What about Mkhailo Mudryk? Chelsea confirm Cole Palmer shirt number change as England star takes 10 from Ukrainian winger serving doping ban

England star Palmer has worn the No.20 jersey since completing a transfer to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City in the summer of 2023. He has become a talismanic presence in west London, claiming PFA Young Player of the Year honours in his debut campaign.

Palmer is the key creative cog in Chelsea’s attacking machine, registering 37 goals and 22 assists across the last two seasons. It makes sense that he would fill the fabled No.10 spot in the Blues’ ranks.

He will be doing just that in 2025-26, with his number change being announced ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. Palmer is following in the footsteps of Joe Cole, Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and USMNT star Christian Pulisic.

It is, however, Ukrainian forward Mudryk - who joined Chelsea for £89 million ($121m) in January 2023 - that he has inherited No.10 from. The 24-year-old winger is currently serving a suspension after testing positive for the banned substance Meldonium and has not made a competitive appearance since November 2024.

Mudryk has always maintained his innocence, as he faces a ban similar to that handed out to former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, but is still waiting to discover his fate and appears to have been ruled out of Chelsea’s immediate plans after being left without a squad number.