Nagelsmann Chelsea's dream target as club begins wide-ranging manager search
Chelsea have identified Julian Nagelsmann as their ideal candidate to become the club's next permanent head coach, according to sources close to the process. The search was triggered earlier this week by the dismissal of Liam Rosenior after just 106 days in charge, a period that culminated in five consecutive defeats without scoring a goal.
The club's ownership, led by Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, are now conducting a thorough review of potential successors. Sources indicate that while Nagelsmann is the dream appointment, no formal approach has yet been made to the German coach, who is currently unattached after his spell with the German national team. Chelsea's hierarchy had wanted Nagelsmann in 2023 before he opted against the move, but it is understood he retains a positive view of the club, leaving the door open for renewed discussions.
In the meantime, Chelsea are casting a wide net. TEAMtalk reports that intermediaries have put forward a diverse range of candidates. Among them is Matthias Jaissle, the former RB Salzburg manager now in Saudi Arabia, who has been labelled a younger version of Nagelsmann. Another Saudi-based coach under consideration is Simone Inzaghi, currently managing Al-Hilal.
The list also includes prominent figures currently working in England. Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola are said to be on the radar, while the situation of Eddie Howe at Newcastle United is being monitored. The club is described as being open to either a coach with proven Premier League experience or a major international name capable of commanding immediate respect in the dressing room.
A sentimental option has also emerged in the form of former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard has impressed in his first senior managerial role at Como, guiding the Italian club to Serie A promotion, and is understood to have been earmarked as a future candidate by the Chelsea board for some time. However, no contact has been reported at this stage.
Perhaps the most intriguing alternative is Xabi Alonso. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder is available after being dismissed by Real Madrid in January and had been strongly linked with the Liverpool job. With Arne Slot now expected to remain at Anfield, Alonso represents a high-profile, unattached option for Chelsea to explore.
The club is under no immediate pressure to make a quick appointment, allowing for a deliberate due diligence process. The decision is seen as pivotal for the next phase of the project under the current ownership, following a turbulent season that saw Rosenior's tenure unravel amid reported friction with the squad. The coming weeks will determine whether Chelsea can secure their primary target in Nagelsmann or pivot to one of the numerous alternatives now under review.
