EPL: Alonso Finalizes Move to Chelsea After FA Cup Defeat

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is said to have reached a preliminary agreement to take over as Chelsea’s next manager.

Chelsea has been searching for a permanent manager after dismissing Liam Rosenior in April.

Calum McFarlane is acting as Chelsea’s interim head coach until the season ends, and he was in the dugout during the club’s 1‑0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

Chelsea’s management has considered several candidates, such as Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner.

After initial talks with Alonso earlier this month, RMC Sport reports that Chelsea has reached a preliminary agreement for the Spaniard to take the managerial role this summer.

The report adds that Alonso will receive a contract of at least two years, and that Chelsea will allow the 44‑year‑old to be actively involved in the summer transfer window.

Alonso has been without a club since his dismissal from Real Madrid in January, after a 233‑day tenure.

Before returning to Real Madrid, Alonso enjoyed a highly successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, guiding the German side to a domestic double in 2024 and to the Europa League final, where they lost to Atalanta.

Alonso has also been linked with a return to Liverpool, but the club has chosen to keep Arne Slot for the start of the next season.