Chelsea Set to Unleash New Signings Hato and Gittens Against Bayer Leverkusen
Chelsea make their return to Stamford Bridge as global champions this Friday night when they welcome Bayer Leverkusen for the opening match of their two preseason exhibition games.
The Blues' summer period has been predominantly occupied by the FIFA Club World Cup, a tournament Chelsea claimed victory in against expectations after defeating European titleholders Paris Saint-Germain in the championship match. Enzo Maresca's team has been on holiday since their triumph but has now resumed preparations for the upcoming Premier League season, which begins on Aug. 17 for the London-based club.
Throughout the Club World Cup period in the United States, Chelsea have been bolstering their roster through transfer activity. Multiple new acquisitions are anticipated to make their Stamford Bridge debuts on Friday, with several players set to wear the iconic blue jersey for their inaugural appearance.
This is how Chelsea might field their team against Leverkusen.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Bayer Leverkusen (4-2-3-1)
GK: Robert Sánchez—Chelsea have opted not to recruit a new shot-stopper this summer despite ongoing questions about Sánchez's reliability. The Spanish keeper has shown notable improvement recently but remains prone to occasional errors.
RB: Reece James—The Chelsea skipper has successfully stayed injury-free for multiple months and will hope his physical luck extends into the 2025–26 campaign.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah—With Wesley Fofana expected to be fit for the Premier League opener, additional pressure falls on Chalobah. The English defender made a strong impression at home last season but needs to sustain his performance level to keep Fofana at bay.
CB: Jorrel Hato—Following Enzo Maresca's confirmation of Levi Colwill's injury, the adaptable Hato might receive his unofficial first appearance. The Dutch player's ability to operate at both left-back and center-back positions makes him an extremely valuable squad member for next season.
LB: Marc Cucurella—Cucurella has earned favorite status among Chelsea supporters through his dedicated and energetic displays on the defensive left flank. He will look to maintain his impressive form in the coming campaign.
DM: Moisés Caicedo—Caicedo played a vital role in Chelsea's world championship triumph this summer, continuing to justify the massive potential that led the Blues to invest £115 million in acquiring him.
DM: Enzo Fernández—The Argentine represents another high-value Chelsea midfielder who has found his rhythm with the London club, developing into an excellent all-around player while contributing significantly in attack.
RW: Pedro Neto—Neto shone during the Club World Cup with three strikes in the group phase and round of 16. Following Noni Madueke's transfer to Arsenal, the Portuguese winger should face reduced competition for his starting position—at least until Chelsea potentially secure Xavi Simons and/or Alejandro Garnacho.
AM: Cole Palmer—Palmer served as Chelsea's key figure in the Club World Cup final with a standout performance. The England midfielder's form dipped in 2024–25 after his outstanding inaugural season, but he begins the new term showing promising signs.
LW: Jamie Gittens—Chelsea's star-filled attack welcomes a new addition in Gittens, who was unavailable for the Blues during the Club World Cup. Friday will mark his debut appearance since his high-profile transfer from Borussia Dortmund.
ST: João Pedro—The Brazilian striker made an instant impression during the Club World Cup's final stages, quickly winning over Chelsea fans with his performances. He seems to have rapidly established himself as the club's preferred center-forward option.