Xabi Alonso Appears to Confirm Chelsea Move as Blues Close In on New Manager

Xabi Alonso has seemingly confirmed reports linking him with the managerial position at Chelsea after sharing a social media post suggesting he is close to taking charge at Stamford Bridge.

According to widespread reports, Chelsea have reached an agreement with the former Real Madrid manager over a four-year contract as the club continues its search for a permanent replacement following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior.

Calum McFarlane has been overseeing first-team affairs on an interim basis since Rosenior’s departure.

Speculation surrounding Alonso’s future intensified after the Spaniard reposted a report from Spanish publication Marca on social media. The headline translated to: “Xabi Alonso on the verge of becoming Chelsea manager.”

The former Liverpool midfielder had also been linked with a potential return to Anfield amid scrutiny surrounding current Liverpool boss Arne Slot following the club’s underwhelming Premier League title defence.

However, Liverpool are understood to be continuing with Slot, opening the door for Chelsea to accelerate their pursuit of Alonso.

Reports suggest Chelsea became increasingly confident during discussions with Alonso’s representatives after learning the Spaniard was eager to return to the Premier League and viewed Stamford Bridge as an attractive destination.

Alonso established himself as one of Europe’s most highly regarded young coaches during his spell with Bayer Leverkusen, guiding the Bundesliga side to a historic league title while completing the domestic campaign unbeaten.

His success in Germany earned him the Real Madrid job in 2025, although his spell at the Santiago Bernabéu proved short-lived.

The 44-year-old lasted just 34 matches in charge before being dismissed in January following a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.

Spanish reports claimed Alonso’s departure from Madrid was influenced by dressing-room tensions and player unrest.

Chelsea are believed to have reassured Alonso that he would have significant influence over football operations and squad management should he complete the move to west London.

The anticipated appointment comes less than 24 hours after Chelsea suffered a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

A second-half goal from Antoine Semenyo proved decisive, condemning Chelsea to another season without silverware.

Alonso is expected to officially begin work this summer after reportedly visiting the club’s facilities last week.

In the meantime, interim manager McFarlane will remain in charge for Chelsea’s final two Premier League fixtures of the campaign.

The Blues conclude their season with a home clash against Tottenham Hotspur before travelling to face Sunderland on the final day of the season.

Alonso is expected to closely monitor both matches as he begins assessing his squad ahead of the summer transfer window.

Should the appointment be finalised, Alonso would become the sixth permanent manager hired under Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.

Previous appointments under the current ownership group include Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.