Alonso has been out of work since being sacked by Real Madrid seven months after his appointment Denis Doyle/Getty Images An agreement has been completed for Xabi Alonso to become the new Chelsea manager. Alonso was the club’s top target throughout, and the former Real Madrid head coach wanted the Stamford Bridge move. The Athletic reported on Monday that Chelsea were exploring a deal to appoint Alonso as a permanent successor to Liam Rosenior, with outgoing Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola also a strong contender. The former midfielder has been out of management since being sacked by Real Madrid in January, just seven months into the three-year deal he signed in the summer. Alonso had joined the Spanish club after he guided Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in 2023-24 as part of an unbeaten domestic campaign. Madrid won 10 of Alonso’s first 11 La Liga matches at the helm, including the October 24 Clasico, but fell four points behind eventual winners Barcelona and lost to them in the final of the Supercopa de Espana.
Published: May 16, 2026 5:17 pm
Source: The New York Times — Read original