Chelsea have reached a formal agreement to appoint Xabi Alonso as the club’s new permanent manager on a four-year contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until June 2030.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the agreement on Saturday, shortly after Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Romano wrote: “Here we go! Chelsea appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager, deal done.
“Agreement in place on a four-year contract for Xabi, who will be in London next week to sign and be announced.
“Xabi to Stamford Bridge — done deal.”
Alonso is expected to take charge as manager rather than head coach, a role that will reportedly give him greater influence over recruitment and football operations alongside Chelsea’s ownership group, BlueCo.
The 44-year-old Spaniard reportedly travelled to London earlier in the week to finalise terms after emerging as the club hierarchy’s top managerial target.
He will replace interim manager Calum McFarlane, who stepped in following Liam Rosenior’s brief three-month spell in charge.
The appointment marks Alonso’s return to the Premier League, where he previously played for Liverpool during a successful playing career.
It will also be his first managerial role since leaving Real Madrid in January 2026.
