Chelsea to face new '£130m' blow in 2026-27 - Stefan Borson

Chelsea are likely to suffer from a £130million loss during Xabi Alonso's first campaign in charge at Stamford Bridge.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that broadcasting money will be vastly different in 2026-27.

With Premier League and Champions League football, mixed with a run in the FA Cup, the Blues are believed to have earned £310m in TV money.

That also includes the Club World Cup before the 2025-26 campaign properly kicked off, but that will not be the case this time around in West London.

Eyebrows were raised when Alonso chose Chelsea over waiting for the Liverpool job to become available, and he now has a rather difficult challenge on his hands.

With the Blues finishing 10th in the Premier League last term, there will be no European football to worry about, but that isn't the positive it might be made out to be.

Chelsea set to be '£130m down at best'

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson explained just how costly the 2025-26 campaign was for Chelsea, and why it matters for Alonso and his players.

"If you look at what their numbers were for the season and what they're going to go to for 26-27 with no Europe..." he began saying.

"In TV and broadcast money, they did about £310m during the season just gone, but next season, we know that, depending on where they finish in the league, it's probably at best £170m-£180m.

"At best, they're going to be £130m down just on broadcast. Now they're going to have fewer games, no Europe.

"So you would think they're going to do well if they can hold their matchday income. And commercially, they still don't have a front of shirt sponsor.

"All of these things are negative. Next season's numbers are going to be challenging again, and what's going to happen with their wage bill?"

How can Xabi Alonso raise funds this summer?

Well, looking at the current squad, there will be multiple members that could certainly be moved on to create some funds this summer.

The Blues are reportedly already open to selling Alejandro Garnacho, just 12 months on from his arrival, with the same going for Liam Delap.

Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and Nicolas Jackson could all follow Andrey Santos through the exit doors after his move to Manchester United.

Enzo Fernandez could even get his dream move to Real Madrid, but that woud be a huge blow to the creativity in the starting lineup, especially if they fail to replace him.