Former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has agreed to take charge at Chelsea and return to the Premier League as a manager
18:12, 16 May 2026Updated 18:18, 16 May 2026
Xabi Alonso has agreed to become the new Chelsea head coach
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Xabi Alonso has agreed to become the new Chelsea head coach
Chelsea have reached an agreement with Xabi Alonso to become the club's new head coach.
The Spaniard, who has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in January after just seven months at the helm of the Spanish giants.
Alonso, 44, had been one of a number of coaches on the west London club's shortlist as they looked for a permanent replacement for Liam Rosenior. Having explored the credentials of Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva, club bosses duly intensified their pursuit of the former Liverpool midfielder.
And they became encouraged by Alonso's camp that he was keen to jump into Premier League management at Stamford Bridge - despite his Anfield connections - leading to growing confidence that a deal could be struck.
Now they have reached an agreement, with Alonso ready to take charge this summer. It will be the SIXTH permanent manager of the Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly era already.
Chelsea fans have been protesting against the ownership and held a massive protest on Wembley way ahead of Saturday's final, in which they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City. But the owners will hope that the hiring of Alonso, a big name who led Leverkusen to a first-ever German title, going the entire league season unbeaten, will appease supporters and persuade them to stick with the side.
It also perhaps suggests a slight change of direction on the club's part, as Alonso will have sought assurances about how hands on he will be in all aspects
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