Xabi Alonso’s ideal Chelsea dream team with five new players and four big changes
Chelsea could still end the 2025-26 season with a trophy, but it’s been another tough and chaotic year for the team. They’ve had two permanent managers already and are now looking for their next one. For now, caretaker Callum McFarlane will be leading the team in Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.
The Blues are currently ninth in the Premier League after a poor run of form. Their only way back into the Champions League is by grabbing sixth place, which is a big challenge with just two games left. They also need Aston Villa to finish fifth and win their Europa League final against Freiburg next week.
After the disappointing results with Liam Rosenior from Strasbourg, Chelsea’s owners know they have to pick their next manager carefully. One big name they’re interested in is Xabi Alonso, who used to coach Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid. Alonso is known for using a flexible 3-4-2-1 formation, which could be exciting for Chelsea fans to imagine.
Chelsea’s goalkeeper situation is still a problem. Robert Sanchez, bought from Brighton & Hove Albion, hasn’t quite solved the issues. So, finding a new keeper is likely a top priority this summer. One player often linked with the move is Gregor Kobel, Borussia Dortmund’s Swiss number one, who Alonso knows well from his time in Germany.
Marc Cucurella seems safe in the lineup, but he and Malo Gusto might struggle if Alonso decides to go with a back three. Reece James is a solid player in midfield, but Cucurella playing as a left winger probably won’t fix Chelsea’s problems. If Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill can step up and stay healthy, adding a top center-back would complete a strong defense. Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth is one name mentioned, although he might stay if Bournemouth reach the Champions League.
Some fans want midfielder Enzo Fernandez gone after some awkward comments about where he wants to live. Moises Caicedo is the key player Chelsea want to build their midfield around, with captain James holding down the right side. This might leave Pedro Neto and Fernandez on the sidelines. Chelsea is also interested in adding a midfield partner for Caicedo and a left-sided talent. Atletico Madrid’s Pablo Barrios is a strong candidate but would come with a big price tag. German teenager Said El Mala from Cologne and Anthony Gordon are also on Chelsea’s radar.
Young player Estevao is seen as Chelsea’s attacking future, but he’s still young and injured. This means the club will probably look to bring in another attacker this summer to support him. Striker Joao Pedro has been a bright spot this season with 15 Premier League goals. Chelsea might look for another striker, but it would take an impressive player to replace him as top scorer.
Cole Palmer might leave, but the club would likely prefer to keep him, and if they do, he should see plenty of playing time. He could play alongside his friend Morgan Rogers, an attacking midfielder from Aston Villa who was heavily linked with a move last summer. Villa might be willing to sell to help with their financial situation, making the transfer possible.