Will Xavi be Chelsea’s next manager? Ex-Barcelona boss confirms approach

6 May 2026 05:30 CDT | 5 min read

Xavi Hernandez, Chelsea, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

Xavi Hernandez has been sensationally linked to Chelsea to become the next permanent manager at Stamford Bridge, but what’s the substance behind the claims?

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Chelsea are on the hunt for a new manager following the sacking of Liam Rosenior, who became the second Blues boss to leave Stamford Bridge this season following Enzo Maresca.

Calum McFarlane is in interim charge of the team until the end of the season, but is highly unlikely to take the role on a permanent basis, particularly after the 3-1 loss to a much-changed Nottingham Forest on Monday.

The Independent claims the London club is working hard to find their next manager, with Xabi Alonso, Francesco Farioli and Cesc Fabregas aligning with the type of character BlueCo are seeking to bring in.

But it also states that former Barcelona boss Xavi could take over at Stamford Bridge.

Xavi ‘insists’ Chelsea approach is genuine

Transfer insider Ben Jacobs claims that the Spaniard’s entourage insists that he has been targeted for the role, but that Chelsea have already decided to overlook him.

He reports on X: “Xavi Hernandez side insist Chelsea have made a formative approach and is open to a move to England.

“However, my understanding is Chelsea are not expected to proceed. Xabi Alonso, Marco Silva and Andoni Iraola all under serious consideration and Xavi, for now, ruled out by Chelsea.”

‘Zero’ contact between Xavi and Chelsea – Fabrizio Romano

Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, has also indicated that there is nothing serious in the rumours – going so far to claim that he believes there is ‘zero’ link between the former Barcelona boss and the Premier League giants.

“There have been many rumours coming from the English press today. I always say with maximum respect that everyone has their own information, but today the story was Xavi Hernandez in talks with Chelsea, with Chelsea making an approach to appoint him, with negotiations and discussions,” Romano said on YouTube.

“My understanding, after checking this, is that there is nothing ongoing between Chelsea and Xavi. Zero. Nothing happened between Chelsea and Xavi as of today.

“That does not mean Chelsea are disrespecting him. It just means they are not talking to him right now. There are different candidates and different names on the shortlist.

© IMAGO - Xavi at Barcelona speaking to Robert Lewandowski

“What is true about Xavi is that he would love to work in England. He feels ready for a new chapter after the important job he did at Barcelona, and he would be open to a Premier League future. He is similar in that sense to Andoni Iraola, who also wants to continue in England at the highest level.

“I can also reveal that Xavi was proposed to Manchester United back in January when they decided to part ways with Ruben Amorim, but United decided on Michael Carrick as interim coach, and now Carrick has big chances to continue at the club.

“So Xavi would love a Premier League move one day, but as of today there is nothing concrete between Chelsea and Xavi. Chelsea are still at the early stages of their manager search, talking to candidates and representatives and preparing the final shortlist.

“It is going to be a really important call for Chelsea because they cannot miss on the manager. They know that. Conversations will continue, but nothing is advanced yet, nothing is decided. Xavi is not in talks with the club at this moment.”

Xavi to Chelsea verdict: An unlikely deal

Attracting Xavi to Chelsea might be a mouthwatering prospect for fans, thanks to his title-winning pedigree, history of working with young talent at Barcelona and exciting football, but it does not seem a likely prospect at the moment.

Nevertheless, the Blues should be heartened that this rumour seems to have come from the manager’s side, suggesting that they remain an attractive club to this calibre of coach.

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