Joao Pedro takes No.9 jersey off Liam Delap as Chelsea confirm multiple squad number changes

Chelsea have made changes to squad numbers in their playing side with Joao Pedro taking Liam Delap’s jersey.

The Brazilian striker has been named the club’s new No.9 ahead of the new campaign with Delap settling for No.12.

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It comes after Pedro was named the Blues’ Player of the Year last season following 20 goals and nine assists in all competitions.

The 24-year-old previously wore the No.9 jersey for Brighton during his time on the south coast.

Chelsea squad number changes

His switch from No.20, which he had worn following his arrival from the Seagulls last summer, has seen Delap, who has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, stripped of his squad number.

Delap had been Chelsea’s No.9 since signing from Ipswich Town in June 2025.

talkSPORT understands he 23-year-old is amongst the strikers under consideration for an exit despite having five years left on his deal.

Alongside Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, Delap is available for offers before the transfer window closes.

His preference would be to remain in England for the upcoming season.

Although Italian side Como have shown interest, Delap is hopeful offers from within the Premier League emerge before the window closes.

The former England Under-21 international scored three goals in 47 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions last season.

Of those only one came in the Premier League, a consolation strike in a defeat to Fulham back in January.

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Chelsea squad numbers revealed

Elsewhere, Wesley Fofana has also been handed a new squad number, inheriting the No.3 from the departed Marc Cucurella.

Fofana has previously worn both No.33 and No.29 for the Blues since signing from Leicester City four years ago.

British-record signing Morgan Rogers will wear the No.17 shirt for Xabi Alonso’s side this term.

Notable former recipients include Eden Hazard, Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling.

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Mykailo Mudryk has also received a new number after being cleared to return to action following the resolution of his doping case.

The winger will wear the No.33 shirt this season, with his old No.10 now held by Cole Palmer.

Defender Tosin Adarabioyo no longer holds the No.4 jersey and instead has No.38, which was previously held by Guiu, who now doesn’t have a number.

Chelsea begin their season away to local rivals Fulham on Monday night.

The two sides meet at Craven Cottage, with kick-off at 8pm live on talkSPORT.