Xabi Alonso, who stepped down as Real Madrid manager on January 12, 2026, after just 217 days and 34 official matches, has become the leading contender to take over at Chelsea for the upcoming season. According to the Daily Mail, the London club has already begun exploring the possibility of hiring the Spanish tactician, though they remain open to other candidates.
Chelsea’s shortlist includes several familiar names, notably compatriots Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth) and Cesc Fàbregas (Como), along with Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), and Filipe Luís. Despite this competitive field, Alonso stands out as the favorite, having been without a job for 120 days since his departure from the Santiago Bernabéu.