Last summer Chelsea took 29 players to America for their pre-season tour. This season 13 of those have already left the club on permament deals. When taking into account the two players that didn't travel due to Covid vaccination status, it's 15 out of 31 that have left.
Looking ahead to those from that group which may be there come mid-July when things really start to ramp up, only eight feel certain to head out to USA. Although transfers away can take a while to finalise and complete, if Mauricio Pochettino is as determined to build the foundation of his squad on those that wish to remain at Stamford Bridge, there will be little to gain from taking a group of up to eight players that could yet be on their way out.
Even with the confirmed departures of Edouard Mendy, Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Kalidou Koulibaly and Kai Havertz, there are more to follow. Mason Mount is close to departing for Old Trafford - ironically Chelsea play Manchester United as part of their five game series on the east coast - and Hakim Ziyech is negotiating terms to move to Saudi Arabia despite medical issues.
