Chelsea have reached a full agreement with Xabi Alonso for the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen manager to become their next head coach. The news emerged just minutes after Chelsea’s FA Cup final defeat at Wembley Stadium.
FA Cup Final Loss Precedes Announcement
The Blues, under interim manager Calum McFarlane, lost 1-0 to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, with Antoine Semenyo scoring the decisive goal. Alonso is expected to sign a four-year contract, currently being finalised, with an official announcement to follow.
Alonso Tops Chelsea’s Shortlist
The 44-year-old was identified as Chelsea’s leading candidate last week, as reported by Daily Mail Sport, ahead of contenders including Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva, Oliver Glasner, Filipe Luis, and Cesc Fabregas. Alonso’s last managerial role ended in January when Real Madrid sacked him, following his tenure at Bayer Leverkusen where he won the Bundesliga title in 2023-24 and finished as runner-up in the Europa League.
Alonso had been linked with the Liverpool job should Arne Slot leave Anfield this summer, but Chelsea are now close to confirming him as Liam Rosenior’s permanent successor. Rosenior departed Chelsea last month after less than four months in charge.
More to follow.
