Chelsea eyes Xabi Alonso as new manager, amid his demand for project guarantees

Chelsea Football Club, currently ninth in the Premier League and missing next season's Champions League, is seeking a new manager to restore the team to the top of English football. The club’s leading candidate is Spanish former player and coach Xabi Alonso, who guided Bayer Leverkusen to the 2024 Bundesliga title and a Europa League final. Alonso, who was dismissed by Real Madrid after only seven months despite a three‑year contract, insists on solid guarantees for the sporting project before signing. Chelsea has formally approached him, but negotiations remain ongoing. The club also has other prospects on its list, including former Burnley boss Andoni Iraola and former Fulham manager Marco Silva. The appointment is seen as crucial as Chelsea prepares for an FA Cup final against Manchester City this weekend.