LONDON — In a significant development at Stamford Bridge, Xabi Alonso has emerged as the clear preferred candidate among Chelsea’s hierarchy to become the club’s next manager. With the current interim setup of Liam Rosenior and Calum McFarlane facing scrutiny amid a difficult run of results, the Blues are now actively working to convince the highly-rated Spaniard to take the reins come the summer.
The latest update from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has only heightened anticipation around the potential appointment. Speaking on his YouTube channel on Saturday, shortly after Chelsea’s encouraging 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield — a result that snapped a six-game losing streak in the league — Romano delivered a measured but revealing assessment of the situation.
“At the moment, I can guarantee there is still nothing advanced or concrete on this one,” Romano stated. “Xabi Alonso is a big name, available on the market and is ready to restart another chapter if he can find the right project. But at the moment, still nothing advanced with any club.”
The comments come after reports from Italy claimed Alonso had turned down interest from AC Milan, with suggestions that he is “destined” for Stamford Bridge. Those rumours positioned the former Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich midfielder as Chelsea’s number one target, prompting optimism among supporters that a high-profile appointment could stabilise the club.
Chelsea’s managerial search has been characteristically thorough. The club have internally discussed as many as 20 candidates, with Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva previously among the front-runners alongside Alonso. Other names linked with the vacancy include Oliver Glasner, Fabian Hurzeler, Francesco Farioli, and Niko Kovac.
However, the field has narrowed considerably in recent days. Hurzeler and Farioli have been removed from consideration after committing to remain at Brighton and Porto respectively, while Iraola is understood to be on the verge of becoming the next Crystal Palace manager. As a result, the pursuit of Alonso has taken centre stage.
Carragher’s Liverpool factor
Not everyone is convinced the move will materialise. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has publicly dismissed the links, arguing that Alonso’s deep connection to the Reds — where he enjoyed immense success as a player — could make him reluctant to take charge of one of their fiercest rivals.
Alonso’s availability stems from his earlier departure from Real Madrid, where reports at the time suggested some senior players were not fully convinced by his methods. Thibaut Courtois was quick to reject those claims, insisting the squad had backed the coach. Nevertheless, the 43-year-old tactician remains one of European football’s most sought-after young coaches, known for his intelligent, possession-based style and leadership qualities.
For Chelsea, the challenge now lies in presenting Alonso with a compelling vision for the project at Stamford Bridge. The improved display against Liverpool offered a glimpse of what the squad is capable of, but consistency has remained elusive this season. Persuading Alonso that Chelsea can offer the “right project” he is seeking will be critical.
As the situation stands, everything hinges on Alonso’s own interest and willingness to step into one of English football’s most demanding roles. While Romano has confirmed no concrete progress has been made yet, the fact that Chelsea have identified him as their leading choice represents a clear statement of intent from the club’s hierarchy.