It’s now official, Xabi Alonso is the new coach of Chelsea. The 44-year-old manager, who has signed on for the next four years, will take up his duties on July 1. After a complicated first part of the season on the Real Madrid bench, where he was eagerly awaited, the Spanish manager will return to the Premier League and will try to put Chelsea back on the right path. And as when he arrived at the Merengues, the ex-Liverpool midfielder will have several major projects to manage to restructure the London club.
A team in distress
Alonso’s first project will concern the mental and tactical reconstruction of the group. Chelsea are coming off an extremely disappointing campaign. The Londoners have had six consecutive defeats in the Premier League and are not guaranteed to be European next season. The FA Cup final lost to Manchester City put an end to the supporters’ last hopes. Despite these results, several frameworks remain considered major elements of the future project. Reece James and Levi Colwill must once again become the pillars of the defense, while Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández will be at the heart of the midfield.
The Argentine midfielder, targeted by Real Madrid, has however publicly criticized certain decisions of the club in recent months, proof of the internal tensions which run through the squad. But Chelsea hope that Xabi Alonso can convince him to continue the adventure. Another major issue: relaunching Cole Palmer. Hampered by several injuries this season, the England international has lost his offensive influence. Chelsea hope that Xabi Alonso will allow them to return to the level displayed during their sensational debut in London, when he was one of the most decisive players in Europe.
A summer transfer window which promises to be complicated
The transfer window will also be crucial. The previous summer recruitment is considered internally as a major failure, recalls The Athletic. Liam Delap and Alejandro Garnacho disappointed enormously, while some newcomers convinced, like João Pedro, who confirmed his enormous offensive potential, while Jorrel Hato already impresses with his maturity despite his young age. Chelsea are also preparing for the future with several targeted recruits. The club has already completed the arrival of Geovany Quenda, a very promising winger from Sporting, while Mike Penders is seen as a serious candidate to become the future number one goalkeeper after his convincing performances in Strasbourg.
Unlike several of his predecessors, Xabi Alonso will have a broader role as manager with real influence on recruitment. Internally, Chelsea already believes that the Spaniard fully shares the club’s vision regarding squad development and market needs. His status and his experience at the highest level also constitute a huge asset in attracting new players despite the probable absence of the Champions League. At Chelsea, the summer of 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most important in recent years.
