Chelsea

Who Stands to Gain and Who Gets Left Behind as Xabi Alonso Takes Charge at Chelsea

18 May 2026 4 min read 0 views

Chelsea have made a bold move with their latest managerial hire, securing a deal to bring Xabi Alonso to Stamford Bridge ahead of next season.

Any dip in Alonso's reputation during his spell at Real Madrid has since been restored following his exit, with the struggles at the Bernabéu making it evident he wasn't solely responsible, and rekindling enthusiasm among a Chelsea fanbase that has been desperate for good news since the turn of the year.

Alonso is set to implement notable changes at Chelsea, having been granted the freedom to shape the squad in his own vision. That spells good news for certain players, while others in the Blues' dressing room may find themselves on the outside looking in.

Here are three winners and three losers from Alonso's arrival at Chelsea.

Winners

Cole Palmer

Alonso's vision for Cole Palmer will likely have been a central talking point throughout the entire negotiation process. The Englishman looked like a genuine star under Mauricio Pochettino and continued to impress during Enzo Maresca's debut campaign, but 2025–26 has proven to be a difficult season for Palmer.

Under Alonso, Palmer can anticipate a return to a central attacking midfield position, but with the license to drift into spaces where he can influence proceedings. Florian Wirtz fulfilled this role under Alonso at Leverkusen, delivering double-digit returns in both goals and assists and producing the kind of performances that persuaded Liverpool to shatter their transfer record.

Palmer possesses all the qualities required to be the cornerstone of Alonso's side. How the two collaborate will likely shape both of their legacies at Stamford Bridge.

Reece James

There are several angles to consider here for captain Reece James. Not all of them are encouraging, but there are sufficient grounds for the right back to feel hopeful.

Should Alonso employ the 3-4-2-1 system he honed at Leverkusen, the challenge will be laid squarely at James's feet. The right wing back berth is his to claim if he can demonstrate his fitness, and it was in that very position that James delivered the finest football of his career under Thomas Tuchel.

If James's injury-ravaged legs can no longer meet the physical demands of the role, a position as a right-sided center back — where he spent much of his time in the latter stages of his academy career — could once again unlock the best version of James.

Nicolas Jackson

With Enzo Maresca now gone, Chelsea would be well-advised to mend their relationship with Nicolas Jackson, who is due to return to the club this summer following the end of his loan stint at Bayern Munich.

Is Jackson the complete package? Far from it, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't slot into Alonso's tactical framework, which demands relentless energy from the forward line and a constant willingness to make runs in behind and stretch opposing defenses. Jackson has his weaknesses, but those qualities happen to be among his greatest assets.

Liam Delap is among those expected to depart Chelsea this summer, which could open up an immediate opportunity for Jackson to step in.

Losers

Alejandro Garnacho

It's widely known that Alejandro Garnacho's move to Chelsea last summer was largely driven by data and the recruitment philosophy of the sporting directors. His attitude has been exemplary and the Argentine has integrated well into the squad, but on the field, there has been precious little for Garnacho to point to as a success.

With Alonso's own judgment now carrying significant weight, Garnacho could find himself under pressure — especially if the new boss reverts to a 3-4-2-1 system that doesn't accommodate traditional wingers.

We witnessed Garnacho struggle to adapt to an inside forward role within the same system under Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. Regrettably for the 21-year-old, there is little to suggest this transition will prove any more straightforward.

Jamie Gittens

Jamie Gittens finds himself in a comparable situation to Garnacho. The club's hierarchy were big admirers, but once again, the performances on the pitch have failed to live up to expectations. A run of injuries has done little to strengthen Gittens's position, either.

Gittens will need to hope that, once he returns from his hamstring problem, Alonso opts for a system that includes wide players. If not, the challenge for the former Borussia Dortmund man will be to reinvent himself as either a wing back or a central striker.

A move away from a winger-based formation would send a powerful message from Alonso, given it would represent a clear departure from the vision put forward by the recruitment department.

Marc Cucurella

Another player awaiting clarity on the final formation, Marc Cucurella may find himself called upon to dust off his wing back duties should Alonso reintroduce his 3-4-2-1 setup.

Cucurella is a capable player and his attacking instincts have earned the trust of numerous managers prior to Alonso — Maresca's insistence on deploying him as an inverted attacking midfielder frustrated many supporters — but he has notable limitations in that role, particularly in terms of his play in possession.

If Alonso needs a tireless runner, Cucurella can get the job done. However, if the new boss demands more from his wide players, the Spaniard could face difficulties, though he may benefit from the glaring absence of natural alternatives currently within the squad.