Chelsea’s search for a permanent manager has taken an unexpected turn, with Xavi Hernández reported to be among the candidates on the club’s shortlist. The 46-year-old, who has been without a managerial role since departing Barcelona at the close of the 2023/24 season, is reportedly open to a move to the Premier League, with sources indicating Chelsea officials have already made an initial approach.
However, according to reporter Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are not expected to follow through on that interest. In a post on X, Jacobs noted that while Xavi’s representatives have indicated openness to a move to England, the former Spain international is, “for now, ruled out” by Chelsea. The club’s more serious focus remains on three other candidates: Andoni Iraola, currently managing Bournemouth in the Premier League; Marco Silva, who has overseen a sustained period of stability at Fulham; and Xabi Alonso, the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich coach.
Chelsea’s recruitment process was triggered following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior last month. The club is understood to be conducting a wide-ranging evaluation of candidates before arriving at a final appointment, with no immediate timeline confirmed for a decision.
Xavi’s managerial career to date has been conducted entirely within Spain. He took charge of Barcelona in November 2021 and led the club to the La Liga title during the 2022/23 season, providing a measure of domestic stability during a difficult financial and transitional period at Camp Nou. He departed at the end of the 2023/24 campaign and has not managed since. An appointment at Chelsea would represent his first role in management outside of Spanish football.
Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, has attracted significant attention from Europe’s top clubs following his impressive work at Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the German side to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season. His availability and ambitions for his next role remain closely watched across the continent.
Iraola has drawn praise for his work at Bournemouth since taking charge in the summer of 2023, establishing the south coast club as a competitive mid-table Premier League side with an organised, high-intensity style of play. Marco Silva has similarly impressed at Fulham, maintaining the club’s top-flight status and building a reputation as a thoughtful, technically astute coach.
Chelsea’s managerial instability in recent years has been well-documented. The club has cycled through multiple permanent and interim appointments since Todd Boehly’s consortium completed their takeover in 2022, making the upcoming decision one of considerable significance for the club’s long-term direction under its current ownership.
