Chelsea have confirmed that five players—Lucas Bergstrom, Teddy Sharman-Lowe, Dylan Williams, Harrison Murray-Campbell, and Charlie Webster—have left the club today, July 1, 2025, as their contracts expired, marking a key step in Enzo Maresca’s squad overhaul for the 2025/26 Premier League season.
The departures, primarily youth players yet to break into the first team, align with Maresca’s strategy to streamline the squad while integrating high-profile signings to bolster attack and defense, following a fourth-place finish and UEFA Conference League triumph in 2024/25.
Lucas Bergstrom, a 22-year-old Finnish goalkeeper, is the most prominent name, having been a regular in Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League matchday squads last season without making a senior appearance.
Sharman-Lowe, 22, another goalkeeper, departs after loans at Burton Albion and Leyton Orient, while 21-year-old left-back Dylan Williams leaves following a loan at Burton.
Midfielder Charlie Webster, 21, who played for Heerenveen and Burton on loan, and 20-year-old defender Harrison Murray-Campbell, a former England U17 international, complete the list, with the latter two failing to secure senior minutes despite occasional first-team training.
Maresca’s focus on youth integration, evident in his use of Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong in Conference League matches, contrasts with these exits, as Chelsea prioritize incoming talent.
The club has already secured Liam Delap (£30m from Ipswich), Joao Pedro (£60m from Brighton), Jamie Gittens (£50m from Borussia Dortmund), and Estevao Willian (£51m from Palmeiras), with Victor Osimhen (£84.5m) close to joining, per football.london.
These signings, alongside returning loanees like Andrey Santos and Mamadou Sarr, aim to strengthen Chelsea’s attack and defense for a Premier League title push and Champions League campaign.
Fans on X are mixed, with @CFCNews noting, “Sad to see Bergstrom go, but Maresca’s building a monster squad!” Others, like @BlueArmyFan, argue, “Clearing out deadwood makes sense—Osimhen and Gittens are game-changers.”
The departures free up wages, crucial as Chelsea navigate UEFA Financial Sustainability rules, with potential further exits like Raheem Sterling and Christopher Nkunku looming.
Maresca’s vision, backed by £287 million in revenue from Champions League qualification and Club World Cup progress, positions Chelsea to challenge Liverpool and Arsenal, with the new signings set to debut against Crystal Palace on August 17.
