The search for a permanent boss at Stamford Bridge has been boosted this week as Chelsea show Xabi Alonso as the number one target. Since Liam Rosenior left the London club last April, the Blues have been operating under the temporary supervision of Calum McFarlane. As the 2025-26 season draws to a close, the US owners are eager to appoint a world-class tactician before the summer transfer window begins in June 2026. People think talks have gone well with Alonso, who is a free agent after leaving Real Madrid, making him the number one priority for the Blues for May 2026.
Why Is Chelsea Searching For A New Manager In May 2026?
Chelsea have experienced a tumultuous period after the sacking of Liam Rosenior. Rosenior was given the job in January with great fanfare, replacing Enzo Maresca, but failed to produce the consistency required at Chelsea to fire them to Premier League glory. At present, Calum McFarlane is in charge as caretaker manager and after stabilising the side and reaching the final of the FA Cup is now being solidified by the board to find a world-class leader to complete a long-term project. Chelsea does not want to make another tactical error and plans to complete the signing of their next head coach by mid-June to allow a seamless transition through to the new season.
Is Xabi Alonso The Frontrunner For The Chelsea Job?
Xabi Alonso has reportedly become the clear #1 to head the manager’s hotseat at Stamford Bridge. Alonso, who was recently sacked from reigning European champions Real Madrid at the beginning of the year due to internal issues, is back on the market. Despite recently being axed, Alonso has a mediocre spell in Spain to put behind him after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to Bundesliga glory, and surely has the backing of Chelsea after a successful start to his managerial career. Relations between Chelsea and Alonso are said to have gone very well.
Who Are The Other Candidates On The Chelsea Shortlist?
Xabi Alonso has reportedly become the clear #1 to head the manager’s hotseat at Stamford Bridge. Alonso, who was recently sacked from reigning European champions Real Madrid at the beginning of the year due to internal issues, is back on the market. Despite recently being axed, Alonso has a mediocre spell in Spain to put behind him after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to Bundesliga glory, and surely has the backing of Chelsea after a successful start to his managerial career. Relations between Chelsea and Alonso are said to have gone very well.
Will Liverpool Challenge Chelsea For Xabi Alonso?
There is a huge danger from Anfield, though, which Chelsea really needs to keep an eye on. Xhiabi Alonso is a Liverpool legend, and he has been called for many a year to replace Arne Slot, but it seems like the Liverpool ownership intends to stick with Slot for another season after faltering in the league this season, giving Chelsea a clear window to negotiate with the Spaniard without anyone else interested in the League. If Chelsea takes too long to seal the deal, they may miss out on such a highly sought-after manager in world football to someone else this summer.
