Chelsea squad numbers for 2026/27 have been confirmed, with João Pedro taking No. 9 and Cole Palmer inheriting No. 10

Chelsea have confirmed their 2026/27 squad numbers ahead of the new Premier League season, with João Pedro, Liam Delap, Cole Palmer, Wesley Fofana and Morgan Rogers among the players receiving notable changes at Stamford Bridge.

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The most eye-catching change sees João Pedro take the No. 9 shirt from Delap after an impressive first season with Chelsea.

The Brazilian forward made a strong impact following his arrival from Brighton, finishing his debut campaign with 20 goals and nine assists across all competitions, according to the figures reported by Daily Post. His new shirt number represents a clear sign of confidence in his importance to the team.

Delap, meanwhile, has been moved to No. 12 after a difficult first campaign at Stamford Bridge. The England striker scored three goals in 47 appearances last season, a return that has fuelled questions over his immediate future at the club.

The No. 9 shirt has traditionally carried considerable weight at Chelsea, particularly because several high-profile forwards have struggled after taking the number. João Pedro now has the opportunity to give the shirt a more positive chapter.

Cole Palmer will also take on a new responsibility after inheriting the No. 10 shirt previously associated with Mykhailo Mudryk.

Palmer has established himself as one of Chelsea’s most influential attacking players, making the move a natural fit as the club begins a new era under head coach Xabi Alonso.

Mudryk has been assigned No. 33 following his return to football after being cleared in his doping case. The Ukrainian winger had previously worn No. 10.

Another defensive change sees Wesley Fofana move into the No. 3 shirt, which was previously worn by Marc Cucurella. Cucurella has joined Real Madrid this summer, creating an opening for Fofana to take the number.

New signing Morgan Rogers will wear No. 17. Rogers joined Chelsea from Aston Villa and arrives as one of the club’s major attacking additions for the new campaign. His arrival is part of Chelsea’s continuing effort to assemble a squad capable of challenging at the top end of English football.

Valentín Barco has also taken the No. 4 shirt, previously worn by Tosin Adarabioyo, while Maxence Lacroix has moved into the No. 5 shirt. Dário Essugo has been assigned No. 16.

The changes come at an important moment for Chelsea, with Alonso preparing for his first competitive season in charge. Chelsea’s opening Premier League fixture is a west London derby against Fulham at Craven Cottage on August 24.

The squad-number reshuffle also reflects the competition for places within a large Chelsea squad. Reports indicate that several players face uncertainty over their futures as the club works to reduce the size of its senior group.

Marc Guiu is among those affected, with the 20-year-old forward reportedly left without a squad number for the new campaign. His previous No. 38 shirt has been allocated to Adarabioyo.

For João Pedro, however, the focus will be firmly on the No. 9 shirt and whether his goalscoring form can continue under Alonso.

The decision places greater expectation on the 24-year-old forward, but his first season at Stamford Bridge provides encouraging evidence that he can handle the responsibility.

Chelsea’s new squad numbers therefore offer more than a simple administrative update. They provide an early indication of the club’s priorities, with established figures such as Palmer receiving prominent roles and emerging players being handed numbers that reflect their growing importance.

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With the new Premier League season approaching, Chelsea will hope the changes signal the beginning of a more settled and successful period under Alonso.