Chelsea announce three new squad numbers ahead of Club World Cup, ramifications for one big-money signing

Chelsea have announced three new squad numbers ahead of participating at the Club World Cup.

Enzo Maresca's travelling group will be confirmed on Wednesday as they prepare to fly to the United States on Friday.

In the run-up to the tournament, the signings of defender Mamadou Sarr and midfielder Dario Essugo from Strasbourg and Sporting Lisbon have each been finalised.

Meanwhile, Mike Penders has effectively been promoted to third-choice goalkeeper after concluding his loan stint with Genk.

As a result, Chelsea have been required to reach a decision over their respective squad numbers for the 32-team competition.

What squad numbers have been allocated?

The first squad number announcement of the afternoon was with regards to Essugo, who will be taking the number 14 shirt.

This is viewed as a notable move with the 20-year-old replacing Joao Felix in wearing this number. Felix spent the second half of 2024-25 on loan at AC Milan.

Chelsea then revealed that Penders would be taking on the number 39 shirt. Like with Felix, a current Chelsea player will be vacating his number.

Mathis Amougou wore this number on the back of his move from Saint-Etienne in February, but he is now expected to link up with Strasbourg on loan.

Finally, Sarr has been handed the number 19. Jadon Sancho had been in possession of this number until he returned to parent club Manchester United.

Will trio remain at Chelsea for 2025-26?

This has generally yet to be decided, but a report in The Telegraph indicated that Sarr will be remaining at Stamford Bridge.

Either Penders or Filip Jorgensen will be Chelsea's second-choice goalkeeper next season, providing that they do not reignite their interest in AC Milan's Mike Maignan.

Realistically, though, Penders could be loaned for another year to gain experience at a notable European club.

With Andrey Santos due to join Enzo Maresca's squad, Essugo will be no more than fifth choice in the pecking order, but the Portugal Under-21 international could stay in West London for at least the first half of the campaign.

Written by
Darren Plant