Alonso Signs Four-Year Deal to Become Chelsea's Next Permanent Head Coach

Sky Sports reports that Xabi Alonso has signed a four‑year contract to become Chelsea’s next permanent head coach.

The club had been searching for a replacement following Liam Rosenior’s dismissal in April after a brief three‑month tenure, and Alonso – the former Real Madrid manager – emerged as the top choice for the role.

Other potential candidates included Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola and Fulham coach Marco Silva. Additional names on the shortlist were Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, Como’s Cesc Fabregas, and former Flamengo manager Felipe Luis.

Ultimately, Chelsea opted for a manager who has won the Champions League twice as a player and guided Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in his debut season as a coach in 2023/24.

The club has been holding the announcement until after the FA Cup final, with a formal statement expected as early as Monday.

Alonso has been unemployed since his dismissal from Real Madrid in January, seven months into his tenure.

Also Read: Agbonlahor: Silva, Not Alonso Will Be Perfect Manager For Chelsea

Like previous managers, Alonso will take part in the club’s summer transfer activity. Chelsea plan to bolster their squad with several experienced first‑team signings this off‑season.

The loss to Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final suggests Chelsea may miss European competition next season, marking the second such instance in the BlueCo era.

The team sits ninth in the league, having earned only one point from their final seven Premier League games.

Alonso will be the fifth permanent manager under BlueCo ownership, succeeding Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca, and Liam Rosenior.

James Agberebi

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