Soon, Xabi Alonso will likely step into the role of Chelsea's head coach - a move expected to become official shortly after talks with the Premier League team concluded successfully, according to reports.

Back on the market since Real let him go in January, following a rocky spell at the Bernabéu. Now Chelsea’s top officials acted fast, Alonso said yes to four years in London, people close to the deal confirm.

Chelsea turn to Xabi Alonso after Rosenior's departure

One hundred six days after taking over from Enzo Maresca in January, Liam Rosenior was let go by Chelsea. Since then, the club has looked for a new full-time manager. In the meantime, Calum McFarlane stepped in on an interim basis. His time in charge included Saturday's loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

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Nowhere near the front at first, Xabi Alonso soon moved ahead of Iraola and Silva in Chelsea's search. Talks picked up sharply lately, helped along by how clearly he liked what the club plans beyond just next season.

Later came talks between Alonso and BlueCo, the people who own Chelsea. He wanted answers about how transfers were handled. His say in team choices mattered too. Clear terms need to be settled first. Only after those talks did things move forward. An understanding was formed in the end.

Word of the appointment should come out ahead of Chelsea's match against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Tuesday evening. If things move fast enough, Alonso might lead the squad himself when they face off in the heated city clash.

Out of the chaos this season, Chelsea sees Xabi Alonso as a steady hand. His time in Madrid did not go well, yet respect for him still runs deep in European circles. That belief grew during his days at Leverkusen, where games flowed with intent. Organisation shaped every match, attack moved with purpose. Now London hopes that same clarity might take root again.

A fresh chapter looms for the ex-Liverpool midfielder, eyeing a return to the Premier League, but this stint will unfold on the touchline, not the pitch. Instead of dictating play in central areas, he’ll be making decisions from the sidelines.

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