Xabi Alonso's dream Chelsea XI with Adam Wharton and Real Madrid star in new formation
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Chelsea are reportedly keen on appointing Xabi Alonso as the club's new permanent manager next seasonChelsea will welcome a new permanent manager next season, and Xabi Alonso is among the favourites for the post. Things haven't exactly improved since his departure and Los Blancos saw their title dreams officially extinguished over the weekend.According to The Mail, Alonso is the Chelsea hierarchy's top pick to assume the role of permanent manager, with the club taking their time over the appointment following Liam Rosenior's sacking.
This doesn't necessarily mean dipping into the transfer market, however, as Mike Penders is still held in high regard and could be given a chance at his parent club after a season on loan at Strasbourg.At centre-back, Alonso's arrival could spark a fresh pursuit of Dean Huijsen. Burkina Faso international centre-back Edmond Tapsoba has a proven track record operating in the heart of a back three, not least when Leverkusen claimed the double under Alonso in 2023/24, meaning he could provide the defensive anchor the Blues require with Huijsen and Levi Colwill flanking him on either side.Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
If Fernandez isn't part of Chelsea's setup next season, the England international appears someone who work well alongside Moises Caicedo, although there are likely to be other suitors and an asking price as high as £100m has been mooted.AttackAlonso's appointment could spell trouble for the likes of Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho. That said, if previous seasons are any indication, we could witness another couple of rotation alternatives arrive at the club to help lighten the Brazilian's burden.Potential Chelsea XI under Xabi Alonso: Penders; Huijsen, Tapsoba, Colwill; James/Quenda, Caicedo, Wharton, Cucurella; Estevao, Palmer; Joao PedroJoin our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content.