Xabi Alonso has already told four Chelsea players they can leave as overhaul begins to take shape
Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea clear-out has seen several players already be told they can leave Stamford Bridge
Xabi Alonso is overseeing Chelsea’s rebuild (Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso has already allowed four Chelsea stars to leave this summer as the manager steps up his overhaul of the squad.
Alonso was appointed as Blues head coach in May and began his role on July 1 after signing a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge. After a dismal previous campaign which saw three different managers at the helm, Chelsea have high hopes for their Spanish tactician, given his historic success at Bayer Leverkusen which earned him a brief stint in charge of Real Madrid.
The 44-year-old is known for his strong tactical brain and leadership qualities, with that all being considered when he was handpicked to lead the next phase at the club. Alonso has already begun shaping the squad to his preference ahead of the 2026/27 campaign through the transfer market.
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He has sanctioned the departure of four players while signing England star Morgan Rogers for £117m, 19-year-old winger Geovany Quenda for £40m and 21-year-old defender Marco Palestra for £47m. And the rebuild doesn’t seem to be stopping there, with more transfers expected to and from west London.
The first major departure of the summer was when Alonso allowed defender Marc Cucurella’s transfer to Real Madrid to go through. The left-back’s sudden exit came as a surprise to some given he was one of the best players in his position in the Premier League.
Cucurella was an integral part of the squad last season under Enzo Maresca but his form dipped under the Italian’s replacement, Liam Rosenior. The Spanish full-back openly criticised the managerial uncertainty and the running of the club in March.
He then talked publicly about speaking to incoming boss Alonso and liking the idea of playing under his compatriot – but decided to leave for Real Madrid, fuelled by his desire to return to Spain after five years in the UK. The chance to move to Real Madrid also proved too alluring to turn down.
For Chelsea, it made sense to sanction the move, given the Blues reportedly made £17.5m profit in account terms based on the fee they had paid Brighton to secure his services. They managed to sell a 28-year-old in such a way that improves their financial position – a useful move given they are still without a front-of-shirt sponsor and haven’t qualified for European competition. The decision to let him go was softened by the rise of youngster Jorrel Hato at left-back last season.
The new Blues boss also agreed to the sale of 20-year-old winger Tyrique George, who completed a move worth £18m plus £6m in add-ons to Everton. George spent half of last season on loan at Everton and impressed David Moyes.
Alonso would have been happy to receive such a fee for someone who only made 37 appearances across his entire Chelsea career, while still possessing quality options such as Jamie Gittens, Pedro Neto, Estevao and new arrival Rogers on the flanks.
Chelsea’s plentiful options on the wing have also seen Alonso deem Alejandro Garnacho surplus to requirements. The Argentine has agreed a season-long loan deal to Aston Villa, with a £42.5m buyout clause set to become mandatory if certain conditions are met.
Speaking at his first press conference at Chelsea earlier this month, Alonso made it clear he thought Garnacho’s future is away from Stamford Bridge. Alonso said: “Well the situation is that we have spoken with the sporting directors.
“There is an interest for him (Garnacho) from other clubs. So let’s see how this develops. But hopefully, it finishes in the best possible way for other clubs.”
Turning attention to the midfield, Alonso also agreed to part ways with Andrey Santos, who sealed a £48m move to Manchester United earlier this month. Santos asked to leave because of the fierce competition in midfield and his pathway to regular first-team football being blocked.
Alonso sanctioned the Brazilian’s departure as he has Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo in that position, with the fee gained from Santos’ exit able to be used to address pressing squad needs.
football.london understands talks are progressing with Crystal Palace over a deal for central defender Maxence Lacroix. Palace are said to be after a fee in the region of £60m for the 26-year-old, who is understood to be open to moving away from Selhurst Park this summer. But Chelsea are trying to find some sort of middle ground with their London rivals.
Alonso is also believed to be looking for a top midfield addition. The Blues had an £8m offer for Granit Xhaka turned down last month. In recent weeks, they have been linked with Manu Kone, Adam Wharton and had a enquiry rejected for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.
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