Xabi Alonso ‘frontrunner’ for Chelsea manager job as talks ‘progress positively’ after Liverpool twist
14 May 2026 17:30 BST |
4 min read
Xabi Alonso is considered the ‘frontrunner’ to become the new Chelsea manager, with talks said to be making ‘positive progress’ in recent days.
Alonso has been out of work since being sacked by Real Madrid in January and now leads Chelsea’s shortlist, with the Blues themselves looking for a new manager after parting ways with Liam Rosenior last month.
The likes of Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva have also reportedly been contacted by Chelsea and they feature highly on the club’s shortlist, thought to contain at least five candidates, but The Times report that Alonso appears to be the ‘standout candidate’.
Initial contacts with Alonso and his representatives were ‘received positively’ even with Chelsea looking likely to miss out on qualifying for the Champions League next season.
However, Alonso is seeking assurances about the role, with Chelsea’s BlueCo owners already looking for their sixth permanent manager since their takeover in 2022.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Alonso will come as a blow to some around Liverpool who had hoped that the Spaniard would take over at Anfield this summer, however Arne Slot spoke this week that he is expecting to be in charge of the Reds next season.
Chelsea set for free run at Alonso after Liverpool stick with Slot
Alonso is said to have considered Liverpool his ‘dream job’ but it is expected that Slot will remain in charge on Merseyside for the foreseeable future, with no change in manager expected this summer.
Consequently, Chelsea could have a free run at Alonso, especially considering Silva is in line for the Benfica job if Jose Mourinho moves to Real Madrid, while Iraola is in talks to join Crystal Palace.
Much will depend on Alonso’s stance over taking over at Stamford Bridge, having been bruised by his sacking by Madrid just seven months into a three-year deal.
Chelsea’s transfer policy has come under much scrutiny after their collapse this season and Alonso will want assurances that he will have a stronger say in transfers than any other manager under BlueCo.
Chelsea saw Enzo Maresca leave the club in January after a series of disagreements with the club’s board in a similar fate to his predecessor Mauricio Pochettino in 2024.
Alonso is also likely to seek confidence that his future will not come into question at the first sign of turmoil like in Madrid, having seen Rosenior sacked after 106 days in charge despite being tied to a long-term contract and being publicly backed by Chelsea.
Related stories:
Build the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Inside LEGO’s football-inspired collection
Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Carrick to stay, operation Mourinho, Chelsea manager race
Transfer Rumours: Man Utd chase Bellingham as €50m Chelsea demand revealed
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
•Google Play
•App Store
