Will Satpayev leave Chelsea? Favorite named in the race for the Kazakhstani
The 17-year-old footballer, whose rights are owned by London's Chelsea, risks falling out of Xabi Alonso's primary plans. According to media reports, the squad currently consists of 41 players, and the coach must trim the roster to 25 players due to FIFA regulations.
There is no official confirmation that Satpayev will definitely be among those sidelined, but Chelsea already has Gittens and Mudryk on the left wing alone, and the Londoners' entire attacking line appears bloated.
Options for Satpayev
Over the past week, reports have emerged in the English-language media regarding interest in Satpayev from Hull City, who have been promoted to the Premier League. In such a side, the young Kazakhstani would be far more likely to find a place in the starting lineup.
Furthermore, like most newcomers, Hull would likely play defensively in most matches, and a counter-attacking model is familiar to Dastan from his time with the Kazakhstan national team and Kairat in the Champions League.
???? EXCLUSIVEHull City have made a move to sign Dastan Satpayev on loan from Chelsea. The Blues are looking to send the teenager out this season, and was earmarked for Strasbourg. pic.twitter.com/DCsTB0XpPp
— The Sportzine (@TheSportzine) August 8, 2026
Other media outlets have dismissed the Hull option as false, claiming that the French side Strasbourg remains the primary favorite to land the Kazakhstani. This team belongs to the same owners as Chelsea, which is why many players owned by the London club pass through its ranks.
"Unfortunately, rumors of Hull City's interest in Dastan Satpayev are untrue. At the moment, French side Strasbourg is leading the race for his loan," claims Scout of Eurasia.
???? EXCL: Unfortunately, Hull City’s interest in Dastan Satpayev is not true. French side Strasbourg are currently leading the race for a loan deal. pic.twitter.com/l1VVQpvYTc
— Scout in Eurasia (@ScoutEurasia) August 10, 2026
Given his age, another option exists for Dastan: staying at Chelsea and fighting for a spot in the first team through the youth squad. Last season, the London club's U18 and U21 teams won their respective English championships, and Satpayev could potentially join one of them.
Satpayev could return to Kairat
Another scenario for Satpayev's career being circulated in the media is a possible return to Kairat. According to sources, Chelsea could loan Dastan back to his former club to allow him to gain more match practice in European competitions.
"If the Almaty side defeats Levski and guarantees at least a place in the Europa League group stage, the likelihood of Satpayev's temporary return to Kazakhstan will increase significantly," source media reports state.
It's worth noting that Chelsea will not compete internationally in the 2026/2027 season, while Kairat has already secured at least a spot in the Conference League league phase.
Xabi Alonso trusts Satpayev and discusses him at a press conference
As a reminder, as recently as mid-June, Dastan Satpayev was playing his final games for Kairat, yet by late July, he was in the starting lineup for Chelsea's first open pre-season game and immediately scored.
Following that, the manager brought him on for at least a few minutes in three out of four matches: 20 minutes against Tottenham, 30 against Juventus, and 7 against Johor.
Alonso lists Dastan among his attacking assets, thereby emphasizing that Satpayev is part of his plans.
View this post on Instagram
A post from FC Kairat Almaty (@f.c.kairat)
Notably, Chelsea will play its final friendly match before the season starts on August 15, and will face Fulham in the English Premier League on the night of August 24–25. It is likely that the Kazakhstani player's future will be clarified by then.
"Discipline brings freedom": Chelsea coach speaks out on Satpayev