#xabi_alonso

Tottenham Make Enquiry Over Potential Loan Move for Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk Tottenham Hotspur have made an enquiry to Chelsea regarding a potential loan move for Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk. The north London club, seeking to strengthen its left-sided attacking options, has shown interest in the 25-year-old despite his recent doping-related suspension. Mudryk, who has not played for Chelsea since November 2024, is now permitted to return to training and first-team selection following a resolution between the Football Association (FA) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in July 2026. Mudryk’s return to competitive football has been delayed by a four-year ban imposed by the FA in April 2026 after he returned an adverse doping result. The ban, which he contested through the Court of Arbitration for Sport, required him to train separately from Chelsea’s facilities for 20 months. His absence from the squad has left a gap in Chelsea’s attacking options, prompting the west London club to explore loan opportunities for the player. Tottenham’s interest in Mudryk aligns with their broader strategy to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026-27 season. The club has already completed high-profile signings, including Savio and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City, as part of a summer transfer window exceeding £300 million. While they had previously shown interest in Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, Mudryk’s potential return to competitive action has shifted their focus. Mudryk’s connection to Tottenham’s coaching staff adds another layer to the potential move. Head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who previously worked with the winger during his time at Shakhtar Donetsk, has a history of success with the player.#chelsea #tottenham_hotspur #xabi_alonso #mykhailo_mudryk #roberto_de_zerbi

Chelsea Secure World Cup Winner Emiliano Martínez in Major Transfer Move Chelsea have completed the signing of World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa, securing the 33-year-old on a three-year contract. The move marks the end of a six-year stint at Villa, where Martínez played a pivotal role in their Europa League triumph last season. The transfer comes after Villa sought to offload the Argentine, who had been linked with a potential move to Juventus earlier in August but ultimately opted for a switch to Stamford Bridge. Martínez, a key figure in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory, will now join Chelsea as their primary goalkeeper. His arrival follows a period of instability in the Blues’ goalkeeping department, highlighted by Robert Sánchez’s subpar performance in Monday’s 3-2 win against Fulham. Sánchez, who has faced inconsistent form and intermittent selection under previous managers, was left out of the squad by new manager Xabi Alonso, who has turned to Martínez’s experience to bolster the team’s defensive options. The transfer also reflects Villa’s strategic shift during the summer window. While the club signed Japan international Zion Suzuki earlier in the transfer period, they prioritized addressing their goalkeeping needs, with Martínez set to become Chelsea’s No. 1 choice. His decision to join Chelsea was described as a straightforward one, with the player expressing enthusiasm for the move. “Coming to Chelsea was an easy decision for me and my family,” Martínez said in a statement. “I’m just over the moon and can’t wait to get started.” Martínez emphasized his commitment to success at the club, citing Chelsea’s history of winning titles as a key factor in his decision. “I want to be successful here,” he added.#chelsea #premier_league #aston_villa #xabi_alonso #emiliano_martinez

Chelsea Agree £7.5m Deal to Sign Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa Chelsea have finalized a £7.5m transfer deal to bring Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to Stamford Bridge, with the Argentina international set to join the club on a two-year contract, including an option for an additional year. The move comes after Villa’s acquisition of Zion Suzuki, which has left Martínez out of favor at the club. Villa’s manager, Xabi Alonso, had identified securing a reliable goalkeeper as a priority following Robert Sánchez’s struggles in a recent match against Fulham. Martínez, 34, will now challenge for the No. 1 spot, raising questions about Sánchez’s future at Chelsea. Sources suggest the Spaniard may refuse to accept a reduced role and could be moved on before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night. The signing of Martínez also complicates Chelsea’s plans for Mike Penders, the 21-year-old Belgian goalkeeper who was expected to compete for the starting role this season. Penders, who spent last season on loan at Strasbourg, may leave on loan if he cannot secure a regular place in the squad. Chelsea’s management is aware of the urgency to resolve these issues, as the transfer window is nearing its deadline. Meanwhile, Chelsea are also dealing with Manchester City’s interest in Enzo Fernández, the Argentina midfielder. Fernández, who was left out of Villa’s Carabao Cup tie against Luton, has been linked with a £120m move to City. However, Chelsea insist a deal is not close and that they will only sell Fernández on their terms. City missed an unofficial deadline to complete the transfer this month, and there are suggestions the price could rise further as the window approaches its end.#chelsea #aston_villa #xabi_alonso #emiliano_martinez #mike_penders

Chelsea vs. Luton Town: Key Details for Carabao Cup Clash Chelsea will face League One side Luton Town in the Carabao Cup second round at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, August 27, as the Premier League champions aim to extend their winning momentum. The match, set for a 7:30 p.m. BST kick-off, will be broadcast on Sky Sports+ in the UK, Paramount+ in the U.S., FanCode in India, and BeIN Sports in Australia. Live updates will also be available via ESPN. Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Chelsea began their Premier League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Fulham, despite conceding twice. The team showcased attacking flair, with new signings Mogan Rogers, Cole Palmer, and João Pedro combining effectively to score all three goals. Alonso, set to make his competitive debut at Stamford Bridge, will likely rest key attackers for this match, opting instead for a more defensive approach. Predicted starters include goalkeeper Mike Penders, defenders Josh Acheampong and Reece James, and midfielders Marco Palestra and Valentin Barco. Danny Welbeck is expected to feature prominently in the lineup. Luton Town, managed by Jack Wilshere, have started their season strongly, sitting third in League One after two games. They defeated Gillingham in the Carabao Cup first round and earned a last-minute win against Reading in their league opener. Despite a 2-2 draw against Notts County in their previous match, Wilshere will aim to disrupt Chelsea’s early-season form. The Hatters’ squad includes several injury concerns, with Jordan Clark (broken jaw), Jordan Henderson (wrist injury), and others sidelined, while Caleb Wiley, Aaron Anselmino, Mamadou Sarr, and Emmanuel Emegha are listed as doubts. The match will be refereed by Elliot Bell, with Luton’s predicted XI featuring Josh Keeley, Kal Naismith, and Nahki Wells.#chelsea #xabi_alonso #carabao_cup #luton_town #jack_wilshere

Fulham vs. Chelsea Premier League Match: Lineups and Viewing Details The Premier League season opened on Monday, August 24, 2026, with a West London derby between Fulham and Chelsea at Craven Cottage. The match, scheduled for 20:00 BST (3:00 PM EDT; 12:30 AM IST the following day), marked the start of the 2026/27 campaign. The fixture was broadcast live on multiple platforms, offering fans global access to the opening clash. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso named his starting lineup for the match, with several notable absences. Midfielder Moisés Caicedo was omitted from the matchday squad, raising questions about his fitness or potential injury. Additionally, Marco Palestra, who had been dealing with fitness issues in recent days, was also excluded from the starting XI. These absences influenced the tactical approach for the Blues. Fulham’s starting XI included goalkeeper Leno, with a backline of Castagne, Bassey (captain), Cuenca, Robinson, and Berge. The midfield featured Iwobi, King, Bobb, Gonzalo, and Palacios, while the attack relied on the combination of Sessegnon and Smith Rowe. Substitutes for Fulham were Lecomte, Tete, Reed, Muniz, Kevin, Charles, and De Fougerolles. Chelsea’s lineup followed a 3-4-3 formation, with Sánchez as the goalkeeper. The defense was composed of Colwill, Lacroix, and Acheampong, while the midfield included Hato, Lavia, James (captain), Gusto, and Rogers. The attacking trio consisted of Palmer, João Pedro, and Rogers. Substitutes for Chelsea were Penders, Chavarría, Barco, Enzo, Estêvão, Gittens, Neto, Quenda, and Welbeck. The match was officiated by John Brooks, with Darren England serving as the VAR. The weather forecast for the day was described as “nice and warm,” setting the stage for a potentially high-intensity encounter.#chelsea #xabi_alonso #fulham #craven_cottage #moises_caicedo

Chelsea's Pre-Season Tour Concludes as Key Players Return to Training Chelsea's pre-season tour has officially ended, with the club's squad returning to its Cobham training base after a two-week trip across four countries. The intensive schedule included matches in Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Malaysia, with manager Xabi Alonso overseeing the majority of his first-team players during the campaign. Now, Alonso is preparing the squad for the upcoming pre-season friendly against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge, marking a return to normalcy for the Blues ahead of the new season. A significant development involves Enzo Fernandez, the Argentine midfielder whose future at Chelsea has been a topic of speculation. Despite ongoing rumors about a potential move to Real Madrid, sources indicate Fernandez is set to return to training at Cobham this week. The 25-year-old, who was sent off in Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, has been a key figure for the club all summer. Chelsea insiders have remained confident about his future, with club officials stating that a £120 million transfer fee would secure his long-term stay. Alonso has also expressed his desire to retain Fernandez, emphasizing the player's importance to the team's plans. The club's transfer activity has also seen several new signings report to training. Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, and Valentin Barco—each of whom represented England, France, and Argentina respectively in the World Cup—are expected to join their teammates at Cobham in the coming days. Pep Chavarria, who completed his £16.2 million move from Rayo Vallecano, is also set to train with the squad once his transfer is officially confirmed. All necessary paperwork for Chavarria's transfer has been finalized, though the club awaits formal confirmation.#chelsea #enzo_fernandez #xabi_alonso #morgan_rogers #maxence_lacroix

Eight Chelsea Stars Return to Training as Enzo Fernandez's Future Settled and New Signings Face Injuries Chelsea's pre-season tour has concluded, marking the end of a two-week international break that saw the club's first-team squad travel to four different countries for five matches. With the team now returning to its Cobham base, manager Xabi Alonso is preparing to welcome back a significant portion of his squad for the upcoming season. The majority of the players, including those who represented their national teams in the latter stages of the World Cup, are expected to rejoin the club in the coming days. Enzo Fernandez, the Argentine midfielder, is set to return to training at Cobham this week despite ongoing speculation about his future at the club. The 25-year-old had been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid earlier in the summer transfer window, though there was no direct contact between the two clubs. Real Madrid later confirmed they would not pursue a transfer for Fernandez in the summer. Chelsea insiders have remained unfazed by the rumors, with club officials expressing confidence that Fernandez will remain at Stamford Bridge. Alonso has publicly stated his desire to retain the player, emphasizing the importance of his role in the squad. Fernandez, who was sent off in Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, is expected to reunite with his teammates for the first time since the tournament. The club's new signings are also making progress toward joining the squad. Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, and Valentin Barco—each of whom played for England, France, and Argentina respectively in the World Cup—are anticipated to report to Cobham in the coming days. Pep Chavarria, who completed his £16.#real_madrid #chelsea #enzo_fernandez #xabi_alonso #morgan_rogers

Garcia Hopes Alonso's Chelsea Finish Second to Liverpool Luis Garcia, the chief executive of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), expressed his hope that Xabi Alonso’s new club, Chelsea, will finish second to Liverpool in the Premier League next season. The two Spanish former Liverpool teammates, who played together from 2004 to 2007, are set to reunite during Chelsea’s pre-season tour in Malaysia, where JDT will host the English giants at their 40,000-capacity Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. Garcia, who splits his time between Spain and Malaysia, emphasized the significance of the match for both JDT and Malaysian football. Garcia and Alonso, who signed for Rafael Benitez’s Liverpool on the same day in 2004, have maintained a strong friendship despite their careers diverging. Their bond was tested during their time at Liverpool, where they faced each other in the Champions League final against AC Milan in 2005. Garcia recalled their first meeting at Anfield, noting that Alonso surprised him with his fluency in English during a press conference. “He told me he didn’t speak English too well before our unveiling press conference,” Garcia said. “I answered the first question in Spanish, as we had a translator present, and he answered in perfect English and I thought: ‘Why you little?!’” The two Spaniards went on to represent Spain together, and their camaraderie has endured over the years. However, Garcia acknowledged the challenges Alonso faces as Chelsea’s new manager, particularly in their final overseas friendly against JDT. The match marks the culmination of Chelsea’s pre-season tour, which included games against elite European teams like Tottenham, Juventus, and AC Milan. Garcia praised the occasion as a monumental moment for JDT and Malaysian football, calling Chelsea the “biggest test” of the season.#premier_league #xabi_alonso #luis_garcia #johor_darul_ta_zim #sultan_ibrahim_stadium

Xabi Alonso Emphasizes Team Culture as Chelsea Prepares for New Premier League Season Xabi Alonso has reiterated his commitment to cultivating a strong team culture and fostering unity among his Chelsea players, stating that this approach will position the squad to compete effectively across all competitions in the 2026/27 Premier League season. The Spanish coach, who has been leading the Blues through a rigorous summer tour of Australia and Asia, highlighted the importance of mental resilience and collective trust as key factors in achieving success. Speaking during a pre-match press conference ahead of the Indonesia Super Cup fixture against Serie A side AC Milan, Alonso emphasized that the foundation of a winning mentality lies in the daily efforts to build a cohesive unit. The summer tour, which has included stops in Australia, Asia, and now Indonesia, has provided Alonso with valuable time to connect with his squad and refine their preparation. While the primary focus has remained on tactical development and training sessions, the coach has also prioritized strengthening the bonds between players. He argued that the sense of togetherness cultivated during these sessions translates directly into performance on the pitch, enabling the team to face challenges with confidence and composure. “We want to have a great team spirit and that is built on a daily basis with a great culture in the building,” Alonso said. “That helps in the moment you have to compete. You feel better having that togetherness, trust, and the bonds between the players are so important to ultimately building a winning mentality—and a team that can compete anywhere.” Alonso’s remarks underscored the dual emphasis on both the technical and psychological aspects of football.#chelsea #ac_milan #xabi_alonso #indonesia_super_cup #gbk_stadium

Manchester United Target Andrey Santos but Chelsea Value Midfielder at £50m Manchester United are pursuing the services of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, who is reportedly valued at around £50 million. While formal talks between the clubs have not yet begun, United are expected to make an offer in the coming weeks. Santos, a 22-year-old Brazilian, has been linked with the club after missing out on other targets such as Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes. The Red Devils are seeking to strengthen their midfield under manager Michael Carrick, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott also under consideration. Santos, who joined Chelsea from Vasco da Gama in 2023 for £18 million, has struggled to secure regular first-team minutes due to competition from Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández. His path to regular play has been further complicated by Caicedo’s recent contract extension. Chelsea, meanwhile, are in need of funds to support the ambitions of new head coach Xabi Alonso, who has been tasked with rebuilding the squad. The club’s financial situation has prompted interest in experienced players such as Granit Xhaka, though Sunderland have so far rejected the offer. Newcastle United are also monitoring Santos’ situation, as they seek a replacement for Sandro Tonali, who will join Tottenham. The Magpies’ interest highlights the growing competition for the Brazilian’s services. United, who will return to the Champions League this season, have identified midfield as a priority area for investment. An agreement is already in place to sign Éderson from Atalanta for £35 million, though the transfer has been delayed by the player’s late World Cup call-up. The club faces a depth crisis in midfield following the departure of Casemiro and the knee ligament injury sustained by Manuel Ugarte during Uruguay’s defeat by Spain.#manchester_united #chelsea #newcastle_united #xabi_alonso #andrey_santos

Liverpool's 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa highlighted persistent defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of consistency, with Jamie Carragher criticizing the team's "weak" players and poor away record. The loss marked Liverpool's 12th league defeat of the season, extending their struggles in away games against top-nine teams. Carragher, commenting on Sky Sports, argued that the team's defensive frailties have been a recurring issue since the start of the season, with Liverpool conceding 52 goals in the league—the most in a 38-game campaign. He called the result "a wake-up call" and suggested Arne Slot must address the squad's shortcomings, though he acknowledged the manager's position remains under threat. Carragher emphasized Liverpool's inability to secure key results away from home, noting their only positive outing against top teams was a goalless draw with Arsenal in January. He questioned how Liverpool could be fifth in the Premier League, citing their defensive record, lack of attacking threat, and poor away form. The pundit also pointed to Virgil van Dijk's diminished influence, stating that his struggles have affected the entire defense. "When Van Dijk is not at his best, others need to step up," Carragher said, "but it doesn’t happen." Meanwhile, fellow pundit Jamie Redknapp defended Slot’s tenure despite the team’s struggles, acknowledging the manager’s achievements in winning the Premier League title the previous season. However, he acknowledged the growing pressure on Slot, particularly with Xabi Alonso’s potential move to Chelsea and fan demands for his replacement. Redknapp noted the challenges of rebuilding after Klopp’s departure, citing injuries to key players like Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike as factors hindering performance.#aston_villa #xabi_alonso #arne_slot #virgil_van_dijk #jamie_carragher

Real Madrid : Xabi Alonso a mis la pression sur Mbappé malgré sa blessure Kylian Mbappé continue de s’entraîner pour son retour en compétition après une blessure au genou. Le joueur devrait être disponible pour un match amical contre le Brésil ce jeudi, malgré les doutes persistants sur sa disponibilité. L’affaire a suscité des débats après la publication de nouvelles révélations par L’Equipe, qui évoquent la pression exercée par Xabi Alonso, ancien entraîneur du Real Madrid, sur le joueur pour accélérer son retour. Alors que le staff médical avait recommandé une pause de trois semaines après une séance d’entraînement décevante le 30 décembre, Mbappé a été contraint de revenir plus tôt. Son entraîneur, Xabi Alonso, avait insisté pour qu’il reprendse avant la date prévue, ce qui a conduit à sa participation à la Supercoupe d’Espagne face au Barça le 11 janvier. Bien que le Real ait perdu la finale, Mbappé a été introduit à la fin du dernier quart-temps. Cependant, il a dû quitter le terrain trois jours plus tard en raison d’une récidive de sa blessure. La situation soulève des questions sur l’équilibre entre la motivation du joueur et les recommandations médicales. Bien que Mbappé ait montré une volonté de retrouver le terrain, son retour précipité a été critiqué par certains experts, qui soulignent l’importance de respecter les protocoles de réhabilitation pour éviter des risques supplémentaires. La question de la pression exercée par l’entraîneur reste un sujet de débat, notamment après les révélations de L’Equipe qui mettent en lumière les tensions autour de sa réintégration. Source : footmercato#real_madrid #kylian_mbappe #xabi_alonso #brsil #supercoupe_d_espagne

Kylian Mbappé et le Real Madrid confrontés à un cas embarrassant de diagnostic médical erroné Les médecins du Real Madrid ont commis une erreur critique en examinant le genou droit de Kylian Mbappé alors que le joueur souffrait d'une douleur au genou gauche, début décembre. Cette bévue, révélée plus de trois semaines plus tard, a entraîné une gestion inadéquate de la convalescence du Français, qui a continué à jouer malgré sa blessure. Depuis, Mbappé a exprimé son désir de ne plus être suivi par le staff médical madrilène, et ce cas n'est pas isolé. L'incident a débuté le 20 décembre, lors d'un match contre le FC Séville, où Mbappé a marqué un but malgré une douleur persistante au genou gauche. Les médecins du Real, après une IRM, ont affirmé qu'il n'avait rien, se basant sur des images du genou droit. Cependant, la douleur ne s'est pas atténuée, et Mbappé a été remplacé lors du match contre Manchester City en Ligue des champions le 10 décembre. Malgré cela, il a participé à trois rencontres consécutives en décembre, marquant quatre buts, ce qui a exacerbé sa blessure. Le 30 décembre, Mbappé a dû arrêter son entraînement en raison de douleurs similaires. Une nouvelle IRM a révélé l'erreur initiale, confirmant une entorse au genou gauche. Le Real a enfin publié un communiqué médical le jour suivant, reconnaissant le diagnostic. Cependant, Mbappé a repris trop tôt, sous la pression de l'entraîneur Xabi Alonso, et a joué huit matches sur neuf en janvier, marquant neuf buts sur une jambe. La douleur persistante a conduit Mbappé à demander un avis externe, en consultant le médecin Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet en mars. Il a déclaré avoir vécu de la frustration et de l'inquiétude, car aucun diagnostic précis n'avait été établi avant cette date.#real_madrid #xabi_alonso #kylian_mbapp #bertrand_sonnery_cottet #florentino_prez

Manuel Ángel sigue siendo objeto de interés de varios equipos grandes, entre ellos el Aston Villa, que lo ha seguido de cerca durante más de un año. Aunque el club inglés ha mostrado interés en el jugador del Real Madrid Castilla, conocido como "Mami", no se han formalizado conversaciones sobre su fichaje. El joven también fue considerado opción por el Levante en el mercado de verano de 2025, pero optó por permanecer en el Castilla para poder debutar con el primer equipo. Su debut en LaLiga llegó el 6 de marzo de 2026, en la jornada 27 contra el Celta de Vigo. Aunque entró en los minutos finales del partido, su participación fue clave al facilitar la jugada que culminó en el gol de Fede Valverde, que dio la victoria al Real Madrid. Esta ocasión fue más exitosa que su debut en la Copa del Rey el 16 de enero, donde el equipo fue eliminado de la competición, aunque el joven no tuvo responsabilidad en el resultado. Manuel Ángel se formó en las categorías inferiores del Real Madrid, llegando a La Fábrica en 2014 desde el Sevilla. A pesar de su potencial, su progreso ha estado interrumpido por lesiones, incluyendo problemas en la espalda y los isquios que le impidieron entrenar con Xabi Alonso en verano. Sin embargo, su consistencia le ha convertido en el jugador con más minutos disputados en el Castilla (2.119), lo que lo ha posicionado como capitán del equipo. Su estilo de juego destaca por su agilidad, capacidad para correr espacios y aprovechar los huecos defensivos. Además, es un jugador versátil que puede actuar en defensa, destacando por su inteligencia en el campo. Pertenece a la generación del Juvenil A que logró el triplete nacional (Liga, Copa y Copa de Campeones), lo que refleja su trayectoria exitosa en las categorías juveniles.#real_madrid #aston_villa #levante #fede_valverde #xabi_alonso