Chelsea are close to appointing Xabi Alonso as the club’s new permanent manager after reaching an agreement with the Spaniard to take charge at Stamford Bridge.
According to reports from The Athletic and BBC Sport, Alonso has accepted Chelsea’s offer following talks held over recent weeks, with a four-year contract now being finalised ahead of an official announcement.
The 44-year-old emerged as Chelsea’s preferred candidate after the dismissal of Liam Rosenior last month following a poor run of results that included five straight Premier League defeats.
Chelsea had considered several other managers during the search process, including former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, Fulham manager Marco Silva and Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner, but Alonso moved ahead in the race as negotiations progressed.
Reports stated that Alonso visited London earlier this month and was open to the role after receiving assurances regarding the club’s long-term plans and sporting structure.
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The Stamford Bridge hierarchy were also said to have delayed public movement on the appointment until after the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Alonso has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in January, less than a year into a three-year contract at the Bernabeu.
Before taking charge at Madrid, he guided Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title during the 2023/24 season, completing the league campaign unbeaten while also winning the German Cup in his first full season as a senior club manager.
His success in Germany established him as one of Europe’s most sought-after coaches and drew interest from several clubs, including Liverpool, where he spent five seasons as a player.
Recent speculation had linked Alonso with a return to Anfield amid pressure on Arne Slot after Liverpool’s disappointing season.
However, reports indicate the Merseyside club are preparing to continue with Slot for next season unless results worsen further.
As a player, Alonso enjoyed a successful spell in the Premier League with Liverpool, winning the UEFA Champions League in 2005 before later adding league titles in Spain and Germany during his career with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
