Xabi Alonso has finally spoken out about his appointment as Chelsea manager, after being intercepted by reporters on the streets of Madrid on Wednesday. The 44-year-old, who signed a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge at the weekend, was hit with a barrage of questions about his new project, including the future of three of the club’s most in-demand stars.
Alonso’s title is “manager” rather than head coach, which gives him more control than his predecessors, Mauricio Pochettino and Enzo Maresca, had, and he will officially start work on July 1, 2026. The Spaniard seemed eager not to go into too much detail, as he has yet to take up his new post with the West Londoners. When asked if Chelsea’s absence from next season’s Champions League had complicated negotiations, Alonso shrugged off those worries:
“No, I was always open to it, and, well, it’s a beautiful project. Chelsea is a nice project, it’s a very good option.”
The former Real Madrid boss was then asked about Barcelona’s reported pursuit of Joao Pedro, as well as interest elsewhere in Europe in Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella. Alonso didn’t fan the flames of speculation but instead gave a measured response:
“Well, this is football. We’ll put together a good team.”
Sources close to the Stamford Bridge hierarchy insist the Blues will not be forced to sell their most prized assets this summer after failing to qualify for the Champions League for the 2026/27 campaign.
Barcelona Ready to Test Chelsea’s Resolve With €100 Million Joao Pedro Bid – Reports
Joao Pedro’s agent is reportedly prepared to tell Chelsea that Barcelona are serious about signing the 24-year-old Brazilian, with the transfer fee potentially rising to around €100 million. The Catalans have identified the forward as their main target to fill the centre-forward hole left by Robert Lewandowski, who is said to have signed a lucrative deal with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Joao Pedro enjoyed a successful first season at Stamford Bridge following his move from Brighton last summer, enjoying goalscoring form, while playing a key role in Chelsea’s triumph in the Club World Cup. However, the Blues’ failure to qualify for Champions League football for the 2026/27 season is believed to be emboldening Barcelona’s pursuit, with the lure of Europe’s top competition thought to be a potential tipping point in the player’s stance.
But Chelsea have made their stance on the matter very clear. Barcelona have reportedly received a clear hands-off message from the West London club. The report claims that Chelsea are not prepared to sanction any deal involving Pedro this summer, with the Brazilian under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2033. In the coming weeks, before the World Cup, the Catalans have to either make a concrete offer or turn to other targets.