Chelsea appoint Xabi Alonso on four-year deal
Antoine Semenyo’s back-heel in the 72nd minute beat Robert Sanchez to give Man City a 1-0 FA Cup final win over Chelsea, sealing a domestic cup double.
Potential shirt sponsors are ‘very encouraged’ by Alonso’s appointment. With IFS deal ending soon and finances tight, Chelsea hope the new manager boost aids a lucrative agreement.
Some Chelsea players who wanted to leave have told agents they now wish to stay after Alonso’s arrival. Alonso rates the squad, though futures of Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez remain uncertain.
Analysis urges Spurs to be compact and disciplined against Chelsea to secure a point for survival, warning of Blues’ midfield pressing and quick creators under incoming boss Alonso.
Wayne Rooney reveals he tried to loan Liam Delap from Man City at Derby. Delap, a former Rams academy striker, later joined Chelsea after spells at Ipswich and Hull.
Alonso, appointed on a four-year deal as manager, will choose Chelsea’s No.1 between Robert Sanchez and returning loanee Mike Penders, with Filip Jorgensen not in his plans.
Sunderland won 3-1 at Everton with late goals from Enzo Le Fee and Wilson Isidor after Brian Brobbey’s equaliser, moving above Chelsea before a decisive final-day meeting with the Blues.
Opinion suggests Alonso at Chelsea could pursue underperforming Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz, reuniting a successful Leverkusen pairing in a 3-4-2-1 role.
Chelsea confirm Xabi Alonso on a four-year deal with full manager powers. Frank Leboeuf hails the move, expects him to thrive and ‘bring Chelsea back’. Alonso starts 1 July after key games this week.
Opinion piece argues England boss Thomas Tuchel should omit Cole Palmer after a quiet final but include Levi Colwill, who impressed on his return and strengthens the left-sided centre-back options.
Report touts Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson and Jan Paul van Hecke as Premier League-proven targets for Alonso, aiming to bolster attack, midfield and defence alongside Levi Colwill.
Chelsea are among frontrunners for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, valued at £50m. A dominant centre-back is sought alongside Levi Colwill as Alonso plans a rebuild.
