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News
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How Chelsea will line up with Xavi Simons and Jorrel Hato
Cameron Smith
- 24 Jul 2025 15:00 BST
- 5 min read
Analysis
Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign both Jorrel Hato and Xavi Simons as their summer spending spree continues.
Reports have indicated that Chelsea have turned their attention to sanctioning several player sales ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, but the recruitment team at Stamford Bridge simply can’t help themselves and they are now close to signing Hato and Simons.
Current ETV
Jorrel Hato
D (L)
Ajax
Jorrel Hato
D (L)
Ajax
ETV Range
€41.6M - €50.8M
Both players are eager to join the Club World Cup champions and Chelsea are locked in talks with Ajax and RB Leipzig in a bid to finalise the two transfers.
If Hato and Simons both arrive before Chelsea are able to offload any existing stars, the first-team squad at Stamford Bridge will consist of 43 players.
When including academy star Ishe Samuels-Smith, who was tipped for a senior role this campaign after signing a new long-term contract in April, Chelsea will therefore have enough players for four separate starting XIs.
But, where will Hato and Simons fit in?
Chelsea’s first-choice XI
Robert Sanchez won the Golden Glove award at the Club World Cup after an excellent tournament in the USA and he will be Chelsea’s starting goalkeeper during the 2025-26 season.
Reece James and Malo Gusto will battle for a starting berth at right-back, although the former may just win out, while Wesley Fofana, if fully fit, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella will complete the back four.
Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer have developed into one of the best midfield trios in the world, and they will be flanked by Pedro Neto and Simons. Joao Pedro will lead the line.
GK: Robert Sanchez
RB: Reece James
CB: Wesley Fofana
CB: Levi Colwill
LB: Marc Cucurella
CM: Moises Caicedo
CM: Enzo Fernandez
RW: Pedro Neto
CAM: Cole Palmer
LW: Xavi Simons
ST: Joao Pedro
Chelsea’s second-choice XI
Filip Jorgensen enjoyed a brief spell as Chelsea’s preferred goalkeeper last term, but he is firmly behind Sanchez in the pecking order now.
Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo have both frequently partnered Colwill in Fofana’s absence, although their role will likely be reduced once the Frenchman is fully fit. Meanwhile, Hato will feature as the back-up to Cucurella at left-back, while also providing centre-back cover.
Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos will receive significant minutes when Caicedo and Fernandez are rested this campaign, while Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens will challenge Neto and Simons for a starting role.
Christopher Nkunku is expected to be sold before the end of the transfer window, but will deputise for Palmer until his departure is confirmed, and Liam Delap will rotate with Pedro.
GK: Filip Jorgensen
RB: Malo Gusto
CB: Trevoh Chalobah
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo
LB: Jorrel Hato
CM: Romeo Lavia
CM: Andrey Santos
RW: Estevao Willian
CAM: Christopher Nkunku
LW: Jamie Gittens
ST: Liam Delap
Chelsea’s third and fourth choice starting XIs largely consist of members of their newly-formed ‘Bomb Squad’, in addition to rotation players and a number of academy stars.
The Blues are desperate to trim down their first-team squad by selling a plethora of these players, although this is proving extremely difficult as clubs across world football are aware of their need to sell.
Current ETV
João Félix
F (L), M (C)
Chelsea
João Félix
F (L), M (C)
Chelsea
ETV Range
€22.9M - €28M
Chelsea’s third-choice XI
GK: Mike Penders
RB: Josh Acheampong
CB: Mamadou Sarr
CB: Benoit Badiashile
LB: Ben Chilwell
CM: Dario Essugo
CM: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
RW: Raheem Sterling
CAM: Joao Felix
LW: Tyrique George
ST: Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea’s fourth-choice XI
GK: Gabriel Slonina
RB: Alfie Gilchrist
CB: Axel Disasi
CB: Renato Veiga
LB: Ishe Samuels-Smith
CM: Lesley Ugochukwu
CM: Carney Chukwuemeka
RW: David Datro Fofana
LW: Mykhailo Mudryk
ST: Marc Guiu
ST: Armando Broja
Football transfer news headlines today
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