Chelsea’s ‘Bomb Squad’ Explained: Who’s In and Where They’re Headed

Chelsea have once again assembled a “Bomb Squad”

— a group of players deemed surplus to requirements — as their ambitious rebuild under the BlueCo consortium continues.

Since Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly took over in 2022, the Blues have spent more than €1.5 billion on new signings, making headlines for their aggressive and youth-focused transfer strategy. With 48 players signed and 29 sold for a fee in that period, Chelsea’s approach has been divisive but undeniably bold.

While this model helped the club secure the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, it has also resulted in a bloated squad. This summer, Chelsea are once again aiming to trim their roster — and that’s where the Bomb Squad comes in.

Who’s in Chelsea’s 2025 Bomb Squad?

The Bomb Squad includes both high-profile names and promising youngsters who are no longer part of Chelsea’s plans. Among the returning members from last year are Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka.

Key names on the transfer list this summer include:

Joao Felix – Interest from Benfica Raheem Sterling – Linked with Bayer Leverkusen, Fulham, and Juventus Christopher Nkunku – Targeted by Bayern Munich, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest Renato Veiga – Interest from Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich Axel Disasi – Wanted by NEOM, Newcastle, and Villarreal Armando Broja – Linked with Ajax, RB Leipzig, and Stuttgart David Datro Fofana – Future remains uncertain Lesley Ugochukwu – Interest from Hamburg and Valencia Alfie Gilchrist – Tracked by Blackburn, Derby, Middlesbrough, and Watford Ben Chilwell – Reportedly on Leeds’ radar Carney Chukwuemeka – Interest from Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig

Despite playing a vital role in Chelsea’s Club World Cup victory, Nkunku is also listed for departure, with Chelsea eager to finalize a deal.

Who Else Could Leave?

In addition to the formal Bomb Squad, several other players may be on the move:

Trevoh Chalobah, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Nicolas Jackson could be sold if strong offers arrive. Promising youngsters Aaron Anselmino and Marc Guiu are expected to leave on loan. Mamadou Sarr, Kendry Paez, Mike Penders, and Ishe Samuels-Smith are all tipped to join Strasbourg, either temporarily or permanently.

Departures So Far

Chelsea have already offloaded several players this summer, including:

Noni Madueke Djordje Petrovic Mathis Amougou Bashir Humphreys Kepa Arrizabalaga Marcus Bettinelli

New Signings

Despite the outgoings, the club remains busy in the market. New arrivals include:

Jamie Gittens Joao Pedro Liam Delap Estevao Willian Dario Essugo Mamadou Sarr Kendry Paez

These signings cost Chelsea a combined €243.8 million, highlighting the club’s continued ambition under Maresca’s leadership.

Final Thoughts

Chelsea’s strategy may divide opinion, but it’s clear they are not slowing down. The Bomb Squad, once again, reflects the club’s ruthless approach to squad management as they chase both domestic and international success.