Overview
- Chelsea confirmed Sunday that Alonso will start July 1 on a four-year contract.
- The club says he will serve as manager with influence on transfers and off‑pitch decisions.
- At Chelsea, manager status means input on signings rather than only coaching the team.
- Calum McFarlane stays in charge for the final two league games with European qualification still uncertain.
- The announcement followed Saturday’s 1-0 FA Cup final loss to Manchester City after months of coaching turnover, and Alonso arrives with Leverkusen title success and a brief Real Madrid stint that ended in January.