Chelsea 'reach agreement' with Xabi Alonso on four year contract | OneFootball

Chelsea are set to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new permanent manager within the coming days. 

According to an exclusive from The Athletic on Saturday, the 44-year-old has reached an agreement with the Premier League club over a four-year contract.

Alonso had visited London early last week to formally accept the opportunity. This news arrived mere hours after Chelsea lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City. 

Following the departure of Liam Rosenior, the Blues earmarked some key names in the industry to lead the new charge. Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola was also a strong contender, but Alonso was the strongest.

The former Liverpool star will now return to the Premier League this time as a manager following his exit from Real Madrid. 

Alonso was surprisingly sacked mere months into his three-year deal with Los Blancos despite winning 10 out of 11 LaLiga matches, including El Clásico.

The move to Madrid arrived after he guided Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in 2023-24 as part of an unbeaten domestic campaign. 

Following Chelsea's own managerial issues, which saw Rosenior and Enzo Maresca sacked, they will hope Alonso can repeat his success in Germany.

📸 FADEL SENNA - AFP or licensors