Chelsea are closing in on the appointment of the former Real Madrid manager as permanent boss.
07:19, 17 May 2026Updated 07:43, 17 May 2026
Xabi Alonso prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Elche CF and Real Madrid CF.
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Xabi Alonso is closing in on a move to become Chelsea's new manager. (Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso has appeared to confirm his Chelsea appointment with a post on social media. The Blues have reached an agreement with the former Real Madrid boss over a four-year contract.
The 44-year-old has been out of work since leaving the Bernabeu back in January. Chelsea are on the lookout for a permanent manager since the sacking of Liam Rosenior, with Calum McFarlane taking interim charge.
Amid reports of a move to Stamford Bridge, Alonso has posted a report from Spanish outlet Marca on his social media with the headline translating to: "Xabi Alonso, on the verge of becoming Chelsea's coach."
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As a player, Alonso spent five years with Liverpool between 2004 and 2009. He has been linked with the managerial job at Anfield amid pressure on Arne Slot, but it appears that the Reds will stick with the Dutchman despite a disappointing title defence this season.
Chelsea have therefore taken the chance to make their move. They became encouraged after talks with Alonso's camp, that he was keen on a move to the Premier League and Stamford Bridge.
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Alonso became Real Madrid manager in 2025 after an impressive two-and-a-half years with German side Bayer Leverkusen. The manager led them to the Bundesliga title with the side remaining unbeaten all season.
He, however, only lasted 34 games at Real Madrid, and was sacked back in January after a 3-2 loss against Barcelona in the Supercopa final.
It's said that he was ousted by player power at Real Madrid and has received assurances about how hands-on he will be in all aspects of team affairs at Chelsea.
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The expected appointment comes less than 24 hours after Chelsea lost 1-0 to Man City in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday. Antoine Semenyo's second-half goal was the difference, meaning the season will end trophyless for the Blues.
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Alonso will officially start his role this summer after visiting the club last week. Interim boss McFarlane will continue to take charge of the final two games of the campaign.
Chelsea finish their season with a home game against Tottenham on Tuesday (8.15pm kick-off) and an away match vs Sunderland on Sunday, 24 May (4pm kick-off), with Alonso expected to be watching closely as he assesses his squad ahead of the summer window.
Alonso will be the sixth permanent manager under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali following Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior