Xabi Alonso is open to taking the Chelsea job this summer despite the possibility that his old club Liverpool will soon be looking for a new manager themselves, according to blockbuster new reports. The Spaniard, who was sacked by Real Madrid in January, is on the shortlist as the Blues seek a long-term replacement for Liam Rosenior.
Chelsea have held talks with Alonso's representatives and The Athletic say the 44-year-old is interested in the opportunity. Rosenior only managed 106 days at Stamford Bridge as Enzo Maresca's successor and paid the price for a wretched run of form that looks set to cost Chelsea Champions League qualification. Yet that has not put Alonso off, although it is far from certain that the Londoners will certify the former Liverpool midfielder as their No.1 target.
Alonso features on a six-man shortlist alongside Cesc Fabregas, Oliver Glasner and Filipe Luis, Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva. Glasner will leave UEFA Conference League finalists Crystal Palace at the end of the season while Iraola is poised to depart Bournemouth even though he could take them to the Champions League.
As it stands, no final decision has been made on who Chelsea will make their first choice to replace Alonso. The Spaniard led Bayer Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga title in a spectacular unbeaten 2023-24 season which also saw them win the DFB Pokal and reach the Europa League final, losing to Atalanta.
The sudden recent news that Chelsea have such firm interest in Alonso will have blindsided Liverpool, who were expected to have their former player high on their list if Arne Slot leaves the club this summer. The Dutchman is under increasing pressure at Anfield and was subjected to loud boos against Chelsea on Saturday.
Chelsea are planning to have a new head coach in place by mid-June. Even if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, the club are preparing for a big summer and want to sign at least a new centre-back, central midfielder and left-sided winger.