Chelsea is set to officially sign 17-year-old Kazakhstani player Dastan Satpaev, adding to an already expansive squad, according to L’Équipe. The move comes as Chelsea currently boasts 38 players under contract, the largest in the English top flight, exceeding even Tottenham Hotspur’s 37. The average squad size across the Premier League is currently 29.4 players as of July 22nd.
Chelsea has been a frequent subject of criticism regarding its squad management, with a reputation for a bloated roster, numerous loan deals, and high transfer fees. Despite shedding players – reducing the squad from 58 athletes in the 2024-2025 season – the club continues to accumulate talent. This latest addition highlights the ongoing investment in the playing squad under the ownership of Todd Boehly.
The signing of Satpaev adds further depth to a Chelsea squad already well-stocked in most positions. Competition is particularly fierce amongst the goalkeepers, with Robert Sanchez, Filip Jörgensen, Mike Penders, Gabriel Slonina, and Teddy Sharman-Lowe all vying for a place. Defensive positions are similarly crowded, with multiple options at both centre-back and full-back, including recent arrival Marco Palestra from Atalanta for a reported €57 million.
Chelsea’s midfield appears to be the most streamlined area of the pitch, largely revolving around Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. However, the attacking options are plentiful, with Estevao, Pedro Neto, and Geovany Quenda competing on the right wing, and a number of forwards including Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Emmanuel Emegha, and Marc Guiu battling for the central striker role following the expiration of loan deals for Nicolas Jackson and David Datro Fofana. The club faces the challenge of managing this large squad within Premier League regulations, which limit teams to registering only 25 players.
With Chelsea absent from European competition in the 2026-2027 season, squad management will be crucial. The addition of Satpaev, while adding potential, underscores the ongoing challenge of integrating a large number of players into a cohesive and competitive team.
