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MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 04: Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Real Madrid, looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Real Betis Balompie at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 04, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Chelsea endured another painful afternoon at Wembley on Saturday. A 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final, with Antoine Semenyo’s strike the difference, summed up what has been a nightmare season for the Blues. Trophyless. Rudderless in the final stretch. A fanbase that has run out of patience.

A few Premier League fixtures remain before Chelsea can finally draw a line under this campaign, but the focus at Stamford Bridge has already shifted to the summer. Liam Rosenior was sacked in April after failing to meet the club’s expectations, leaving the hierarchy to conduct a managerial search with the season still ongoing.

That search now appears to be over.

Chelsea Close In on Xabi Alonso

According to RMC Sport, Chelsea have reached an agreement in principle with Xabi Alonso to become the club’s next permanent manager this summer. Talks have been ongoing for several weeks. Discussions have advanced significantly in recent days. Chelsea are expected to make an official announcement shortly.

Alonso, 44, will be handed a contract of at least two years. He will also be given an active role in shaping the squad during the summer transfer window. For a club that has spent heavily in recent seasons, that level of input into recruitment is a significant commitment.

The club had considered several other candidates during the process, including Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, and Oliver Glasner. Alonso emerged as the clear preference.

Who Is Xabi Alonso

GettyFormer Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso.

Alonso built one of the most remarkable managerial careers in recent European football. At Bayer Leverkusen, he guided the German club to the domestic double in 2024. That title ended Bayern Munich’s long stranglehold on the Bundesliga. Leverkusen also reached the Europa League final that season, losing to Atalanta.

His success at Leverkusen earned him the Real Madrid job. His time in the Spanish capital lasted just 233 days before he was dismissed in January. He has been without a club since.

Alonso had also been linked with a return to Liverpool, where he spent five seasons as a player and remains deeply popular. The Anfield club are sticking with Arne Slot heading into next season. That cleared the path for Chelsea to move quickly.

What It Means for Chelsea

The appointment would represent a significant statement of intent from Chelsea’s ownership. Alonso is one of the most coveted young managers in world football. Landing him ahead of clubs like Liverpool signals real ambition from the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.

His track record of building cohesive, high-pressing teams that play attractive football fits what Chelsea’s fanbase has been demanding. Whether he can translate that success to the Premier League is the challenge that now awaits him.

The summer transfer window will be the first real test. With input into recruitment, Alonso can shape the squad in his image from day one.

Final Word

Chelsea lost the FA Cup final on Saturday. By the time next season begins, they could have one of the most exciting young managers in European football in the dugout.

The rebuild starts now. Alonso has done it before.

Stamford Bridge will be watching closely.