Chelsea agree four-year deal with Xabi Alonso

Chelsea has intensified its efforts to appoint former Xabi Alonso as the club’s next permanent head coach, with reports from Fabrizio Romano indicating that an agreement has now been reached on a four-year contract running until 2030.

The Stamford Bridge side have been searching for a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed last month after a disappointing campaign.

BBC Sport previously reported that Chelsea had drawn up a shortlist that included Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner. However, Alonso quickly emerged as the club’s preferred choice.

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Although final details are still being completed, negotiations with the 44-year-old Spaniard have advanced significantly, with Chelsea now understood to have agreed terms on a long-term deal until 2030.

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The Blues are expected to officially announce their new manager in the coming days, having waited until after the FA Cup final against Manchester City before making any public statement.

Discussions between both parties have been ongoing for weeks, with Alonso believed to have requested certain assurances regarding the club’s long-term project before agreeing to take the role.

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The former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen manager had also been linked with a possible move to Liverpool, where he spent five years as a player, amid growing pressure on current boss Arne Slot after a difficult season.

However, Liverpool are reportedly prepared to continue with Slot next season, though that stance could change if the club misses out on qualification for the UEFA Champions League.