Chelsea F.C. have reportedly reached an agreement with former Real Madrid CF and Bayer 04 Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso to become the club’s new head coach on a four-year contract.
The Blues are said to have moved swiftly to secure the Spaniard as they continue their search for stability following another disappointing season.
The development comes just hours after Chelsea suffered a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City F.C. in the FA Cup final, further deepening frustrations in a campaign marked by inconsistency in both domestic and cup competitions.
Chelsea have been without a permanent manager since the dismissal of Liam Rosenior in April after only three months in charge.
The club’s hierarchy is now hoping Alonso can inspire a revival at Stamford Bridge and restore the team’s competitiveness at the highest level.
Alonso, 44, has emerged as one of Europe’s most highly rated young coaches after guiding Leverkusen to a historic league and cup double during the 2023/24 season.
However, his spell at Real Madrid ended abruptly after less than eight months, paving the way for a possible return to management in England.
If confirmed, Alonso would become the fifth permanent managerial appointment under Chelsea’s BlueCo ownership, following the tenures of Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca and Rosenior.
Chelsea are currently ninth in the Premier League table and face an uphill task to secure qualification for European competition, increasing the pressure on Alonso to quickly turn around the fortunes of the West London club.
