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Chelsea appoint Alonso on four-year deal

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Ben Collins

BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea have appointed formerLiverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso as their manager on a four‑year contract, starting in July.

The 44-year-old Spaniard was available after leaving Real Madrid by mutual consent in January, less than eight months into a three-year contract.

He previously spent three years in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, leading the German club to their first Bundesliga title in 2024, as well as the German Cup.

Confirmation of Alonso's arrival comes a day after Chelsea lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City.

The Blues hope he will bring stability to the club after they had two permanent managers this season - Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior - while Calum McFarlane is in his second spell as interim boss, a role he will continue for their final two Premier League games.

More to follow.