Chelsea have until the end of the month to lay a stable foundation for a new era under Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge, and the sporting leadership have a lot of work to do.
The Chelsea sporting leadership team are in a race against time to get the house in order before Xabi Alonso takes the reins. The new Blues manager will get his feet under the table at Stamford Bridge on July 1, giving the senior officials more than enough time to tie up any loose ends.
When Alonso signed a four-year contract with Chelsea last month, he outlined his desire to ‘build the right culture and win trophies’. The 44-year-old said: “Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football, and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club.
“From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.”
Alonso, who stepped down as the Real Madrid boss at the start of the year, added: “There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club, and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies.”
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The summer transfer window opens next week, on Monday, June 15, giving the Chelsea sporting leadership team two weeks to take stock and lay a solid foundation for a new era.
So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at what the Blues need to do before Alonso takes the reins.
Seven Chelsea stars axed
Chelsea need to offload, or at least break the bad news to, as many as nine players before Alonso takes the reins. Having failed to qualify for either of UEFA’s three club competitions, the Spaniard won’t necessarily need a large squad, meaning many no longer have a significant role to play.
Equally, just as many have failed to stake a claim for or prove they’re worthy of a place in the Spaniard’s side. If BlueCo are to back Alonso, the likes of Alejandro Garnacho can’t be relied upon week in, week out, during a season where Chelsea can’t afford to not qualify for the Champions League.
To be offloaded, on loan or permanently: Filip Jorgensen, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Liam Delap from the first team, as well as Axel Disasi and Tyrqiue George, who were on loan last season.
Solve the Cucurella and Fernandez puzzle
Before Alonso gets his feet under the table on July 1, Chelsea must resolve the futures of Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez. They have both been heavily linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge this summer; the Blues manager needs to know for certain whether or not they’re committed to the project.
Whether it means they each sign a new contract to extend their stays or the sporting leadership team proposes a gentlemen’s agreement, whereby they’re allowed to leave for a fixed fee next summer, Chelsea can’t afford to lose Cucurella and Fernandez.
To keep: Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez.
Chelsea explore free agent market
Before Chelsea splash the cash on any big names, the sporting leadership team should explore the free agent market. John Stones and Yann Sommer, whose contracts at Manchester City and Inter Milan, respectively, expire this summer, would be two good additions to Alonso’s squad.
Ibrahima Konate would’ve been a huge coup, but he looks set to join Real Madrid. Ultimately, there would be little to no risk in signing Stones and Sommer, who would bring both quality and experience, especially during a season with only one game a week.
To sign on a free: John Stones and Yann Sommer.
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