Chelsea are weighing up the possibility of Xabi Alonso as their next permanent boss, with the former Real Madrid boss now reportedly open to a Premier League chapter. The Blues have been looking at all their options to find a successor to Liam Rosenior, who was sacked earlier this year.
The 44-year-old Spaniard has been without a club since his shock sacking from Real Madrid in January 2026 after only 233 days in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu. He left his position at Los Blancos after a 3-2 loss to Barcelona in the Supercopa final. Tensions with Vinicius Junior and questions over fitness preparation were among the main reasons.
Alonso, still a hugely respected figure following his heroics at Bayer Leverkusen, has reportedly given the green light to a possible Stamford Bridge switch. However, Chelsea’s hierarchy is treading carefully this time around, looking to avoid the pitfalls of recent appointments. BlueCo’s decision-makers want to get the choice right following the messy departures of Enzo Maresca and Rosenior in quick succession.
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola remains a frontrunner, and sources have also linked Fulham’s Marco Silva and other names, such as Oliver Glasner, to the vacant role.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool position strengthens as Alonso reportedly eyes Chelsea switch
Fabrizio Romano was clear that Liverpool have not entered into any talks with Alonso, and the Anfield hierarchy remains committed to Arne Slot as boss for the 2026-27 campaign. There has been no move from FSG to dismiss the Dutchman, who delivered the Premier League title in his first season last term, despite a disappointing title defence this term.
It is imperative that Chelsea make this appointment definitive. But with the FIFA World Cup starting in Mexico on June 11, the Blues are keen to have a permanent manager in place before the tournament kicks off. That gives them about a month to wrap up negotiations with their preferred candidate.
Iraola has confirmed his exit from Bournemouth, and he is also being approached by Crystal Palace. Manchester United are still monitoring his situation, as Michael Carrick is in charge at Old Trafford on an interim basis. Alonso is now said to be open to listening, and Chelsea may finally be moving to end a lengthy managerial deadlock.