(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Wed 13 May 2026 18:24, UK

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Chelsea are expected to appoint Xabi Alonso as their next manager, according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness.

Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, has revealed what he is heard about Chelsea’s search for their next permanent boss.

Under-21 manager Calum McFarlane is currently taking charge of the Blues’ remaining Premier League fixtures, and the FA Cup final against Manchester City, until the end of the season.

Alonso has been out of work since being sacked by Real Madrid in January, and the Spaniard has been linked with a return to Liverpool this season amid increasing unrest on Arne Slot.

However, Alonso is in the frame to move to Chelsea, and he could beat off competition from Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola for the position.

Xabi Alonso the ‘favourite’ to land Chelsea job

Everton’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 Alonso’s experience in management would be key at Chelsea.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks that the 44-year-old would take some responsibilities away from the club’s sporting directors.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “That’s the one I think is going to be happening.

“Alonso has got fed up waiting for Liverpool, and Chelsea are in talks with his agent right now and that’s the one that is the favourite for me right now.

“It’s not done, but he would not only bring managerial experience but he would also bring a change of culture to Chelsea.

“Alonso is an experienced manager, unlike Liam Rosenior, who was not that experienced. Alonso would take more control over things away from the sporting directors, who I think a few of those may be sort of getting their P45s at the end of this season.”

Chelsea’s next manager to be hit with financial blow

Whoever becomes Chelsea’s next boss will not be leading the club into the Champions League next season.

The Blues are in a battle just to secure a place in the Europa Conference League, with a four-point gap between themselves and seventh-placed Brighton with two matches remaining.

Former Man City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Chelsea could lose £100million in revenue if they fail to qualify for any European competition.

That is a massive blow to Chelsea as the London club need revenue to increase to offset the £262m loss they recorded in their 2024-25 financial accounts.