Chelsea are reportedly considering a move for Bayer Leverkusen's Algerian midfielder Ibrahim Maza, a player admired by managerial candidate Xabi Alonso, according to TEAMtalk. The 20-year-old has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester City and Aston Villa, following an encouraging debut season in the Bundesliga. Chelsea's pursuit is viewed as part of a broader strategy to convince Alonso, who is among the leading contenders for the vacant managerial position at Stamford Bridge, to take the role.
The interest in Maza comes after Chelsea parted ways with manager Liam Rosenior last week. The club's hierarchy is conducting talks with several candidates, including Alonso, Andoni Iraola, and Marco Silva. Alonso, who was dismissed by Real Madrid in January after a brief six-month tenure, is said to be highly regarded by Chelsea despite his recent setback in Spain. The club's potential move for Maza is seen as a signal of their intent to back a new manager with signings that align with his vision, particularly young, versatile talent.
Ibrahim Maza joined Leverkusen from Hertha Berlin for €12 million in the summer of 2025, a transfer instigated by Alonso during his time in charge of the German club. This season, Maza has contributed three goals and three assists, but scouts from multiple clubs are reportedly more impressed by his underlying performance data and his ability to operate across multiple positions in midfield and attack. His tactical flexibility is cited as a key factor in the widespread interest.
Alonso himself praised Maza upon his arrival at Leverkusen last May. "He's a player with different qualities. Good between the lines with good potential," Alonso said, according to the source material. "He has many things to develop, but we always think that our club is good for young players who have that will to improve. And he has a good personality, he's young but mature. So he's a very good signing." This existing approval is believed to give Chelsea an edge in any potential negotiations, both for the player and the manager.
For Chelsea, signing a highly-rated prospect like Maza fits their established model of recruiting elite young talent with high resale value. For Alonso, the prospect of being able to work with a player he personally identified and rates could be a persuasive factor in his decision-making process. While Chelsea have not finalized their managerial appointment, and insist their choice will not dictate their transfer targets, the parallel pursuits highlight the interconnected nature of modern club planning. Securing Maza would not only bolster Chelsea's squad but could also serve as a decisive gesture to a preferred coach, demonstrating a commitment to a shared project.
