Xavi has been linked with the Chelsea manager’s job and could be in line for a busy summer
Chelsea have plenty of changes to make as they look to benefit from a fresh start over the summer, and that means work needs to be done on and off the pitch. A new permanent manager is a necessity but only one element of the task ahead.
One prominent name being linked with the role is Xavi. The former Spain midfielder has been without a club since stepping down as Barcelona manager in 2024, but is now being considered for a return to management.
The Independent reports that the 46-year-old features among several potential candidates, with former Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas considered unlikely to leave his current role in charge of Como. Should Xavi make the move to Stamford Bridge, however, he may need to first spend a season outside the Champions League.
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The Blues’ sole route back to Europe’s elite competition requires them to finish sixth, with Aston Villa claiming fifth spot and Unai Emery’s outfit also securing Europa League glory. Chelsea currently sit ninth in the standings, though just four points adrift of sixth place, so victory in the FA Cup final might represent their best chance of European qualification of any flavour.
So what could a Chelsea rebuild under Xavi’s stewardship entail? We’ve examined some of the areas requiring the most attention.
Rafael Leao move agreed
Chelsea have already begun strengthening their squad ahead of the summer transfer window, with agreements in place for the likes of Geovany Quenda and Emanuel Emegha. Nevertheless, the incoming manager may still require a statement signing in his first window at the helm.
AC Milan’s Rafael Leao has been mentioned as a target for the Blues yet again, with transfer rumours resurfacing after previous links came to nothing. The Portuguese international, capable of operating across the entire front line, is entering the final two years of his contract and could be available for a fee in the region of £50m.
There have also been calls for Chelsea to inject some experience into their relatively young squad, with a potential reunion between Xavi and out-of-favour Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen emerging as a possible solution. The German international was linked with a loan move when Maresca was still in charge and ought to be available permanently, although any potential deal may depend on whether Chelsea would rather reintegrate young stopper Mike Penders following a year at Strasbourg.
Statement sale
This season has unfolded against a backdrop of uncertainty surrounding Enzo Fernandez’s future at the club. Former manager Rosenior was less than impressed by the former Benfica star’s comments which appeared to tease a Real Madrid move, dropping the Argentine as punishment before eventually holding clear-the-air talks and bringing him back into the fold.
“I’d like to live in Spain. I really like Madrid; it reminds me of Buenos Aires,” Fernandez said. “Players live where they want. I’d live in Madrid. I get by in English, but I’d be more comfortable in Spanish.”
Los Blancos find themselves in a turbulent position, with reported divisions within the squad and a managerial change on the horizon, though those Fernandez links remain. Were he to take over at Stamford Bridge and sanction the midfielder’s departure, Xavi could generate a substantial transfer fee for new recruits while sending a firm message about his vision for the club.
£150m clear-out
A figure of £80m for Fernandez has been suggested, though he is far from the only player whose departure could swell the club’s war chest. Cole Palmer appears to be staying put after Manchester United’s interest cooled, but several others face a far more uncertain future.
Nicolas Jackson will not be joining Bayern Munich on a permanent basis following his loan spell in Bavaria but continues to be linked with clubs in Europe and beyond. Fellow striker Liam Delap has been linked with Newcastle after a stop-start first season at Stamford Bridge, while centre-back Wesley Fofana is another who could be allowed to leave.
Such departures could comfortably generate around £150m if not more. While missing out on Champions League football may restrict Chelsea’s spending power, a sell-to-buy strategy of this nature should enable Xavi to bring in at least a couple of important additions.
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