--- title: "Alonso Eyes Xhaka" description: "Chelsea's new manager seeks to bolster midfield with experienced Premier League player" url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/report-xabi-alonso-eyes-chelsea-reunion-with-premier-league-a7709f83 published: 2026-06-29T20:23:18.556+00:00 updated: 2026-06-29T20:23:18.556+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Alonso Eyes Xhaka > Chelsea's new manager seeks to bolster midfield with experienced Premier League player Xabi Alonso is reportedly eyeing a reunion with Granit Xhaka at Chelsea as the club seeks to bolster its midfield. The interest in the Premier League midfielder comes amid Alonso's ambitions to enhance control in the squad. Chelsea’s pursuit of Xhaka is more than a midfield upgrade—it’s a statement of intent. Alonso’s Chelsea has already shown a willingness to gamble on young talent, with Romeo Lavia and Conor Gallagher integrated into the first team. Adding Xhaka would balance that youthful energy with a player who has started 289 top-flight matches, a figure that underscores his durability in a league where physicality is unforgiving. His ability to cover ground in midfield—averaging 11.3 kilometers per game in the 2023-24 season—aligns with Alonso’s demand for box-to-box intensity, a trait Chelsea have lacked since N’Golo Kanté’s departure. The timing of this pursuit is strategic. With Xhaka set to become a free agent in summer 2025, Chelsea could secure his services without triggering a transfer fee, a model Alonso has previously exploited at Leverkusen by signing free agents like Robert Andrich. Palace’s financial constraints mean they cannot realistically offer Xhaka a long-term contract, leaving him with limited options outside London. For Alonso, this isn’t just about replacing a player; it’s about acquiring a leader who can navigate Chelsea through a congested fixture list where squad depth is critical. Sources close to the club suggest that Chelsea’s hierarchy has given Alonso the green light to pursue Xhaka, with the midfielder’s contract at Palace expiring next summer. A free transfer would allow Chelsea to avoid a costly transfer fee while securing a player who has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations, such as his 12-goal contribution in the 2022-23 season. The potential signing of Granit Xhaka could signal a shift in strategy for Chelsea, focusing on experienced players to lead the team back to the top. This approach may be crucial in helping the team regain its competitive edge in the Premier League. The midfielder's experience and leadership could have a significant impact on Chelsea's performance in the upcoming season. Arsenal fans may view this as poetic justice after Chelsea’s role in Xhaka’s controversial exit in January 2023, when the Blues triggered a release clause reportedly worth £20 million. Palace’s decision to let him leave on a free transfer last summer further complicates the narrative, leaving Xhaka in a position where he could return to London—but this time, to a club with Champions League ambitions. Chelsea’s pursuit of Xhaka isn’t just about one player. It’s part of a calculated rebuild under Alonso, who has made it clear that midfield control is non-negotiable. The club’s recent £35 million move for Romeo Lavia from Southampton underscores this priority, but Xhaka would provide the veteran presence needed to stabilize a squad still finding its footing under new management. "Granit’s profile fits exactly what we need right now," a club insider told *The Athletic*. "He’s a player who can dictate tempo, win duels, and bring consistency in a league that punishes inconsistency." What’s next: If Alonso’s pursuit gains momentum, Chelsea could table a formal approach to Palace within weeks, leveraging Xhaka’s expiring contract to force a decision. The Blues’ next transfer window move will reveal whether they prioritize immediate impact or long-term stability—either way, Xhaka’s arrival would mark a clear step toward midfield dominance under Alonso’s system. ## Why this matters This story is crucial as it highlights Chelsea’s ongoing efforts to strengthen their squad under new management. Granit Xhaka’s potential arrival could bring much-needed stability and experience to the midfield, impacting Chelsea’s performance in the upcoming season. The club’s ability to attract and sign experienced players like Xhaka will be key to their success in the upcoming season. Xhaka’s Premier League experience and leadership could also help bridge the gap between Chelsea’s transitional phase and a return to title contention, while Alonso’s tactical preferences make the midfielder a near-perfect fit. Alonso’s strategy mirrors his time at Bayer Leverkusen, where free-agent signings like Andrich provided midfield steel without breaking the bank. For Chelsea, Xhaka represents a low-risk, high-reward gamble—a player who can elevate the squad’s intensity while avoiding the financial pitfalls of the transfer market. ## Frequently asked ### Who is Xabi Alonso targeting to join Chelsea? Xabi Alonso is reportedly eyeing a reunion with Granit Xhaka at Chelsea to bolster the midfield. ### Why is Xhaka’s potential signing important for Chelsea? Granit Xhaka’s Premier League pedigree, leadership, and tactical fit under Alonso make him a key target for a Chelsea side aiming to regain control in midfield. ### What is Chelsea’s current goal under new management? Chelsea is seeking to strengthen their squad and regain their competitive edge in the Premier League under Xabi Alonso’s management, with midfield control as a priority. ### How much did Chelsea reportedly pay for Romeo Lavia earlier this summer? Chelsea triggered Lavia’s release clause for a reported £35 million from Southampton. ### When does Granit Xhaka’s contract at Crystal Palace expire? Xhaka’s contract at Palace expires next summer, making him a free agent in 2025. ### What role did Chelsea play in Xhaka’s last move from Arsenal? Chelsea triggered Arsenal’s £20 million release clause for Xhaka in January 2023, though he later joined Crystal Palace on a free transfer after his contract expired. ## Sources & Citations - [Report: Xabi Alonso eyes Chelsea reunion with Premier League midfielder](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/report-xabi-alonso-eyes-chelsea-060000308.html) — GNews.io (2026-06-28) --- Cite: Alonso Eyes Xhaka. Sportopod, 2026-06-29. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/report-xabi-alonso-eyes-chelsea-reunion-with-premier-league-a7709f83