Report: Xabi Alonso agrees to become next Chelsea boss

Xabi Alonso has approved a four-year contract to take over as manager of Chelsea, The Athletic's David Ornstein reports.

The former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss was Chelsea's top target as Liam Rosenior's permanent successor. Interim head coach Calum McFarlane was in charge of the Blues' FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.

Alonso visited London early last week, and the announcement of his appointment is now imminent, Ornstein adds. He could be at the helm for Tuesday's Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur, according to a report from Britain's Press Association relayed by Agence-France Presse.

Chelsea also reportedly contacted the representatives of outgoing Bournemouth tactician Andoni Iraola and Fulham's Marco Silva, whose contract expires in June, when they stepped up their managerial search toward the end of April. Oliver Glasner, who will leave Crystal Palace at the end of the season, was also under consideration, according to BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel.

Alonso, 44, became one of the most sought-after coaches in world football when he guided Bayer Leverkusen to silverware in the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal in 2024 during the first unbeaten domestic campaign in German soccer. He also led his side to the Europa League final.

The Spaniard took over Real Madrid in June 2025, but he was dismissed in January. Los Blancos now appear to be close to rehiring veteran Jose Mourinho after Alonso's successor, Alvaro Arbeloa, failed to turn around the star-studded team's fortunes.

Alonso started his playing career with Real Sociedad before winning many major honors across his spells with Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, including the Champions League twice. He also won the 2010 World Cup and the European Championship in 2008 and 2012 with Spain.