Xabi Alonso appointed Chelsea manager as Álvaro Arbeloa takes Fulham helm

Spanish former midfielder Xabi Alonso has signed a four‑year contract to become Chelsea manager, officially taking charge on 1 July. After a turbulent 2025‑26 season that saw three different coaches and a ninth‑place finish, Alonso – who led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga double in 2023‑24 and had a brief spell at Real Madrid – aims to rebuild the Blues and restore their competitiveness.

Former Real Madrid defender Álvaro Arbeloa has been hired by Fulham on a three‑year deal that runs to the summer of 2029. The club’s owners praised his ambition and tactical knowledge, and Arbeloa expressed that it is "an honour" to lead one of London’s oldest clubs. His first Premier League match will be against Chelsea on 24 August, setting up a debut clash between the two ex‑Real Madrid figures. Both appointments signal a new era for the respective clubs as they seek to improve their squads ahead of the 2026‑27 season.