EPL: Alonso makes final decision on joining Chelsea after FA Cup defeat

Former Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement to become Chelsea’s next manager.

Chelsea has been on the lookout for a permanent manager following the decision to dismiss Liam Rosenior in April.

Calum McFarlane is currently serving as Chelsea’s interim head coach until the conclusion of the season and was present in the dugout during the team’s 1-0 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

The Chelsea management has evaluated several managerial candidates, including Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner.

However, after conducting initial discussions with Alonso this month, RMC Sport reports that Chelsea has now reached a preliminary agreement for the Spaniard to assume the managerial position this summer.

The report further indicates that Alonso will be offered a contract lasting at least two years, and Chelsea’s management will permit the 44-year-old to play an active role in the summer transfer window.

Alonso has been unemployed since his dismissal by Real Madrid in January, after a tenure of 233 days.

Prior to his return to Real Madrid as manager, Alonso had a highly successful period at Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the German club to a domestic double in 2024, as well as to the Europa League final, where they were defeated by Atalanta.

Alonso has also been rumored to be making a return to Liverpool; however, the club has decided to continue with Arne Slot for the beginning of the next season.