Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Chelsea Hire Xabi Alonso as New Manager on Four-Year Deal

5/17/2026

28 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Chelsea have reached an agreement to appoint Xabi Alonso as manager.
Alonso, the 44-year-old former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss, accepted a four-year deal.
He will replace Calum McFarlane after Liam Rosenior was sacked on April 23.
Chelsea lost the FA Cup final 1-0 to Manchester City and currently sit ninth in the league.
The appointment should be announced before Chelsea’s next game versus Tottenham.

History

Historical Context

On 6 November 1986 Manchester United dismissed Ron Atkinson and appointed Alex Ferguson, who lifted the club to an 11th-place finish that season and later built a trophy-laden era. His early signings included Viv Anderson for £250,000. Chelsea’s 2024 hiring of former player Xabi Alonso mirrors that strategic significant turnaround.

1 of 2

Story summary

Chelsea have reached an agreement to appoint Xabi Alonso as manager.
Alonso, the 44-year-old former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss, accepted a four-year deal.
He will replace Calum McFarlane after Liam Rosenior was sacked on April 23.
Chelsea lost the FA Cup final 1-0 to Manchester City and currently sit ninth in the league.
The appointment should be announced before Chelsea’s next game versus Tottenham.

1 / 2