Jul 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Dario Essugo (14) shakes hands with manager Enzo Maresca before he come on as a substitute during a quarterfinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Susana Vera-Reuters via Imagn Images

soccer

Chelsea Must Sell Players First To Register New Signings for Champions League Squad

Despite a lucrative run at the FIFA Club World Cup, Chelsea now face a race against time to balance their books.

Chelsea face a significant hurdle off the pitch as they prepare for their Champions League return next season. Chelsea secured a top-four Premier League finish last season, which secured their place back in Europe’s elite competition. However, recent reports have indicated that the Blues must generate over £60 million ($82m) in player sales to register their new signings under UEFA’s financial regulations.

Despite a lucrative run at the FIFA Club World Cup, Chelsea now face a race against time to balance their books. The recent arrivals of Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, Mamadou Sarr and Dario Essugo have strengthened Enzo Maresca’s squad, but their inclusion in the Champions League squad is not guaranteed unless Chelsea offload players to meet UEFA’s requirements.

Chelsea Must Raise More Than £60M Before September 2

Chelsea were fined €31 million ($36.5 million) last week alongside Aston Villa for financial breaches but the looming threat of further sanctions and squad registration restrictions is the club’s immediate concern. According to The Times, Chelsea must now raise more than £60m through player sales to ensure that all their new signings can be registered for the Champions League.

Chelsea need to raise more than £60m in sales to be able to register their new signings for this season's Champions League.

— @TimesSport pic.twitter.com/AXW31F9EyJ
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) July 7, 2025

UEFA’s rules require clubs to maintain a “positive balance” on their List A transfer accounts to register new players for European competitions. This means that Chelsea’s spending must be offset by sufficient outgoing transfers. The challenge is further compounded by the need to register players like Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana, who missed portions of last season through injury, alongside the new recruits. If the club fails to raise the required funds, Chelsea will run the risk of being unable to play their summer signings in the Champions League next season.

The Blues must now act decisively in the transfer market. Notably, players like Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling, and Christopher Nkunku are among those who could be offloaded to balance the books. Chelsea are also open to offers for Noni Madueke, who has attracted solid interest from Arsenal. With UEFA’s Champions League squad registration deadline of September 2 fast approaching, player sales will become Chelsea management’s immediate priority.

Champions League

Chelsea

Chelsea Club World Cup

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.