Reports: Chelsea Close to Appoint Xabi Alonso as New Head Coach

Xabi Alonso is reportedly on the verge of becoming the new head coach of Chelsea FC following advanced negotiations between both parties.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport, Chelsea have reached an agreement in principle with Alonso to take charge of the club ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The Spanish coach has been without a job since leaving Real Madrid earlier this year after a difficult spell marked by inconsistent results and internal tensions within the squad.

Alonso had recently been linked with managerial vacancies at both Liverpool FC and Chelsea, but the London side now appear to have won the race for his signature.

Chelsea are preparing to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, after which the club is expected to finalize the remaining details of Alonso’s appointment.

The former Bayer 04 Leverkusen manager remains highly regarded across Europe following his historic 2023-24 campaign, when he guided Leverkusen to a Bundesliga and German Cup double, in addition to reaching the UEFA Europa League final.

Chelsea endured another turbulent managerial season after parting ways with Enzo Maresca despite winning the Club World Cup in 2025. The club later dismissed Rossiniour following a short spell in charge, with Callum McFarlane currently serving as interim manager until the end of the campaign.