Chelsea have already agreed a deal for Valentin Barco, but he is not really an Xabi Alonso signing. The decision to bring him was made before the Spaniard was appointed. Will he have a significant role in the team? We shall see. Also, it remains to be seen what kind of players the new manager ends up targeting in this summer transfer window.
The midfield is one area which looks to be a particular area of focus if reports are anything to go by. Of course, Alonso himself was one of the best midfielders of his generation. So, it is understandable for him to have particular idea on how he wants that department to be set up.
Enzo Fernandez looks likely to leave this summer if a suitable offer comes in. On the other hand, it has been shared what kind of a profile Alonso would want to add to his midfield.
According to The Chelsea Forum, Alonso’s first signing at Chelsea is expected to be a central midfielder. Sources indicate the profile is very specific. It is not going to be a destroyer or a playmaker. The Spaniard wants a box-to-box runner with high pressing output. Someone who covers ground the way Granit Xhaka did at Leverkusen.
Alonso wants box-to-box midfielder
One would imagine that Chelsea already have the perfect man for that role in Moises Caicedo. But perhaps Alonso has a different idea for how he wants to use the Ecuadorian. Or maybe he just wants to add depth in the area of the pitch.
One cannot overlook that Caicedo’s form has been poor in the second half of the season. Like Cole Palmer, he is also another player who has played constant football for a little while now. But for him, there is not going to be any rest over the summer.
Anyways, coming back to the matter at hand. It looks like Alonso has that specific profile in mind. Who could fill that?
Chelsea will need to build the squad according to Alonso’s vision
One thing that Chelsea must give Alonso this summer is to build the team in his vision. Over the last four seasons, they have tried to do it their way. It has flopped spectacularly.
Now, even if they do not agree with some of his calls, the Spaniard needs to be backed. It is worth it, just to see if things can get better with a manager leading the vision for the future rather than a long list of sporting directors and recruitment heads.
Alonso has proven himself as a manager already. And whether he succeeds at Chelsea or not, he definitely deserves the backing after taking the job under these circumstances.
Sourav Mahanty
Sourav Mahanty has covered teams like Chelsea, Celtic, Real Madrid, Manchester United, PSG and more over a career that has now lasted a decade. His work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, Athlon Sports, SB Nation, FanSided, The Sportster and aggregated through Bleacher Report and NewsNow. Outside of football, he is also interested in basketball, cricket and professional wrestling.
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