English side Chelsea have officially confirmed the allocation of squad numbers ahead of the start of the new season. According to talkSPORT and Goal.com, one of the most notable decisions was awarding striker Joao Pedro the legendary number nine. The club views this as a well-deserved recognition of the Brazilian's outstanding performances during the previous campaign, in which he became one of the key players in attack.
Joao Pedro's Nine — Recognition of His Merits
Receiving the number nine became a symbolic milestone in the period of change the team is undergoing under head coach Xabi Alonso. For Pedro, this is not just a change of number on his back, but a marker of his status in the hierarchy of the Blues' attacking line. The club hopes the new number will serve as an additional incentive to continue his prolific form in the coming season.
Delap and His Number 12: The Shadow of Transfer Rumours
At the same time, the reshuffle also affected Liam Delap, who will wear the number 12 in the new season. Since his move from Ipswich Town in 2025, the Englishman had been playing under the number nine, however he scored just three goals in 47 matches last season. Against the backdrop of competition from Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, his place in the starting lineup was called into question. Despite a valid five-year contract, it is expected that the striker will leave Stamford Bridge before the close of the transfer window: the player prefers to stay in the English Premier League, while Italian side Como have shown interest in him.
Rodgers Inherits the Legends' Number 17
The club's record signing Morgan Rodgers has been given the number 17 for the new season. This number in Chelsea's history is associated with the names of Eden Hazard, Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling, which adds an extra layer of symbolic weight to the choice. For Rodgers himself, this is a start under a number that carries the legacy of past generations of the Londoners' attacking players.
Mudryk and Palmer: A Reshuffle in the Attacking Line
Particular attention deserves the fate of the number ten. Having received permission to return to the pitch, Mykhailo Mudryk will take the number 33 in the new season, while his former ten has passed to Cole Palmer. Thus, the club has effectively fixed a new balance of power in the attacking line, where Palmer gains the status of one of the team's central figures.
Context: The Xabi Alonso Era
All these changes are taking place against the backdrop of a general squad overhaul and tactical priorities under Xabi Alonso. The choice of numbers reflects not only the players' current form, but also the coaching staff's long-term plans for building the core of the attack. For Chelsea, this is a step towards defining roles up front ahead of the start of the full campaign.
