Xavi Hernandez has emerged as a candidate in Chelsea’s search for a new manager, with the Blues prioritising managers whose philosophy aligns with the footballing identity their owners have built across all age groups from 2022.
The London club are in a “period of self-reflection” following the sacking of Liam Rosenior and a disappointing league season, but want their next meeting to be scheduled before pre-season matches.
The shortlist also includes Xabi Alonso, Porto coach Francesco Farioli and Como’s Cesc Fabregas – although Fabregas is not expected to leave Italy this summer.
Alonso has held discussions with Chelsea representatives but has sought a greater role in football decisions than the club’s current structure allows, making it a complicated deal.
Andoni Iraola is also admired by the leaders, but is considered philosophically different from the other candidates.
This dynamic has raised Xavi’s profile in the conversation. The Catalan, who has been out of work since leaving Barcelona in 2024 after a spell that saw them win a La Liga title, is said to have used the time to reflect and learn, with the belief that his problems at Camp Nou stemmed in part from his deep emotional ties to his boyhood club.
Chelsea have sacked their fifth manager since Todd Boehly took over in 2022, with interim boss Calum McFarlane set to remain in charge for the final games of the season while the search continues .
