Xabi Alonso has agreed to become Chelsea's next permanent head coach on a four-year contract, returning to England after his playing career. The former Real Madrid midfielder, who led Bayer Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2023/24, succeeds Liam Rosenior. His appointment ends a turbulent search following Rosenior's sacking in April after just three months in charge.

Chelsea pursued Alonso as their top target to revive a season that ended without European football. The Blues finished ninth in the Premier League, picking up one point from their last seven matches, and lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City. Alonso emerged ahead of other candidates like Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola and Fulham's Marco Silva.

Alonso's task is clear: rebuild a squad that has seen five permanent appointments since the BlueCo era began. His proven pedigree includes two Champions League titles as a player and a historic domestic double with Leverkusen. He now faces the immediate challenge of restoring Chelsea's competitiveness without the lure of European competition.