Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Chelsea overhaul under Alonso targets Premier League top-four return
Chelsea has changed many things to try to become a stronger football team.
Xabi Alonso is the club’s new manager.
The club signed several players, including Morgan Rogers for a reported record fee.
Older players such as Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck were added to give the young squad more experience.
Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season.
The club wants to finish in the top four this season.
Its first league match is against Fulham on August 24.
However, mixed pre-season results show that Chelsea still has work to do.
Chelsea appointed Xabi Alonso and made major close-season changes after finishing 10th last season.
Morgan Rogers reportedly joined from Aston Villa for £117 million, a British-player transfer record.
Other additions include Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Pep Chavarria, Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck.
Chelsea dismissed Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior last season amid continued concerns about managerial stability.
The club begins its Premier League campaign against Fulham on August 24, despite mixed pre-season results.
- Who
- Chelsea, new manager Xabi Alonso, and the club’s newly signed players.
- What
- Chelsea is undertaking a major squad and coaching overhaul to improve its Premier League performance.
- When
- The changes are taking place during the close season; Chelsea starts its league campaign on August 24.
- Where
- Chelsea’s campaign begins with an away visit to West London neighbours Fulham.
- Why
- The club wants to end several years of underachievement and return to the Premier League’s top four.
Renewed Ambition
Cautious Outlook
Season expectations
Renewed Ambition
Chelsea’s ownership hopes the overhaul and Xabi Alonso’s appointment can restore the club to title contention and its former glory.
Cautious Outlook
A top-four finish is described as a more realistic goal after Chelsea finished 10th and changed coaches repeatedly.
Readiness of the squad
Renewed Ambition
New signings and experienced additions could strengthen a young squad and provide greater depth.
Cautious Outlook
Chelsea still has one of the Premier League’s biggest squads, may need further departures, and recorded mixed results in pre-season friendlies.
Club stability
Renewed Ambition
Alonso’s manager title suggests the owners may give him more authority over day-to-day football operations.
Cautious Outlook
Reports of divisions among BlueCo’s main investors and Alonso’s short, reportedly troubled spell at Real Madrid could create further uncertainty.
- New manager
- Xabi Alonso, formerly of Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid
- Last Premier League finish
- 10th place
- Major reported signing
- Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for £117 million
- Additional signings
- Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Pep Chavarria, Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck
- Opening fixture
- Fulham on August 24
- Recent coaching changes
- Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior were both dismissed last season
- Pre-season record
- Two wins, two losses and one draw