Chelsea may be running out of available shirt numbers after their transfer business this summer.
The Blues have made nine new signings this summer meaning new manager Enzo Maresca will have a squad of over 40 players to choose from this season.
The spending spree at Stamford Bridge appears to have no end, with Chelsea still in the market for more additions despite having already spent over £160million this window.
Chelsea continue to be linked with Victor Osimhen while they have also explored a deal to bring Joao Felix back to the club.
A marquee deal for a new centre-forward would likely come in as Chelsea’s most expensive deal of the summer, but as it stands that honour goes to Pedro Neto, who joined from Wolves in a £54million deal.
It is bizarre to think that Pedro Neto is not even guaranteed a starting spot at Chelsea after arriving for such a big fee, but Chelsea’s huge list of wingers means that he will have to fight for his spot.
His new shirt number at Chelsea doesn’t exactly suggest he will be in the first-choice XI, but it does suggest that an academy star will be leaving this month.
Pedro Neto shirt number revealed
Chelsea revealed via X on Wednesday that Neto has been handed the No.19 for the 2024-25 campaign.
They have left the number nine shirt free amid continued links to a new striker, but Neto’s new number spells bad news for Armando Broja.
The 22-year-old wore the number 19 at Stamford Bridge, but it has been taken away from him and given to Neto.
HITC can confirm that Broja has been training away from the first team and is set to leave the club before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
Broja spent the second half of last season on loan to Fulham, and he has attracted interest from Premier League duo Everton and Southampton this summer.
HITC understands there is also interest from overseas. Chelsea want Broja sold this summer as they look to thin their overpopulated squad.
Chelsea are also looking to offload £70 million signing Wesley Fofana this summer – the defender also made a number change to No.29 this summer.
What next for Armando Broja?
Broja’s time at Chelsea is up. He is set to become the latest academy product sent to the exit door to fund the club’s spending spree.
Ultimately, Chelsea are in the market for a new striker and they want a marquee name such as Osimhen.
A move to a Premier League rival could be on the cards for Broja with interest from Everton and Southampton. He would be guaranteed first-team minutes at both sides.