In a decisive early statement of intent, incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has already identified two key players he considers untouchable as he prepares to take charge at Stamford Bridge.
After weeks of speculation following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior, Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of the former Real Madrid midfielder as their new manager. Alonso has signed a four-year contract that will begin in July, and he arrives with significantly expanded authority under the title of “manager” rather than the more limited “head coach” role held by recent predecessors.
According to respected Chelsea FC journalist Simon Phillips, one of Alonso’s first priorities has been to reach out to members of the squad. The Spaniard has made it explicitly clear that he views both Enzo Fernández and Marc Cucurella as central figures in his plans for next season and beyond. With strong interest from Spanish clubs threatening to unsettle the pair, Alonso’s swift intervention sends a powerful message: there will be no sale, no negotiations, and no departure for either player.
The stance represents a significant blow to La Liga suitors. Marc Cucurella has been heavily linked with a return to Spain, with El Chiringuito journalist Jota Jordi claiming on the Solo para Cules podcast that the left-back will almost certainly leave Chelsea this summer. Jordi named Barcelona and Atlético Madrid as the primary destinations and suggested movement from Barça toward Cucurella’s representatives could begin imminently.
“Starting Monday, some movement from Barca to his representatives is expected,” Jordi stated. “Today I could say with 1000 per cent certainty that Cucurella won’t play for Chelsea. He’ll play here in Spain.”
Those comments gained extra weight after Cucurella himself admitted in March that an offer to join Barcelona would be “hard to turn down,” raising anxiety among Chelsea supporters. Yet under Alonso, that possibility now appears firmly closed.
Similarly, Enzo Fernández has long been admired by Real Madrid. The Argentine midfielder and Chelsea vice-captain was recently handed an internal suspension after public comments that appeared to reveal a desire to move to the Spanish capital. During international duty, Fernández said he would “like” and then “love” to live in Madrid, while expressing admiration for Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos.
Spanish journalist Latigo Serrano recently claimed on his YouTube channel that Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez views Fernández as a prime target to bolster the club’s central midfield ahead of Pérez’s reelection campaign.
“This electoral card that Florentino Pérez would most likely present… he would hint that if he is president of Real Madrid, Enzo Fernández would be a Real Madrid player,” Serrano reported. However, Chelsea’s new manager has drawn a firm line. With Fernández under contract and no release clause activated, Alonso’s position is unambiguous: the 24-year-old remains a vital part of the project.
Alonso’s early clarity could prove crucial in stabilising a squad that has endured turbulence. By declaring Fernández and Cucurella as non-negotiable, the incoming boss is not only protecting two high-quality assets but also asserting his authority and footballing philosophy from day one.
Chelsea fans, weary of constant transfer speculation surrounding their star players, will welcome this bombshell development. Under Xabi Alonso, the message is clear: the rebuilding process will be conducted on the new manager’s terms, starting with keeping two of the club’s most important talents exactly where they are.
No price. No talks. No deal.