Xabi Alonso has been confirmed as Chelsea‘s next manager. He’ll take charge for the 2026-27 campaign, having signed a four-year deal. But what will Alonso’s Chelsea look like?
His tactical flexibility leaves several options on the table. Alonso used variants of a 4-3-3 shape in Spain, but had more success with a 3-4-2-1 in Germany.
If he was to go with the back three for Chelsea, then – with some inevitable big signings to follow – who would play where?
GK: Mike Penders
Chelsea have a big decision to make about their goalkeepers in the summer. Robert Sanchez performs well in spells, but hasn’t convinced everyone, so could face pressure for his place.
That’s unlikely to be from current backup Filip Jorgensen, who hasn’t managed to win the battle for the starting spot and could well seek an exit for more gametime elsewhere.
But Mike Penders has been making his own case while on loan at Strasbourg. He only turns 21 in the summer, so some might wonder if he’s ready for the Chelsea spotlight yet, but a bold decision might be what Chelsea need to kickstart a new era.
RCB: Maxence Lacroix
Chelsea are likely to be in the market for a defensive reinforcement this summer, especially if they need the depth appropriate for a back three.
Wesley Fofana was back in regular action last season, his busiest in Chelsea colours after some past injury nightmares.
Indeed, when Alonso was going invincible with Leverkusen in 2023-24, Fofana was unable to make a single appearance for Chelsea.
But he could be ousted for another Frenchman if Chelsea win the race for Crystal Palace’s Lacroix, who our friends at TEAMtalk have confirmed is on their radar.
Lacroix has impressed for Palace and could be a ready-made option to strengthen Chelsea’s defence, also having crossed paths with Alonso as an opponent in their Bundesliga days when he played for Wolfsburg.
CB: Levi Colwill
Alonso would need someone he could rely on in the middle of his defence, where his bedrock used to be Leverkusen’s vice-captain Jonathan Tah (now at Bayern Munich).
One player who could be comfortable in the role is Trevoh Chalobah, who has defied the odds to establish himself as one of their most-used players last season.
But the 26-year-old’s future has been freshly called into question amid links with a move away.
Instead, then, Colwill could move into the middle of the Chelsea defence.
Next season could be a big one on Colwill’s comeback trail after the ACL injury that sidelined him for most of the current campaign.
LCB: Jorrel Hato
Part of the logic for putting Colwill in the middle of the back three is that Chelsea have another left-footed centre-back in the shape of Hato.
His debut season included 22 Premier League appearances, but at the age of 20 there can only be a bigger role waiting for the Dutchman.
That will of course hinge on whether he can fulfil the potential he seemed to have while coming through at Ajax, which remains to be seen.
RWB: Marco Palestra
Chelsea have agreed a deal to make Palestra the first new signing of the Alonso era, hoping he can keep his momentum up after a breakthrough season with Cagliari.
He was only on loan at Cagliari from Atalanta, who are happy to bank a big sum for the wing-back rather than reintegrate him.
The 21-year-old was named the best defender in Serie A last season, thanks also to his attacking output.
He can comfortably operate as a wing-back and although the step up to a club of Chelsea’s expectations will be big, he’ll be aiming to take it in his stride.
CM: Adam Wharton
Another right-back contender, of course, is captain Reece James, who has his own set of strengths for his potential next manager to work with.
In a 3-4-2-1 formation, he could play as a right-sided centre-back, a wing-back or in holding midfield.
James found a decent amount of opportunities in midfield last season, where he could continue to make a name for himself with his strength and passing ability.
But given he’ll be drifting between two positions, Chelsea might prefer to find a specialist they can regularly rely on in midfield.
Along with Lacroix, they want to bring Wharton across London. The Englishman has impressed at Selhurst Park and could see a move to Chelsea as the next step in his career.
CM: Moises Caicedo
One of Chelsea’s most valuable players, Caicedo was third in the squad for minutes played in all competitions last season.
At the age of 24, you’d imagine he’s only going to get better over the next few years. Taking him out of the team by choice would be almost unthinkable.
LWB: Maxi Araujo
With Marc Cucurella gone to Real Madrid, Chelsea may be forced into the market for a replacement at left-back.
If Alonso goes with a back four, he could use Hato at left-back, but if he goes with a back three, he wouldn’t really be an option at wing-back.
One potential target they have reportedly asked about is Araujo, who currently plays for Sporting CP.
He scored five goals in the Portuguese top-flight last season, which sounds promising. And he’s coming into his prime at 26.
READ: Five potential Cucurella replacements that Chelsea must target this summer
AM: Cole Palmer
Is Palmer doing enough to protect his place in Chelsea’s long-term plans? He only scored or assisted in eight league games last season, so some would argue not.
But on his day – and in the right system – Palmer remains one of Chelsea’s most talented players and someone they see as a big part of their future.
He could be tasked with occupying a Florian Wirtz-like role in Alonso’s system, but would be hoping to be more effective than the same player has been in England.
AM: Arda Guler
Chelsea have had a left wing problem, with summer signings Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens both disappointing.
If Alonso was to implement a 3-4-2-1 formation without classic wingers, though, they could find alternative solutions, such as signing more of a central attacking midfielder or using Enzo Fernandez or Joao Pedro there.
Chelsea may have to work hard to keep Fernandez away from Alonso’s former club Real Madrid this summer, though, after his recent thinly disguised flirting with the Spanish giants.
But having him under contract until 2032 probably helps their case. Only for silly money would Fernandez be on his way out of west London.
It’s a possibility, though, and Chelsea could use that silly money to invest heavily in a new attacking midfielder. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is a dream target, but Arsenal might be a more likely destination for him.
Another ambitious but reasonable option for Chelsea could be Guler, who will be waiting to find out his place in Jose Mourinho’s plans at Real Madrid.
Guler was one of the few Madrid players who responded well to Alonso’s methods in their short time working together and has stated they’re still in touch, but he’d be an expensive signing.
CF: Joao Pedro
Pedro is one of the few Chelsea players emerging from last season with significant credit after scoring 20 goals in his debut season with the club.
He has convincingly won the battle with fellow summer signing Liam Delap, and will now be preparing for the threat of the incoming Emmanuel Emegha.
As stated, Pedro could play in behind a different striker, but as things stand, he has to be the first choice going into the new season.
Alonso has typically favoured tall strikers as a focal point, which bodes well for both Pedro and Emegha. But it’s the Brazilian’s shirt to lose right now.
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