Chelsea have reached an agreement in principle with Xabi Alonso to become their next permanent manager, with the Spaniard set to sign a four-year contract. The 44-year-old former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss is expected to be officially appointed in the coming days, replacing Liam Rosenior who was sacked last month.
Alonso emerged as Chelsea's preferred candidate after the club initiated contact with several potential managers, including Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, and Oliver Glasner. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder has been out of work since leaving Real in January after less than eight months in charge.
His most notable success came at Leverkusen, where he led the club to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and the German Cup in the 2023-24 season. Alonso's arrival at Stamford Bridge has been anticipated for weeks, with the club waiting until after the FA Cup final against Manchester City to announce the move.
Alonso had also been linked with a return to Liverpool, where he spent five seasons as a player, but the Anfield club is reportedly planning to retain Arne Slot for next season despite a disappointing campaign.
Analysis
Football reporter Nizaar Kinsella notes that Alonso was always open to the Chelsea role and is highly enthusiastic about the challenge. The task ahead will be to galvanize a squad that has underperformed this season.