Chelsea have reportedly reached a full agreement to appoint Xabi Alonso as the club’s next manager.
According to reports from The Athletic, Alonso agreed to take over at Stamford Bridge after holding discussions during a recent visit to London earlier this month.
The report added that both parties are finalising a four-year contract, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.
Former AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola had also been considered for the position before Chelsea intensified talks with Alonso.
The 44-year-old manager has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in January, despite still having time left on his three-year deal.
Before his stint at Madrid, Alonso enjoyed a historic spell with Bayer Leverkusen, guiding the club to their first-ever Bundesliga title during the 2023/24 season while completing the domestic campaign unbeaten.
As a player, Alonso spent five successful years with Liverpool, where he famously won the UEFA Champions League in 2005.
Naija News recalls that Chelsea dismissed Liam Rosenior in April following a disappointing run of form, which included five straight Premier League defeats.
Meanwhile, Manchester City secured the 2025/26 FA Cup title after edging Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley Stadium thanks to a decisive goal from Antoine Semenyo.
The tightly contested final was settled in the 72nd minute when Semenyo converted from close range following a smart assist by Erling Haaland.
The triumph marked Pep Guardiola’s 20th trophy as Manchester City manager and delivered the club’s eighth FA Cup title, while also keeping alive their hopes of completing a domestic double.