Which Chelsea players will say goodbye to Stamford Bridge on Sunday?

Some Chelsea players will say goodbye to Stamford Bridge on Sunday with their futures being elsewhere, who are those individuals?

When one door opens, another one closes; at least that’s how it goes at Chelsea. The talk this season has been centered around Frank Lampard’s youth revolution, with players like Tammy Abraham, Reece James and Mason Mount playing vital roles in the team. As these academy players become more and more important in the Chelsea side, older players are slowly phased out.

For years, Blues fans have groaned for an overhaul to the squad, now it seems as if they’ve finally got their wish. A changing of the guard is in order as Lampard’s staff attempts a rebuild. With Sunday being the last Premier League match of the season—and the Champions League second leg being away to Bayern Munich—it will represent the last time some players step foot in Stamford Bridge as players. There won’t be any Andres Iniesta farewell moments, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be emotional for some.

The only confirmed Chelsea first team player that will be playing elsewhere next season is Pedro. He’s on his way to Roma following the conclusion of the season and his No. 11 is likely to be passed to Timo Werner. Pedro isn’t a legend at Stamford Bridge, as many consider his finest moments in the maroon and navy of Barcelona, but he isn’t terribly far off.

The Spaniard has made over 200 appearances for the club, netting 43 goals and racking up 28 assists. He was an integral part in the Blues’ title-winning side under Antonio Conte. In addition to that Premier League title, Pedro has won an FA Cup and a Europa League with the Blues. One can’t help but hope he gets one last run-out in west London if the game is done and dusted.

The biggest name possibly making his last appearance at the Bridge is Willian. Contract talks have seemingly stalled between the Blues and the Brazilian. As time goes on, it seems less and less likely the 31-year-old sticks around. Willian’s seven-year stint at Chelsea may be coming to a close and if it is, it’s been a special one.

Nobody has truly divided the fanbase like Willian has. There are those who like him and those who don’t, but at the end of the day, he’s been wonderful to the club. If he plays against Wolves, he will make his 340th appearance in a Chelsea shirt. He’s scored 63 goals and created 62 assists, but the most impressive part of his career in west London is his trophy cabinet. Willian’s taken home Chelsea’s Player of the Year award (2015/16), won two English titles (2015, 2017), an FA Cup (2018), one Europa League (’18/19) and a League Cup (2015). No matter what happens with the Brazilian following the conclusion of the season, he’ll always hate Tottenham.

Besides the wingers, there are two groups of players that may bow out of Stamford Bridge against Wolves—those almost guaranteed to leave and those who are being rumored here and there.

Amongst the players almost certain to depart Chelsea are Emerson, Michy Batshuayi, Jorginho and Kepa Arrizabalaga. Emerson’s stay at Chelsea has been a short one—as has almost everybody else’s from here on out. He joined the Blues in January of 2018 and has made 54 appearances, his most with any club. Emerson was a part of the FA Cup and Europa League winning sides, but has failed to really establish himself at the surefire starting left back under any manager.

Batshuayi plays a larger role in Chelsea’s history books than anyone else on this list bar Pedro and Willian. Despite three loan moves in four seasons, Batshuayi played a vital part in Chelsea’s title run in 2016/17. The Belgian scored the winner at the Hawthornes to secure the title for the Blues. He’s failed to do much else in his 77 appearances in blue, but he’s become one of the most likable characters in recent memory.

Both Jorginho and Arrizabalaga joined Chelsea last season in big money moves. Maurizio Sarri saw both as integral to his success in west London. The Italian moved on after one season—in which Jorginho and Arrizabalaga thrived—leaving his players behind. Both have struggled under Lampard this year, resulting in whispers of moves elsewhere. They won the Europa League last season and have a chance at FA Cup glory this year, but Sunday will likely be the last time either steps foot in Stamford Bridge.

Then, there is a group of individuals who have been linked to moves away, but nothing is set in stone. These players are Marcos Alonso, Andreas Christensen and Ross Barkley. All of them could leave, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them back in next season’s squad. Alonso has been at Chelsea since late August 2016. He was one of the world’s premier left wing-backs under Conte; winning a Premier League title, an FA Cup and a Europa League. He’ll look to add a second FA Cup this year while adding to his 147 appearances.

Christensen’s been at Chelsea since 2012 and is the central defender most likely to depart in the coming months. He’s had quite the career in London, winning multiple youth trophies, an FA Cup and a Europa League. With three matches remaining this season, he could still yet reach 100 for the club. One can’t help but think where the Dane would be had it not been for that night against Barcelona. He’s still got a lot of potential, but his days in the Premier League seem numbered.

On the topic of where one might be if not for a particular event, Barkley has also gained interest from multiple English clubs. Three managers in as many years and a series of injuries have seen the former Everton midfielder struggle at Chelsea. Despite these hardships, the FA Cup and Europa League winner has played for the Blues 80 times. Of the three players in this category, Barkley is the most likely to stay at the club. The 26-year-old has hit a good run of form in the last few months under Lampard and can be an impactful squad player going forward.

Some players will be met by supporters on Sunday with a somber, sad farewell while others get a ‘good riddance’. Regardless, it’s important to acknowledge the hard work each has put in for Chelsea. Each has helped the Blues achieve some sort of success and although a few of the moves never panned out, we hope for the best for each in their future endeavors.