adds a layer of prestige and pressure. The
FA Cup and EFL Cup offer chances for silverware.
Last season’s Conference League and Club World Cup wins showed they can handle big
moments, but juggling four competitions will test their depth.

The Money Game and BlueCo’s Ambition
Chelsea’s finances are in a strong spot. Stamford Bridge is a cash cow, and the Conference
League and Club World Cup winnings, plus Champions League prize money starting at €18.6m,
give them room to splash. BlueCo’s strategy is bold: invest in young talent with big potential,
like Estevao, Gittens, and Paez, while backing Maresca’s vision.
The £200m spent this summer shows their ambition, but the pressure is on to turn that into
results. Fans are thrilled with the trophies, but they want the Premier League. Anything less, and
the spotlight on Maresca and BlueCo will be fierce.

The Bigger Picture: Chelsea in the Title Race
The Premier League is a gauntlet this season. Manchester City and Liverpool are the teams to
beat, with Arsenal also hot on their heels. Tottenham’s potential revival under Thomas Frank
adds another wrinkle. Chelsea’s 69 points last season was enough for fourth, but a title push will
need closer to 80. The Champions League is a chance to shine, but it’ll drain energy. A deep run
could boost morale, but rotation will be key. The FA Cup and EFL Cup are winnable, but
Chelsea’s got to avoid their old habit of crashing out early.
The squad’s youth is a double-edged sword. Players like Estevao and Gittens bring energy, but
inexperience could cost them in crunch moments. Palmer’s leadership and Maresca’s tactics give
them a shot, though. The fans are a factor, too – Stamford Bridge can be a cauldron, lifting the
team or turning tense if results dip. If Chelsea can harness their talent and stay healthy, they’re in
the title conversation.

Enzo Fernandez #8 of Chelsea FC celebrates after the team's victory
(Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

So, can Chelsea build on their European success and challenge for the Premier League? The
signs are promising. Maresca’s a shrewd operator, the squad’s deep, and the trophies have bred
confidence. A top-three finish and a strong Champions League campaign feel within reach, and a
domestic cup could be theirs if they stay focused. But injuries, midfield balance, and squad
harmony are hurdles. City and Liverpool won’t roll over, and Arsenal’s hunger adds spice.
The opener against Newcastle is days away, and Stamford Bridge will be electric. Fans will flood
in, dreaming of glory but braced for the drama that comes with supporting Chelsea. A club that
keeps you guessing, keeps you hoping, keeps you hooked. This could be the season they finally
crack the Premier League code once again. Or not. Either way, it’s going to be one hell of a ride.

By Nicky Helfgott – @NickyHelfgott1 on X (formerly Twitter)

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Photo of Alan Sully Alan Sully06/08/2025 - 07:46 am