Chelsea could still add new signings to squad thanks to little-known Premier League rule

Chelsea would still be able to add new players to their Premier League squad before the next transfer window

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has assembled a formidable squad and could still add reinforcements outside of the transfer window. The new-look Blues have made a strong start to the season.

The club welcomed 11 recruits during the summer window, with several quickly making an impact. Morgan Rogers made headlines with his £117million move to Stamford Bridge and has impressively scored three goals and provided four assists in his seven appearances.

Emiliano Martinez has established himself as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper; Maxence Lacroix and Pep Chavarría have bolstered their defence, while midfielder Valentin Barco and striker Danny Welbeck have made positive starts as rotational options.

Following a summer of change, overseen by an incoming manager, the Blues have an array of different players at their disposal. However, under Premier League rules, the club could still make new signings before the winter transfer window as there are five spots available in their squad.

Chelsea named 20 senior players in their squad, five short of the 25-player limit. It means Alonso would be able to add free agents to his squad before the next transfer window, subject to the Premier League Board’s approval as per rule U7.

All first-team Premier League squads must include no more than 17 non-homegrown players. A homegrown player is defined by spending at least three seasons with a club in England or Wales before turning 21.

However, the Blues have just eight stars who do not fit these criteria, meaning Chelsea are eligible to name up to 25 first-team players. It means the club would not be restricted to signing just homegrown players either, should they decide they want to bolster their squad with a free agent addition.

Premier League rule U8 states that, in addition to other relevant documents, all clubs must submit any contract they propose to enter when attempting to sign a new player. Although Chelsea can bring in free transfers, section V4 states that the Premier League Board also has absolute discretion to refuse an application to register a player.

The Premier League can also impose certain conditions on the club and player as part of the transfer, if deemed appropriate. Chelsea would hope to avoid any refusals or conditions if Alonso chooses to delve into the free agent market. It is also worth noting that the manager has more than 20 players to call upon through the club’s under-21 list.

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Young players born on or after January 1, 2005, are included in a different Premier League list and are considered separate from the 20-man first-team squad. However, they are eligible to feature for the Blues in league games.

Brazilian forward Estevao is one of the high-profile names not to feature in the 20-man senior squad list, with the 19-year-old named as one of the club’s U21 stars. Summer signings Geovany Quenda and Marco Palestra are also classed as U21 players.

The same goes for backup goalkeeper Mike Penders, young defender Josh Acheampong and full-back Jorrel Hato. The latter has started all four of the club’s league games so far this term.

The Blues could add to their squad before the next transfer window, but the team’s immediate focus will be on returning to winning ways following their draw with Hull City at the weekend. Chelsea face a tricky test away at Brentford on Friday night.