Xabi Alonso axes four Chelsea players as major squad shake-up gathers pace

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Xabi Alonso has been in charge of Chelsea for just a few weeks but the Spaniard has already made his mark on the squadXabi Alonso has permitted four Chelsea players to leave the club already as his major summer revamp continues. A swift and decisive transformation is underway at Stamford Bridge, with new head coach Alonso giving his approval on wholesale changes.The 44-year-old Spaniard assumed control on July 1 after agreeing to a four-year contract in May.

Renowned for his sharp tactical acumen and leadership qualities, Alonso was chosen to lead Chelsea’s new era and has wasted no time putting his stamp on the group ahead of the 2026/27 season.FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! The left-back's swift exit caught many off guard, given he had been considered one of the standout performers in his position in the Premier League.Cucurella was a crucial member of the squad last season under Enzo Maresca but his performances declined under the Italian's successor, Liam Rosenior.

George spent half of last season on loan at Everton and impressed David Moyes.Alonso would have been more than satisfied to pocket such a sum for a player who managed just 37 appearances throughout his entire Chelsea career, particularly with the likes of Jamie Gittens, Pedro Neto, Estevao and new signing Rogers all providing quality out wide.Chelsea's abundance of wide options has also led Alonso to deem Alejandro Garnacho expendable. The Argentine has put pen to paper on a season-long loan agreement with Aston Villa, with a £42.5m buyout clause set to become mandatory should certain conditions be fulfilled.Speaking at his first press conference at Chelsea earlier this month, Alonso left little doubt that he believes Garnacho's future lies elsewhere.