David Ornstein drops Xabi Alonso bombshell amid Chelsea and Liverpool links

Chelsea are on the hunt for their sixth permanent manager since BlueCo took over the club in May 2022 after they opted to remove Liam Rosenior from the role in April.

The Blues have been linked to several high-profile names since they bid farewell to the English manager, with Cesc Fabregas distancing himself from the position.

Another individual that has been linked to the role is Spaniard Andoni Iraola, who is set to leave Bournemouth at the end of the campaign.

However, there have been reports of Iraola linking him to becoming the next manager of Crystal Palace to replace the outgoing Oliver Glasner.

Former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has been mentioned as the man to takeover the helm at Chelsea; however, he has been linked to making a return to the club he represented as a player, Liverpool.

Now, according to journalist David Ornstein, it has been announced that the Spaniard is ‘open to possibility' of becoming the next Chelsea manager, but he has not ruled out the club still making a move for Iraola.

🚨 Chelsea exploring deal to appoint Xabi Alonso as next head coach. 44yo former #RMFC boss understood to be open to possibility, although nothing decided yet as process continues. Andoni Iraola also strong contender ahead of departing #AFCB @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/39GzR6Z1Nc

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 11, 2026

Liverpool and Chelsea could be set to battle it out for the signature of Alonso, as the Reds could be doubtful about whether Arne Slot is the man to take them forward, as seen in the booing of the Reds following their draw with the Blues at Anfield at the weekend, an indication he may have lost the fans.

Former star Alonso may bring about a renewed sense of hope to the Anfield faithful, but it appears a battle with Chelsea, who are looking for their Rosenior replacement ahead of next season.

Fans of the London club will be hopeful that the Blues can make the correct appointment and bring success back to Stamford Bridge in the shape of Premier League titles and Champions Leagues.

Alonso struggled at the helm of Real Madrid; however, in light of recent events in the build-up to El Clasico, this may not have been entirely his fault, as Federico Valverde was hospitalised after having a fight with Aurelien Tchouameni.

There would be a confidence Alonso could deliver at Chelsea in a similar fashion to what he achieved at Bayer Leverkusen, in which he delivered their first-ever Bundesliga title in 2024, while also collecting the DFB-Pokal in the same campaign.

Where the former Real Madrid boss ends up remains to be seen, but it is clear there is plenty of interest in him from top European sides.