Xabi Alonso is the new Chelsea manager, and one of his first jobs could be trying to convince a key player to remain at the club.
On Saturday, it emerged that Alonso would be Chelsea’s next manager, which has now been confirmed by the Blues.
The 44-year-old has already tasted success at Bayer Leverkusen, winning the 2024 Bundesliga title, but this is not going to be an easy gig for him.
Xabi Alonso’s first words as Chelsea manager!
What are you expecting from Alonso’s first season in charge?
Marc Cucurella could be set for Barcelona or Atletico Madrid move
Some of Chelsea’s best players are being linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge, including Marc Cucurella.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Atletico Madrid have already made contact about signing Cucurella.
Football agent Jota Jordi has now claimed on El Chiringuito’s Solo para Cules podcast that there is a “1000%” chance that the defender joins either Atletico or Barcelona.
Jordi said: “Next year he’ll play 1000% in Spain. At Barca or at Atleti.” He then added: “Starting Monday, some movement is expected from the Cules with his entourage.”
Marc Cucurella of Chelsea
Photo by Harvey Murphy/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
There is also speculation about Joao Pedro potentially moving to Spain this summer. Pedro has caught Barcelona’s attention after a brilliant campaign in England, where he has scored 20 goals in all competitions.
Alonso will not want to see either player go, though. In fact, it is thought that Alonso is keen on keeping Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez. Fernandez is yet another name who could end up in Spain as he continues to attract interest from Real Madrid.
Cucurella has not had the best season, but the same can be said about most of Chelsea’s squad. All in all, he is still a top defender and one of the better signings BlueCo have made, costing the club around £60m.
The Spaniard can be used as an inverted full-back, coming into midfield and making darting runs into the box where he has proven to be a goal threat. That is Cucurella at his best, but if Alonso uses a 3-4-2-1 formation and wing-backs, there may not be too many opportunities for him to be utilised in such a way.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox