Chelsea is reportedly considering Xabi Alonso as its new manager, with the former Liverpool star potentially reuniting with four Real Madrid players at Stamford Bridge this summer
12:34, 13 May 2026
Xabi Alonso is being linked with the Chelsea job
Xabi Alonso is being linked with the Chelsea job(Image: Getty Images)
Chelsea could stand to benefit greatly from Xabi Alonso's vast soccer network should he take charge at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are once again on the lookout for a permanent manager following Liam Rosenior's firing last month, with Alonso available after leaving Real Madrid in January. The Athletic has reported that decision-makers in west London are already considering appointing Alonso as Chelsea's new head coach.
Liverpool legend Alonso is thought to be receptive to the idea — despite being tipped to replace Arne Slot at Anfield — though Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola remains a strong contender for the role. The former Bayer Leverkusen boss and Bundesliga-winning manager would be looking to revive his managerial career in the capital.
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His appointment could, however, unlock some attractive benefits in the transfer market, with a number of potential reunions on the horizon this summer.
Arda Guler
One hallmark of the Todd Boehly era at Chelsea has been the club's ability to snap up young, creative attacking talent.
The Blues haven't necessarily needed every player brought through the door, but Arda Guler carries a stronger likelihood of delivering real returns than most. He represents one player Alonso would certainly be keen to reunite with, considering his effusive praise of him.
Arda Guler impressed during his time working with Alonso
Arda Guler impressed during his time working with Alonso(Image: Getty Images)
The manager afforded Guler, 21, opportunities across numerous positions shortly after assuming control in Madrid, prioritizing his inclusion on the team, whether as a No. 10, wide on either wing, or in central midfield.
Aurelien Tchouameni
Recent developments at the Bernabeu could indicate that Aurelien Tchouameni is soon to be made available for transfer. The Frenchman was linked with Chelsea years before his training-ground confrontation with Real captain Federico Valverde, which left the Uruguayan requiring hospital treatment. Each player was fined for their role in bringing the Real name into disrepute.
Should Los Blancos choose to offload one of the players to resolve the matter, it stands to reason that captain Valverde would be the one they'd prioritize retaining in Madrid. The fact that Tchouameni has just two years remaining on his contract, combined with his recent off-field controversy, could work in Chelsea's favor when negotiating a reduced fee.
The 26-year-old has been a consistent presence in Real's midfield under both Alonso and his successor Alvaro Arbeloa, suggesting the Blues could be securing a bargain should he be deemed surplus to requirements this summer.
David Alaba
Chelsea's defensive line has simply not looked the same since Thiago Silva's departure in 2024. Much in the same way, David Alaba could provide the experienced, commanding presence required to guide and inspire some of the club's younger defensive talents.
The Austrian, who turns 34 in June, is out of contract that same month and will be available on a free transfer. And while injuries have limited his game time in recent seasons, there could still be significant value in bringing him in if he can stay fit.
Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Josh Acheampong, Mamadou Sarr and others would benefit enormously from Alaba's defensive knowledge. Not to mention the substantial advantage the experienced campaigner could provide in helping certain players improve their discipline and sharing his know-how in remaining composed under pressure.
Gonzalo Garcia
A breakthrough campaign in Madrid could nonetheless end with Gonzalo Garcia leaving Real this summer. Reports indicate Los Blancos are eager to capitalize on the player's rising profile, given he is unlikely to replace Kylian Mbappe as the first-choice striker.
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As it happens, Garcia scored the opening goal of the Alonso era at Real during last year's Club World Cup. The 22-year-old has since gone on to find the net six times and provide three assists in 36 appearances, though only 13 of those were starts.