August 08, (THEWILL) – Chelsea have confirmed several squad number changes ahead of the 2023/2024 season, following a busy summer transfer window under new manager, Mauricio Pochettino.
The Blues have made seven new signings including Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi, Robert Sanchez, Lesley Ugochukwu, Andrey Santos and Malo Gusto. Existing players like Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke have also been given new shirt numbers after impressing in pre-season.
Fernandez takes over the number 8 shirt, made iconic by Chelsea legend, Frank Lampard, while Mudryk will wear 10 and Sterling has changed to 7. Promising youngsters, Levi Colwill and Ian Maatsen have also been given first-team squad numbers, highlighting Pochettino’s faith in the club’s Academy prospects. Colwill will wear 26, made famous by Chelsea great, John Terry, while Maatsen takes 29.
With several new arrivals and returning loanees, Chelsea fans can look forward to a rejuvenated squad challenging for honours this season. Pochettino has refreshed the side after taking over from Graham Potter, putting his own stamp on the team. The new numbers reflect the manager’s vision and desire to build for the future, while also integrating experienced new signings.
Chelsea will open the season against Liverpool at home on Sunday, August 13. The match will kick off at 4.30pm and promises to be a mouthwatering clash between two of teams hoping to reclaim some of their lost English Premier League momentum after an underwhelming previous season. It will also be the first game for Chelsea’s new manager, Mauricio Pochettino.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
