London Calling - The Latest Names Linked With Chelsea Role

Update: Who Is In Contention for the Chelsea Job?

With Liam Rosenior dismissed from the Chelsea hot seat eight days ago now, the discussion and speculation surrounding his replacement are increasingly gaining steam.

X (formerly Twitter) has been awash with rumours, appeals and discourse over who is the best fit, who is the most successful, who is most likely, and who the Blues need and, in all honesty, the list of candidates hasn’t narrowed down; if anything, the shortlist has increased.

So who exactly is in the spotlight right now as the Blues look to bring in a coach who can finally live up to the billing as the leader of their so-called “long-term project”?

Marco Silva, Everton

The Everton coach has allegedly been eyed up by the Blue Co. hierarchy from early on in the manager selection process, with his long stints in the Premier League with Watford, Everton and now Fulham proof that the Portuguese coach can hang at the top level.

Fulham manager Marco Silva on his future, amid links to Chelsea: “I'm preparing the future of the club, with or without a new contract.” (via @footballontnt) pic.twitter.com/Ldgi8r63bv

— ChelsTransfer (@ChelsTransfer) April 25, 2026

In terms of trophies, Silva boasts precious little: a Portuguese Cup and second division title, a Greek Super League, and an EFL Championship with Fulham are all he has to show for his efforts. However, at the tender age of 48 and with a number of years left in the tank, he fits the billing of previous Blue Co choices perfectly.

Francesco Farioli, Porto

Set to lift the Portuguese Premier League in his first season at the club, former Nice and Ajax manager Farioli has quietly been going under the radar as one of Europe's most exciting young managers.

Since taking over in July, he has lost on just five occasions, and flexing a 74% win ratio in that same period, his Porto side has become a serious force to contend with, so much so that a so-far invincible Jose Mourinho-led Benfica has been unable to close the gap to the top. With bold ideals and brave tactics, the Italian is another strong choice for the Chelsea job.

Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth

Confirmed to be leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season, it seems as if the current Cherries manager is linked with every job in England, ranging from the Chelsea role to the permanent opening at Manchester United.

A manager who relies on bold attacking tactics and, for the most part, puts defence on the backburner, Iraola has gained countless plaudits during his time in England and has long been touted for a big job. Now, it seems as if it is only a matter of months away – all it depends on now is where the former Athletic Club star opts to go.

Xabi Alonso, Free Agent

The contender garnering the most discussion across social media, the former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen coach, is the overwhelmingly obvious choice to take to the Stamford Bridge dugout next.

The Spaniard has an invincible season and German double in his back pocket and wouldn’t need time to adjust to the English style of play thanks to his time as a player during his Liverpool days.

Xabi Alonso is reportedly interested in becoming the next Chelsea manager… ✅ pic.twitter.com/v53ca3LiIC

— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) April 30, 2026

More importantly though, unlike the other three, Alonso boasts experience at a genuinely big club. Granted, his time at Real Madrid may not have gone to plan, but even in the tough times, he consistently managed to grind out results

That is exactly the manager that Chelsea need at the moment – amidst the Blue Co protests, player bans, terrible transfer business and more besides, they need a manager who is capable of beating any given opposition put in front of them. Xabi Alonso is that man.