Chelsea have started exploring a deal to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager at the end of the season – while keeping tabs on a number of other options.
Alonso was sacked by Real Madrid in January just six months after joining as head coach from Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga in the 2023-24 season without his side losing a game.
Things didn’t go to plan in Madrid, however, and he has been free to negotiate with a new club. He has been linked with Liverpool, but there has been no indication that there will be a job for him at Anfield in the near future.
The Blues’ overall shortlist is up to six names long. Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva have all been touted as potential options, and now it has emerged that the Blues are also interested in Oliver Glasner.
Other names in consideration are former Chelsea players Cesc Fabregas and Felipe Luis. Ex-left back Luis played for Chelsea between 2014 and 2015, retiring from his playing career in 2023.
He was appointed by Flamengo in his native Brazil in 2024, going on to win the Copa do Brasil. He would also claim the 2025 Copa Libertadores, but left his role earlier this year.
Chelsea have started exploring a deal to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager
Fabregas, meanwhile, has enjoyed vast success at Como in Italy.
But, as Daily Mail Sport reported on Saturday, Alonso has been the early preferred choice at Chelsea.
Chelsea intend to name Rosenior’s successor once this season has ended. Sources have insisted they are taking a disciplined approach in identifying the right long-term appointment, adding they are targeting a head coach who is aligned with the club’s vision, can develop their squad and deliver consistent performances and results.
The question has always been whether Chelsea could convince Alonso that they are the club for him, but it’s now looking increasingly likely that is possible.
Glasner, meanwhile, is the newest name linked. He is leaving Palace at the end of the season to bring an end to what has been a historic reign that could yet get better.
The Austrian delivered the FA Cup last season when the Eagles beat Manchester City in the final, which was their first-ever major trophy. He then followed that up with a Community Shield victory over Liverpool at the start of the season.
At the end of the month, meanwhile, they will take on Rayo Vallecano in the final of the Conference League.
Still, Glasner and Palace agreed to part ways a long time ago, with the future of both parties up in the air. It is understood, however, that Glasner’s stock has risen significantly and a top-level club would be comfortable making a move.
He was linked with taking over at Bayern Munich before they appointed Vincent Kompany in the summer of 2024, and could be the next person to step into the hot seat at Stamford Bridge.
