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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‘s season has been one to forget. A campaign that promised progress has instead delivered turmoil, with Liam Rosenior‘s departure the latest chapter in an increasingly unsettled period at Stamford Bridge. The club is on course to miss out on Champions League football, their wage bill remains substantial, and a significant rebuild is looming this summer.
The ownership group knows the next managerial appointment is one of the most important decisions they will make. According to The i Paper, they have a clear frontrunner in mind.
GettyFormer Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso.
The i Paper reports that Xabi Alonso has emerged as the leading candidate for the Chelsea job. The former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid manager has high-profile backing within the ownership group and is understood to be open to the prospect of joining the Blues. Appointing Alonso would represent a significant coup given he is one of the most coveted managerial talents in world football right now.
Alonso led Leverkusen to an unprecedented domestic double in 2024 before taking over at Real Madrid earlier this year. He left the Bernabeu at the start of 2026 and has been without a club since. He is keen to return to management this summer, which works in Chelsea’s favor as they look to have an appointment in place before the transfer window opens.
Chelsea also have interest in Fulham manager Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, who is set to become a free agent shortly. Cesc Fabregas, a popular choice among supporters given his time as a player at the club, has also been linked but early indications suggest he will remain at Como for another season.
🚨 Chelsea has other candidates with Marco Silva & Andoni Iraola both of interest, but Xabi Alonso has some high-profile backing inside the ownership group & would represent something of a coup given he is one of the hottest managerial properties available.
GettyChelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali.
The pursuit of Alonso carries significance beyond the appointment itself. The i Paper reports that Chelsea’s ownership appears willing to cede more control over recruitment to their next manager. That would represent a notable shift from recent appointments.
Rosenior was widely viewed as a club hierarchy hire. His credibility with certain players suffered as a result. Maresca’s departure came amid reported clashes over transfer decisions. A manager of Alonso’s profile would be unlikely to accept a similar arrangement. Chelsea appear prepared to offer him the kind of influence over transfers that his predecessors did not have.
That dynamic will be central to any negotiation. Alonso will want assurances before committing to what is shaping up to be a substantial rebuild.
Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City gives Chelsea a chance to salvage something from a disappointing campaign. Beyond that, the focus shifts entirely to the summer.
A manager of Alonso’s caliber would immediately change the perception of where this club is heading. The question is whether Chelsea can move quickly enough to get the deal done before other options emerge for him.
The reset starts this summer. Alonso could be the man to lead it.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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