Xabi Alonso officially takes charge of Chelsea as their new manager today, following the completion of his four-year contract. The former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss is beginning his era at Stamford Bridge by evaluating the squad.
A new era begins at Stamford Bridge today. Xabi Alonso has officially taken over as Chelsea manager after signing a four-year contract. The Spaniard will now lead the squad into pre-season and oversee his strategic rebuild of the team.
🗣 "This is a ridiculous amount of money. I mean, since we got over the limit of £100million.
Every single day, I see price tags on players that (make him say), 'Wow, my God'. If you are willing to spend that kind of money on a single player that can make a difference.
It's been the case for Declan Rice (who joined in a £105m deal from West Ham United in 2023), he's done well, very well."
Chelsea FC was fined €3 million by UEFA for narrowly exceeding the 70% Squad Cost Ratio threshold. Because the club showed improving financial trends, €2 million of this penalty is conditional, leaving only €1 million to be paid immediately, provided they meet future spending targets.
1. The Overview
The Fine: Chelsea has been hit with a €3 million fine by UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) for breaching European financial sustainability regulations.
The Breakdown: The governing body allowed €2 million of this fine to be suspended, making the immediate out-of-pocket penalty €1 million.
The Condition: This suspended portion will only be enforced if the club fails to continuously reduce its spending and continues to breach the 70% Squad Cost Ratio.
What is UEFA's Squad Cost Ratio?
UEFA's strict financial rules cap a club's spending on player wages, transfers, and agent fees at 70% of its total revenue. Chelsea was found to have marginally breached this threshold, though European regulators officially acknowledged the club's positive financial trajectory between 2024 and 2025.
Malo Gusto is appreciated by Enzo Maresca at Manchester City, Enzo Maresca is a big fan of Malo Gusto, and he is a player they are considering.
So unless the price drops later this summer, or Man City will go for a different fullback, that's the situation for Malo Gusto.
Chelsea are still pursuing Granit Xhaka, despite Sunderland immediately rejecting an £8 million bid. The 33-year-old midfielder is reportedly very interested in a transfer to Stamford Bridge to reunite with new manager Xabi Alonso, who coached him to an undefeated Bundesliga title.
"Will Xabi Alonso get his man? Despite Sunderland’s firm stance, Chelsea are reportedly refusing to give up their pursuit of Granit Xhaka. The 33-year-old midfielder—who enjoyed a wildly successful, unbeaten spell under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen—is said to be highly keen on a move to West London. The Black Cats have already pushed back on the initial approach, but with the transfer window heating up, this saga could see further developments."
Things are currently not advancing between Real Madrid and Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez.
There is zero talks between Chelsea and Real Madrid for Enzo Fernandez, but he is one of the names being mentioned internally at Real Madrid.
Yes, but there are no active conversations ongoing. The two clubs are not negotiating.
Chelsea have opened talks with Rayo Vallecano and are growing in confidence that Chavarria, who can play left back and wing back, will move to Stamford Bridge.
Pep Chavarria is a player that Xabi Alonso and his staff know well. Chelsea have also been scouting him, he’s keen on the move to #CFC, some initial contacts. Don’t forget about Xhaka and Lacroix too. Chelsea are very busy at the moment.
“Chelsea FC appreciates the 2025/26 season was a hugely disappointing one for the Club and its supporters. A major contributing factor was the disruption caused as a result of changes that the Club was forced to make to the Head Coach position over the Christmas period”.
“Due to recent developments, we consider that it is important to explain to our supporters what happened and why our former Head Coach left the Club on 1 January 2026”.
“In Autumn last year, the Club was informed by our former Head Coach that there might be an opportunity for him to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season”.
“It became clear to us that it was his strong desire to succeed Guardiola and that he was fully committed to pursuing the opportunity, despite the fact he was under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate”.
“In December 2025, our Head Coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position. Obviously, we felt let down as we believed that his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, despite having just arrived at Chelsea the year before”.
“No club wants to change its head coach midway through a season. However, in light of his decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities through to the end of the season, the Club was left with no choice but to protect our players, our supporters, and the Badge and accept his resignation”.
“In the circumstances and given the mutual respect between clubs, a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation. A confidential settlement has also been reached with the former Head Coach under which he will pay compensation”.
Chelsea receive £17m compensation fee from Enzo Maresca-Manchester City deal.
“In the circumstances and given the mutual respect between clubs, a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation”.
“A confidential settlement has also been reached with the former Head Coach under which he will pay compensation”.
“The decision to leave was only mine. My resignation from Chelsea opened a path for me to join Manchester City, which is a club I knew very well. I am ecstatic that I have now joined Manchester City”.
“I recognise that my departure from Chelsea in the middle of the season caused disruption for the club and I apologise for that. It was neither my intention nor my wish”.
Chelsea have started contacts with Lacroix, and Lacroix would open doors to Chelsea, he’s interested! Chelsea and Crystal Palace have good relationship, also with his agent.
This will be a great addition, proven players with Premier League experience.
Looking forward to this happening
He congratulated me on the signing. I hope it happens. I would be very happy. We were very happy at Chelsea, and to have the opportunity to both sign for Real Madrid in the same summer… I hope he’s lucky and becomes a Real Madrid player!”
: Trevoh Chalobah can leave Chelsea this summer and Como send initial official bid for the centre back.
🇮🇹 Understand Inter have also looked at Chalobah among centre back options.
English CB focused on World Cup but UCL clubs keen.
Marco Palestra will sign a deal valid until June 2032 at Chelsea, initial six year contract.
Palestra said yes to #CFC project last night, ready to work under Xabi Alonso.
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