Chelsea are navigating yet another period of upheaval at Stamford Bridge following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior last week, with former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso emerging as a leading candidate to take the reins as the club’s next manager.
The 44-year-old Spaniard masterminded an invincible Bundesliga campaign with Leverkusen in 2023/24 before departing for Real Madrid in June 2025. His spell at the Bernabéu proved short-lived, however, as he was sacked just seven months later. Now back on the managerial merry-go-round, Alonso’s proven pedigree as a winner in one of Europe’s top five leagues places him ahead of other names on Chelsea’s shortlist, including Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva.
While BlueCo prioritises hiring a coach with elite-level pedigree, questions remain over whether Alonso would be tempted by a Chelsea project that will not feature in the Champions League next season.
Alonso’s High Praise for Maza Resurfaces
If Alonso does arrive in west London — even without final say on transfers — he is expected to influence recruitment significantly. One name almost certain to feature on his radar is Ibrahim Maza, the 20-year-old Algerian talent currently shining at Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso himself played a key role in bringing Maza to the BayArena, signing the versatile attacker for around £10 million from Hertha Berlin in the summer of 2025 after he impressed in the 2. Bundesliga with 10 goal involvements in 33 appearances.
At the time, the then-Leverkusen coach spoke glowingly of the youngster:
“I talked to him. He’s a player with different qualities. Good between the lines with good potential. He has many things to develop, but we always think that our club is good for young players who have that will to improve. And he has a good personality, he’s young but mature. So he’s a very good signing and we’re happy that he’s with us.”
Shortly after securing Maza, Alonso departed for Madrid, but the player has continued to develop impressively under new management.
Chelsea, Man City and Aston Villa Circle the Versatile Talent
According to reports, Chelsea are now keeping a close eye on Maza’s progress ahead of the summer transfer window and are joined in the race by Manchester City and Aston Villa. His versatility stands out as a major attraction: the 20-year-old is comfortable operating as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or in wider attacking roles on either flank.
This season, Maza has contributed five goals and six assists across all competitions, underlining his growing influence in the final third and his transformation from a promising 2. Bundesliga prospect into one of Europe’s most exciting young talents. Alonso’s eye for talent in spotting him early has been vindicated.
Why Maza Would Be a Perfect Fit at Chelsea
Maza’s technical profile and positional flexibility make him an ideal squad addition for a Chelsea side in transition. He could provide competition or even replace the out-of-favour Alejandro Garnacho on the left wing, while also offering valuable cover and rotation options for key creative players such as Enzo Fernández and Cole Palmer.
As a young but mature character with significant upside, Maza represents the type of high-potential, multi-functional signing that aligns with Chelsea’s long-term recruitment strategy — a “perfect squad player with limitless potential,” as many observers have noted.
Whether under Alonso or another incoming manager, landing the Algerian international would represent a smart, forward-thinking move. With interest from Premier League heavyweights like Manchester City also intensifying, Chelsea will need to act decisively if they wish to bring this former Leverkusen gem to Stamford Bridge.