Chelsea have reached an agreement in principle with Xabi Alonso to become the club’s next permanent manager on a four-year contract, as first reported by The Guardian. The 44-year-old Spaniard, who has been a free agent since his departure from Real Madrid in January, was identified as the primary target following a direct meeting with Blues officials last week. While Liverpool have performed due diligence on their former midfielder, the Anfield hierarchy currently intends to stand by Arne Slot, allowing Chelsea to accelerate negotiations and move toward a formal appointment before the upcoming World Cup.
Greater authority within the Chelsea structure
According to The Independent, Chelsea intend to appoint Alonso as ‘manager’ rather than ‘head coach’, a subtle but significant shift in the BlueCo-era sporting structure. This change implies Alonso will wield greater influence over recruitment and squad building than his predecessors. The Spaniard arrives with high tactical pedigree following his 2024 domestic double with Bayer Leverkusen, though he must now stabilise a club that has gone through five permanent managers since 2022. Speaking on the transfer situation via social media, Fabrizio Romano noted that a "final decision is expected very soon" as Chelsea look to move past the interim tenure of Calum McFarlane, who took charge after Liam Rosenior’s 106-day stint was terminated in April.
Liverpool’s hesitation and the Arne Slot factor
Despite significant fan pressure following Liverpool’s 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa and a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, Fenway Sports Group has resisted a move for Alonso. Reports in Liverpool indicate the board remains committed to Arne Slot, who secured the Premier League title in 2024/25. Speaking recently to the media, Slot stated, "I have every reason to believe I am the Liverpool manager next season," even as the club faces a decisive final fixture against Brentford to secure Champions League qualification. Chelsea’s aggressive pursuit is understood to be a calculated move to secure Alonso before Liverpool can reconsider their position. The move marks a return to the Premier League for Alonso, whose managerial reputation remains intact despite a turbulent seven-month spell at the Bernabéu.