By Francis Onyach - Reporter
United kingdom, May 16, 2026 - Chelsea F.C. are accelerating efforts to appoint Xabi Alonso as their next permanent manager, with a final decision expected in the coming days following direct talks between both parties.
Multiple reliable reports from England and transfer journalists close to the situation indicate that Chelsea have now made Alonso their leading candidate to take over at Stamford Bridge after weeks of internal discussions surrounding the club’s future direction.
The London club are currently without a permanent manager following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior in April, with academy coach Calum McFarlane guiding the team on an interim basis during their run to the FA Cup final against Manchester City F.C..
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano and several major English outlets, Chelsea executives recently held a direct in-person meeting with Alonso as negotiations intensified over a potential appointment. Romano described the talks as “very productive,” adding that Chelsea want their new manager confirmed before the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The timing of the move is significant.
Chelsea’s ownership reportedly want clarity over the managerial position before the summer transfer window fully opens, allowing the new coach to influence recruitment decisions and preseason planning. Sources close to the negotiations suggest the club are aiming to complete the process shortly after the FA Cup final at Wembley.
Alonso has emerged as Chelsea’s preferred choice largely because of his growing reputation as one of Europe’s brightest young managers.
The Spaniard enjoyed extraordinary success during his spell with Bayer 04 Leverkusen, leading the German side to their first-ever Bundesliga title while completing an unbeaten domestic league campaign. That achievement quickly elevated him into one of the most sought-after coaches in European football.
His more recent spell at Real Madrid CF was more complicated.
Alonso took charge of Madrid in 2025 but left the club by mutual consent earlier this year after internal tensions and inconsistent performances. Despite winning 24 of his 34 matches in charge, reports from Spain and England suggested disagreements developed behind the scenes involving several senior players.
Even so, Chelsea’s hierarchy reportedly remain convinced that Alonso is the ideal figure to lead the next phase of the club’s rebuild.
The Guardian reported this week that several Chelsea players also support the possible appointment, believing Alonso’s tactical intelligence, leadership qualities, and elite playing experience could help stabilize a squad that has lacked consistency and direction.
One of the key factors in negotiations appears to involve Alonso’s role in recruitment and squad planning.
According to multiple reports, Alonso wants stronger influence over transfers and overall football decisions than Chelsea’s recent managers were granted. Chelsea’s ownership are believed to be willing to compromise by giving him a more collaborative role in identifying transfer targets and shaping the squad.
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Chelsea’s interest in Alonso has not prevented the club from exploring alternative options.
Reports confirm that Bournemouth A.F.C. manager Andoni Iraola, Fulham F.C. boss Marco Silva, and Crystal Palace F.C. coach Oliver Glasner have all held discussions or preliminary contacts with Chelsea representatives in recent weeks. Former Flamengo coach Filipe Luís has also reportedly been considered internally.
However, Alonso remains the clear frontrunner.
Sources suggest Chelsea accelerated talks partly because of fears that Liverpool F.C. could potentially enter the race if pressure on Arne Slot increased following the club’s difficult finish to the season. Alonso remains highly respected at Liverpool because of his legendary playing career at Anfield.
Still, Romano and several other outlets insist Liverpool have not made any direct approach to Alonso or his representatives at this stage.
For Chelsea supporters, Alonso’s possible arrival would represent another major reset under the club’s ownership.
Since the Todd Boehly and BlueCo takeover, Chelsea have cycled through multiple managers while spending heavily in the transfer market without establishing long-term stability. The appointment of Alonso would signal an attempt to finally build around a younger, progressive coach with a clear football identity.
The challenge ahead would still be enormous.
Chelsea continue to deal with inconsistent performances, squad imbalance, and pressure from supporters frustrated by years of instability. Missing out on Champions League qualification has also increased scrutiny around the project.
But inside Stamford Bridge, there appears to be a growing belief that Alonso could become the figure capable of restoring direction to the club.
Talks are advancing quickly.
The FA Cup final is expected to be the final major hurdle before a decision.
And Chelsea now appears closer than ever to appointing one of Europe’s most highly rated young managers.