Chelsea and Xabi Alonso are off to a good start despite the issues that many predicted.
One of the first things that Chelsea did was to promise Xabi Alonso sporting control over squad integration and transfers, a vital guarantee following years of boardroom friction with previous managers.
Under the BlueCo ownership, managers frequently felt undermined by a data-driven recruitment strategy that prioritised young assets, which is something we still see at Strasbourg.
Enzo Maresca’s sudden departure stemmed directly from these disagreements; he grew frustrated with the lack of say on senior outgoings and the pressure to utilise certain players.
And it looks like the owners have learned their lesson.
Who will be a bigger success – Enzo Maresca or Xabi Alonso? 🤔
City have confirmed Maresca will replace Guardiola.
Xabi Alonso has wanted Granit Xhaka from day one
Sunderland reporter James Copley has suggested that Granit Xhaka appeared in talks between Chelsea and Xabi Alonso before he even took the managerial job.
Xabi Alonso made it clear during talks with Chelsea that he wanted Granit Xhaka, and this has been simmering for a while from the Blues end.
Alonso wants influence over transfers, and the pursuit of Xhaka is viewed as an early test of that power.
Even if the transfer doesn’t come off, it’s a positive sign that the owners are changing their ways.
DISCUSS: Granit Xhaka is Chelsea’s perfect summer signing 🔟
Chelsea owners change their transfer strategy
Chelsea’s pursuit of Granit Xhaka signals a pivot toward injecting proven Premier League experience into Stamford Bridge. After years of strictly prioritising young, unproven talent, Xabi Alonso has convinced the ownership that immediate success requires battle-hardened leadership.
The 33-year-old midfielder, who excelled during his time at Arsenal, perfectly embodies the discipline and top-tier English football pedigree needed to guide Chelsea’s young core.
Following up on this shift in transfer strategy, the Blues’ push for Maxence Lacroix heavily reinforces the club’s desire for Premier League-proven reinforcement.
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