Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says the club wants to reduce its central defensive options from around 10 to “four or five” for the 2026/27 season. Alonso made the comments while discussing squad planning during Chelsea’s pre-season period in Australia and ahead of a pre-season match against Tottenham. The reports say Chelsea have recently added Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for about £51–£52 million, bringing the number of centre-backs in the squad to roughly 10.
Both outlets list multiple centre-backs Alonso considers part of the current group, including Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong, and Aaron Anselmino, alongside Lacroix. While the sources describe the likely direction of travel—cutting the position to a smaller, targeted group—they do not provide confirmed transfer departures or specific dates. The statements focus on roster reduction following the latest acquisition and outline how Alonso wants to structure the centre-back options for the upcoming season.
