Chelsea have reshuffled their squad numbers ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season, with Joao Pedro taking over the prestigious No.9 shirt previously worn by Liam Delap.
The change is another indication of the Brazilian forward’s growing importance at Stamford Bridge following an outstanding first campaign with the club. Pedro was one of Chelsea’s standout performers last season and was recognised as the club’s Player of the Year after contributing 20 goals and nine assists across all competitions.
His promotion to the No.9 shirt represents a significant show of confidence from Chelsea as the club prepares for another demanding season under manager Xabi Alonso.
For Delap, however, the situation is considerably less encouraging.
The England striker has been moved from No.9 to No.12, fuelling further speculation that his time at Stamford Bridge could be coming to an end. Delap arrived at Chelsea from Ipswich Town in 2025 and initially inherited the famous shirt, but his first season failed to produce the impact expected from the highly rated forward.
The 23 year old managed only three goals in 47 appearances last season, leaving him behind several other attacking options in Chelsea’s squad.
With Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu also competing for opportunities in the central striker position, Delap’s chances of securing regular first team football could become increasingly limited.
Chelsea are reportedly prepared to consider offers for the striker before the transfer window closes. Despite having five years remaining on his contract, Delap is understood to be assessing his options as he looks for a situation where he can play more consistently.
A move within the Premier League would reportedly be his preferred option, with the striker hoping that interest from an English club develops before the transfer deadline.
Italian club Como have already shown an interest in Delap, but the forward is believed to be prepared to wait for a suitable opportunity in England rather than immediately accepting a move abroad.
The decision over Delap’s future is just one of several squad management issues facing Alonso as he prepares Chelsea for the new campaign.
The club have also made a number of other changes to their squad numbers, with several players receiving shirts associated with some of Chelsea’s most recognisable stars.
Wesley Fofana has been given the No.3 shirt, taking over the number previously associated with former Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella. Fofana has worn both No.33 and No.29 since joining Chelsea from Leicester City, but will now begin the new season with a more traditional defensive number.
The change could be particularly significant for Fofana as he looks to establish himself as a key member of Alonso’s defence. The French centre back has endured difficult periods with injuries since arriving at Stamford Bridge, making consistency one of his biggest objectives for the new campaign.
Another major change involves Morgan Rogers.
The British record signing will wear the No.17 shirt during the new season. The number has previously been worn by several high profile Chelsea players, including Eden Hazard, Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling.
Rogers will be hoping to make his own mark on the shirt as he attempts to justify the considerable investment Chelsea have made in bringing him to Stamford Bridge.
There has also been a change involving Mykhailo Mudryk.
The Ukrainian winger has been handed the No.33 shirt after being cleared to return to football. His previous No.10 shirt has now been taken by Cole Palmer, further highlighting the changing hierarchy within Chelsea’s squad.
Palmer’s move to the No.10 shirt is particularly noteworthy given his growing status at the club. The England international has become one of Chelsea’s most influential attacking players and will be expected to play a central role in Alonso’s plans.
For Joao Pedro, meanwhile, the No.9 shirt comes with significant expectations.
Chelsea’s traditional centre forward has often carried enormous responsibility, and Pedro will now be expected to deliver the goals necessary to push the club towards their domestic and European ambitions.
His performances last season suggest that he is capable of handling the pressure. Twenty goals and nine assists represented an impressive return, but the challenge now is to maintain or even improve those numbers against stronger opposition.
Alonso will also be expected to find the right balance between Pedro, Jackson, Guiu and the club’s other attacking options. The competition for places could be intense, particularly if Delap remains at Stamford Bridge beyond the transfer deadline.
Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign with a London derby against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday night. The fixture will provide an early opportunity for supporters to see how Alonso intends to use his revamped squad.
All eyes will be on Pedro as he officially begins his reign as Chelsea’s No.9, while Delap’s absence from the number could add further intrigue to the club’s opening weeks of the season.
With the transfer window still open, Chelsea’s squad could undergo further changes before the deadline. For now, though, the message from the club’s new shirt allocations is clear: Joao Pedro has moved to the front of the queue, while Delap’s future remains one of the biggest unanswered questions surrounding the Blues.
