TA: Alonso is about to become Chelsea manager on a four-year contract.

According to a report by TA journalist David Ornstein on Saturday, Xabi Alonso has reached a full agreement with Chelsea. He will succeed Liam Rossellini as the Blues' new manager, with a contract expected to run until June 30, 2030.

Ornstein further pointed out that Alonso will take over at Stamford Bridge as "Manager" rather than "Head Coach." This means he will have far more power than his predecessor, especially in team building and player recruitment.

Fabrizio Romano later added that the two sides had completed the signing earlier today. Alonso's contract will take effect on July 1, but he will immediately participate in Chelsea's summer transfer activities.

The 44-year-old Alonso had a brilliant playing career, winning one FA Cup, one Community Shield, two Champions League titles, one La Liga title, one UEFA Super Cup, two Copa del Rey titles, one Spanish Super Cup, three Bundesliga titles, one German Cup, and one German Super Cup with Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. He was also the midfield maestro for Spain's 2010 World Cup victory and helped the team win two consecutive European Championships (2008 and 2012).

In August 2018, Alonso officially transitioned into coaching. He initially worked in youth academy at Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, and began independently managing the first team in October 2022.

To date, Alonso has served as manager of Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid. He led Leverkusen to one Bundesliga title, one German Cup, and one German Super Cup, but his performance at Real Madrid fell short of expectations due to dressing room issues.

In January of this year, Alonso was dismissed as Real Madrid's head coach. He has been unemployed since then, for about four months now.

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