Transfer window check-in: GOAL grades Europe’s 10 richest clubs on their summer business so far as pre-season begins
Yet another new era is beginning at Chelsea, with Xabi Alonso having been appointed as the club’s new coach to try to finally restore some order at Stamford Bridge after a 2025-26 campaign in which both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior lost their jobs. The Spaniard is acutely aware of the size of the task ahead of him, but despite seeing Marc Cucurella depart for Real Madrid, Alonso’s tenure has got off to a reasonably encouraging start.
It’s believed that he played a pivotal role in convincing Rogers to move to Chelsea, while both Geovany Quenda and Marco Palestra are exciting additions to his squad.
More arrivals are essential, though. Liam Delap clearly isn’t good enough for the highest level, while Alejandro Garnacho needs to be sold as soon as possible, meaning another attacker is essential. However, Chelsea’s top priority has to be addressing the lack of experience, discipline and defensive solidity that was brutally exposed during a disastrous 2025-26 season which ended without qualification for any form of European football.
Consequently, recruiting elite-level players will not be easy, but the Blues have done reasonably well so far – signing Rogers really is quite the coup even if they overpaid for the England international – and the Londoners are reportedly confident of acquiring France centre-back Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace as they look to invest more money in proven Premier League performers.
Much could hinge, though, on Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine clearly wants out of the Bridge, but Chelsea appear reluctant to let him leave. If they do, though, it could free up even more funds for Alonso, who has previously proven at Bayer Leverkusen that he can create an exciting and successful side if given the players he needs to play his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.
Grade: B
