Xabi Alonso to Chelsea: Transfer control, style of play and Liverpool links - key questions answered

Xabi Alonso was Chelsea's number one target to become their new manager and he has now agreed to take over on a four-year contract.

The job awaiting the former Liverpool midfielder at Stamford Bridge is a daunting one. Chelsea, currently ninth in the Premier League, could miss out on European qualification entirely after seeing off Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.

Enzo Fernandez, the £105m midfielder, has created uncertainty around his future by flirting with a move to Real Madrid. Cole Palmer's form has bottomed out, and there has been speculation that he wants out.

Chelsea has also not been the easiest place for managers to work. Maresca fell out with the hierarchy over his perceived lack of control, among other things, while Rosenior lasted only three months before being sacked.

Former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso, whose appointment will be announced on Sunday, is set to become the sixth permanent appointment since Blue Co completed their takeover of Chelsea in May 2022.