File photo: Xabi Alonso has been without a job after being sacked by his former club, Real Madrid, in January. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Xabi Alonso is set to take over as Chelsea’s manager for next season as per reports.

The 44-year-old has been without a job since being sacked by his former club Real Madrid in January, following his side’s Spanish Super Cup final loss against Barcelona.

He will take over the reins from interim manager Calum McFarlane, who himself took over from Liam Rosenior, who lasted ‌less than four months following the new year departure of Enzo Maresca.

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Sitting ninth in the table, Chelsea’s hopes of European football next season ⁠look very slim, especially after the FA Cup loss against Manchester City on Saturday.

The appointment would mark Alonso's return to the Premier League for the first time since 2009, when he left after five years with Liverpool.

Alonso’s first major managerial role came with Bayer Leverkusen, leading the side to a domestic double in the 2023-24 season.

Published on May 16, 2026