Elite club adviser: Chelsea should be biting this manager's hand off to get him to Stamford Bridge

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(Credit: Getty/Imago) Thu 14 May 2026 10:58, UK Chelsea should do all they can to hire Xabi Alonso as their next manager, according to Keith Wyness.The former Everton chief executive, speaking to Football Insider, believes Alonso ticks all the boxes for what the Blues should be looking for in their next permanent boss.It comes as former Barcelona manager Xavi has been linked with the vacancy at Stamford Bridge, with the 46-year-old having been out of work since leaving the Spanish side in May 2024.Chelsea were left to rue hiring the inexperienced Liam Rosenior as their last manager, and the hierarchy are under pressure not to make the same mistake twice.Alonso is among the favourites to land the Chelsea job, with a successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, and experience at Real Madrid, on his resume. 👔 Chelsea Manager News👔 Get the inside track on the Stamford Bridge dugout with updates on shortlisted candidates and BlueCo technical strategy. VISIT THE MANAGER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Xavi ‘not the right fit’ to become Chelsea managerEverton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Xavi’s agent is behind his links to the Chelsea job.Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks that Chelsea should be acting quickly to hire Alonso whilst he is still available.Games Managed174Games Won113Games Drawn36Games Lost25Xabi Alonso’s managerial stats in all competitions at Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen.He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It’s Xavi’s agent trying to push his name.

“I don’t think he’s the right fit for the Chelsea culture. He’s not the right fit personally and for lots of reasons.“Alonso is the one with much more experience.

His spell in Germany was excellent, and he’s one that can garner the trust of the owners and set a strategy and perhaps get over this whole idea of buying as many young players as possible on long-term contracts.“Xabi’s been around. Chelsea would be very lucky to have him, and they should be biting his hand off, if they can get a chance to get him.”Xabi Alonso talks have begun with ChelseaWyness previously told Football Insider that Chelsea are in talks with Alonso’s agent as they view the Spaniard as their preferred appointment.Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, who will be leaving the Cherries at the end of the season, has also been linked with a move to west London.Chelsea’s next manager will have to get to work quickly, as the summer transfer window is set to be a busy one for the club.Player trading will be important to improve the club’s financial position, whilst stars could leave in order to help the culture inside the dressing room. 🦁 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Chelsea Insider Access Get the full story from Stamford Bridge and Cobham with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from West London.