Former Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is being considered for the managerial vacancy at Chelsea this summer. Alonso has also been strongly linked with the Liverpool job, should Arne Slot’s tenure at Anfield come to an end.
During a period of challenging results for Slot, Alonso’s name has been prominent. Liverpool had previously attempted to recruit Alonso as manager before appointing Slot, but he held out for the Real Madrid position. Since departing the Santiago Bernabeu, there have been consistent reports suggesting Liverpool’s interest in a reunion.
Chelsea Makes Approach for Xabi Alonso
However, Chelsea has been the first club to officially make an approach. The Blues have been seeking their next manager since dismissing Liam Rosenior last month and appointing Graham MacFarlane as interim manager. MacFarlane is the third manager of the season, following Enzo Maresca’s departure earlier in the year.
According to Ben Jacobs, Alonso is now a leading contender for the role, and initial talks have commenced. Alonso is reportedly keen on a return to England. Diario AS reports that Alonso will consider Chelsea’s proposal, and if he accepts, he will be offered the job. The publication also suggests that Slot is likely to continue at Liverpool next season, making a move away less probable for Alonso.
Andoni Iraola Also Considered for Chelsea Position
Another Basque manager, Andoni Iraola, is also a candidate for the Chelsea job. Having announced his departure from Bournemouth at the end of the season, he has been linked with Crystal Palace, though Jacobs has refuted these claims. Iraola is considered a preferred alternative, but Chelsea’s shortlist also includes Filipe Luis, Oliver Glasner, and Fulham’s Marco Silva.