Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge after being stripped of his No. 17 shirt, with Brazilian youngster Andrey Santos taking over the number ahead of the new season.
The development marks another setback for the 21-year-old, who was notably excluded from Chelsea’s preseason tour squad currently competing in the Club World Cup.
Chukwuemeka, of Nigerian descent through his parents, spent the latter half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, where he impressed Bundesliga observers with his technical ability and mature performances.
Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has publicly expressed interest in extending the England U21 international’s stay, telling reporters: “We see real potential in Carney and would welcome him back.”
The shirt number reassignment follows a pattern of diminishing opportunities for Chukwuemeka at Chelsea, where he’s made just 12 first-team appearances since his £20 million move from Aston Villa in 2022.
Sources close to the player suggest he’s now resigned to pursuing his career elsewhere, with several Premier League clubs and European sides monitoring his situation.
Chelsea’s decision comes amid a broader squad overhaul under manager Enzo Maresca, who appears to have made his assessment of the young midfielder’s place in his plans.
The London club’s hierarchy has shown willingness to sanction departures for several academy products this summer as they seek to balance the books after heavy transfer spending.
