10 May 2026 19:01 BST |
4 min read
Chelsea have reportedly held “positive” talks with Xabi Alonso as they continue their pursuit of a new permanent head coach.
The Spaniard has been earmarked as one of Chelsea’s preferred candidates to become their next manager following the sacking of Liam Rosenior last month, although there have been doubts over whether he will accept a move to Stamford Bridge.
Four different managers have been sacked by Chelsea since the arrival of BlueCo as their new owners and it remains to be seen if Alonso is open to joining such an environment, especially considering there are questions over the long-term future of Arne Slot as his former club Liverpool.
Despite this, Alonso features prominently on Chelsea’s wishlist, alongside the likes of Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Cesc Fabregas, and the west London giants have now engaged in encouraging discussions with the 44-year-old, as per Nicolo Schira.
The transfer expert posted on X: “Positive first talks this week between Chelsea and Xabi Alonso, who could become the new CFC’s manager. The Spanish coach has given his availability for a long term project and contract. In Blues’ short list there are still other candidates. Reflections Underway.”
Alonso left Real Madrid by mutual consent in January, but he won 24 of his 34 matches in charge of Los Blancos and having guided Bayer Leverkusen to their first ever Bundesliga title without losing a match in 2023-24, he remains one of the most highly rated young coaches in European football.
Chelsea next manager odds
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Alonso is currently the bookies’ favourite to become the next Chelsea manager, with odds of roughly 2/1.
Former Blues defender Filipe Luis, who was Flamengo boss until earlier this year, is second in the running, while the aforementioned Iraola and Silva are also regarded as strong candidates, with both currently set to be on the market this summer.
Barcelona legend Xavi is also seen as a possible contender for the job and Frank Lampard continues to be linked after guiding Coventry City to the Championship title.
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