BREAKING: Chelsea confirm stunning Xabi Alonso appointment as ex-Real Madrid boss pens big deal
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SportFootballXabi AlonsoFormer Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has agreed to become Chelsea's next permanent manager and will start work in the summer ahead of the 2026-27 campaignChelsea have confirmed Xabi Alonso as their new manager with the Spaniard penning a four-year deal to succeed Liam Rosenior.The move for the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen head coach represents a major coup for the Blues as Alonso was being courted heavily by Europe's elite as recently as last summer. His tenure at the Bernabeu was laced with turbulence, though, with the 44-year-old sacked seven months into a three-year deal.As well as being touted for the Stamford Bridge vacancy, Alonso has been heavily linked with Liverpool in recent weeks with his former club struggling under Arne Slot.But Alonso will return to the Premier League for the first time as a manager with Chelsea rather than his ex-team.
A statement confirming the news came shortly after Saturday afternoon's FA Cup final, which Chelsea lost 1-0 to Manchester City.Alonso said: "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."There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story.Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, X, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liam RoseniorXabi AlonsoChelsea FCReal Madrid CFPremier League