Xabi Alonso will have a say in the business Chelsea do in the summer transfer window and he is likely to want to make some big changes to the squad he inherited.
The Blues finished tenth in the Premier League this season, outside of any European competition for the 2026/27 campaign, meaning Alonso only has domestic competitions to concern himself with.
The Spaniard was named permanent boss at Stamford Bridge soon after the season ended, with the clear indication that he was going to have a say in matters off the field by being given the title of manager rather than head coach, in recognition of his experience and proven track record.
Alonso should bring in a former Liverpool player
New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso
Chelsea are yet to dip their toe into the transfer market yet this summer, although the window does not officially open until Monday, but Alonso is likely to make a number of changes.
And one former Chelsea legend has told him who his first signing should be and it may come as a surprise.
In a blog for Betway, Marcel Desailly said: "A player who could suit the profile is former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez. If you give him the confidence and belief, he will not feel shy because the people in the system are a higher grade than him. That is what happened to him at Liverpool. There were too many players higher grade than him, so he couldn’t express himself. At Chelsea, I’m sure he would express himself and perform.
"They need a striker but I’m not sure exactly who it will be or where they will get him. Unless they find one in Germany who we don’t know much about yet, but they have to match the profile of what Chelsea is looking for."
England World Cup Quiz
You scored
↩ Play again
Nunez spent three years at Anfield, scoring 25 goals in 95 appearances for the Reds and was often derided for his work in front of goal.
He spent the last season in the Saudi Pro League playing for Al-Hilal, following a £46.3million move from Liverpool but just a year later, his contract has been ripped up and he is a free agent.
Guillem Balague is a big fan of Nunez
Darwin Nunezvia Reuters
Liverpool have been linked with bringing the Uruguayan back to the Premier League, given the long-term injury to Hugo Ekitike, and on a free transfer there is almost no gamble on signing the 26-year-old, apart from wages.
Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague was effusive in his praise of Nunez while at Liverpool.
He said: "People focused on his supposed lack of quality in finishing and movement, not realising that every time he makes a mistake he just keeps going. His mentality is ignored.
"He's becoming a world-class player."
Marcus Rashford Related
Marcus Rashford Next Club: Chelsea and Tottenham Among Favourites For England Star
The 28-year-old still has a year left on his Man United contract.