After Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government on Thursday, Chelsea are currently unable to hand out new contracts to players.
This is according to various outlets including The Times, who report: “It will be impossible to renegotiate contracts with existing players, but existing players and staff’s salaries will still be paid under the licence. An emergency meeting is taking place at Stamford Bridge this morning.”
Abramovich is unable to sell Chelsea, as things stand, after his assets were frozen. However, the sale could still go ahead if no proceeds went to the Russian billionaire, according to a report from iNews.
The Blues have been given a special license to continue with football-related activities but can’t sell tickets to fans who aren’t season-ticket holders. The club’s merchandise shop has also been closed.
While staff and players will be paid, Chelsea will not be able to sign players or award existing squad members with new deals.
There are currently eight players on Chelsea’s books whose contracts expire this summer, per Sportrac, Transfermarkt and other sources:
Which Chelsea players out of contract in 2022?
Antonio Rudiger
Andreas Christensen
Cesar Azpilicueta
Charly Musonda Jr
Danny Drinkwater
Baba Rahman
Jake Clarke-Salter
Saul Niguez (End of loan)
All of these players, including club captain Azpilicueta, are now on course to leave Stamford Bridge this summer as free agents.
PORTO, PORTUGAL - MAY 29: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea celebrates with the Champions League Trophy following their team's victory in the UEFA Champions League Final between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Estadio do Dragao on May 29, 2021 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Manu Fernandez - Pool/Getty Images)
Which Chelsea players out of contract in 2023?
N’Golo Kante
Jorginho
Marcos Alonso
Ross Barkley
Kenedy
Thiago Silva
Marcus Bettinelli
Matt Miazga
Michy Batshuayi
Billy Gilmour
Nathan Baxter
All of these players will be able to negotiate deals with overseas clubs from January 1, 2023.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: N'Golo Kante of Chelsea runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on January 23, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Which Chelsea players out of contract in 2024?
Mason Mount
Mateo Kovacic
Christian Pulisic
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Ethan Ampadu
Tiemoue Bakayoko
With just over two years remaining on these players’ contracts, Chelsea will have fewer fears here.
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - MARCH 05: Mason Mount of Chelsea arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Burnley and Chelsea at Turf Moor on March 05, 2022 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Which Chelsea players out of contract in 2025?
Kai Havertz
Reece James
Timo Werner
Ben Chilwell
Hakim Ziyech
Edouard Mendy
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Malang Sarr
Chelsea have tied these players down to long-term contracts, so we can expect them to remain at Stamford Bridge for the foreseeable future.
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Edouard Mendy of Chelsea clears the ball during the UEFA Champions League Round Of Sixteen First Leg match between Chelsea FC and Lille OSC at Stamford Bridge on February 22, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Which Chelsea players out of contract in 2026?
Romelu Lukaku
Trevoh Chalobah
Armando Broja
Chelsea are in no danger of losing record signing Lukaku, Chalobah or Broja any time soon.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Romelu Lukaku of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on January 23, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
What else do the sanctions mean for Chelsea?
What else do the sanctions imposed on Abramovich mean for Chelsea?
Per The Telegraph:
‘Chelsea are now under under an effective transfer embargo, with new loans and permanent deals banned
Existing loans/transfer deals can still be paid.’
‘Broadcast and prize money can be received but will be frozen.’
‘Merchandising sales may continue but money cannot go to Chelsea.’
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: The Chelsea badge is seen on a blue wall ahead of the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Swansea City at Stamford Bridge on December 26, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
‘The club is limited to £20,000 travel expenses per match.’
‘There is also a limit to £500,000 on security, stewarding and catering costs per match.’
‘No new ticket sales - season ticket holders and existing ticket holders only.’
'No stadium work or redevelopment.'
Roman Abramovich sanctioned (Football Terrace)
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