Chelsea’s Summer Signings Take Over Squad Numbers, Leaving Senior Players in the Dark

Chelsea Football Club has handed over squad numbers belonging to senior players to their new signings, Pedro Neto and Joao Felix, sparking speculation about the futures of Raheem Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah.

The Blues have had a chaotic transfer window this summer, with ten senior players arriving at the club. The latest signing, Joao Felix, joined the club from Atletico Madrid in a £42.7m deal, having previously spent time at the club on loan.

With so many new arrivals, the club appears to have alienated several senior players who have yet to leave the club. According to the club’s official website, Raheem Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah have lost their squad numbers to Neto and Felix, respectively.

Summer signing Pedro Neto looks set to take over the squad number of a fellow Chelsea star

Raheem Sterling has worn the No 7 shirt since joining the Blues, but the club’s official webstore now lists Pedro Neto under the number. Similarly, Trevoh Chalobah’s No 14 shirt has been taken over by Joao Felix.

But the club’s official webstore now has the Portuguese listed under the number

The news comes as a blow to Sterling’s future at Stamford Bridge, with the player’s representatives seeking clarity on his standing at the club after he was left out of the opener. More than 10 senior players are currently training away from the Chelsea first-team.

I try to be honest. I can repeat again if it’s not clear: I spoke with Raheem before the game. I said he is going to struggle to get minutes with us. With Chilly, I said he is a lovely guy, but he is going to struggle because of his position.

If you define this as “brutal”, it is up to you to decide. For me, it’s not brutal, it’s just honest.

Joao Felix became the latest new arrival when his £42.7m move was confirmed on Wednesday

Based on the website listing, Felix is set to take over Trevoh Chalobah’s No 14 shirt. The 25-year-old was left out of the club’s pre-season tour to the US and, like Sterling and others, has been banished from the first-team dressing room.

The ruthless streak continues, with more than 10 players training away from the first-team. The future of these senior players remains uncertain, with the club’s squad numbers being handed over to new signings.