Xabi Alonso announced as new Chelsea manager, to take charge from July 1

Chelsea have announced the signing of former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso as their new manager for the upcoming 2026-27 season on Sunday, May 17. Alonso joins on a four-year contract and will take charge from July 1 at Stamford Bridge.

The decision comes right after the Blues suffered FA Cup final heartbreak against Manchester City, meaning that they will not be part of any European competitions next year. Alonso has been without a job since he was sacked as the Real Madrid manager earlier in the year in January.

"Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Xabi Alonso as Manager of the men’s team."

"The Spaniard will begin his role on July 1, 2026, having agreed a fouryear contract at Stamford Bridge," read the statement from Chelsea.

WHAT ALONSO SAID AFTER JOINING CHELSEA

Alonso was elated after joining Chelsea, saying that both him and the club share the same ambition. The Spaniard said that the aim will be to build a team that is capable of challenging for titles.

"Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club."

"From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies."

"There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies."

Alonso is expected to bring back stability at Stamford Bridge, as they have already seen two managers get sacked this year. Enzo Maresca, who guided Chelsea to the Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup, was let go in January after differences with the board.

His successor, Liam Rosenoir, was unable to change the fortunes of the club and was sacked in April. Alonso comes with a big reputation after his work in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen, where he helped them win their first Bundesliga title in 2024 and the German Cup as well.

His time at Real Madrid was turbulent and came to an end after the Spanish Super Cup final loss to Barcelona.