Chelsea are entering another new chapter ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season, with Xabi Alonso beginning his reign at Stamford Bridge and several major decisions still to be made.
The appointment of the former Bayer Leverkusen manager represents another significant change for Chelsea, who have undergone considerable transformation both on and off the pitch in recent years.
With the new Premier League campaign approaching, attention is now turning to Alonso’s tactical plans, the future of Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea’s summer transfer business and the expectations surrounding a squad packed with young talent.
One of the biggest questions is whether Alonso can bring greater consistency to a Chelsea team that has often struggled to turn its potential into sustained success.
Enzo Fernandez future remains a major talking point
Enzo Fernandez remains at the centre of Chelsea’s transfer discussions following reported interest from Manchester City.
The midfielder has a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge, but questions have been raised over his salary and whether he believes his current financial package reflects his importance to the team.
Manchester City were reportedly considering a move worth around £120 million, although the expected bid did not arrive before Chelsea’s internal deadline.
Chelsea subsequently indicated that they expected Fernandez to remain at the club for the season.
However, the situation could continue to attract attention until the transfer window closes.
If Fernandez stays, he is expected to play an important role in Alonso’s plans. The midfielder’s ability to progress the ball, contribute creatively and influence matches makes him one of the most important players in Chelsea’s squad.
For Alonso, keeping Fernandez settled could therefore be crucial to establishing his new team.
Xabi Alonso’s tactical approach at Chelsea
One of the biggest tactical questions is whether Alonso will use the 3-4-3 system that brought him considerable success at Bayer Leverkusen.
Chelsea initially experimented with a back four during pre-season, but Alonso increasingly turned to a back three as more senior players became available.
The change appeared to bring greater control and intensity.
Against Real Sociedad, Chelsea struggled when their defensive shape became too deep. Their back three effectively became a back five, limiting their ability to press and move up the pitch.
After the interval, Chelsea played higher, controlled possession more effectively and improved their pressing.
That could provide an important clue about how Alonso wants his team to play during the Premier League season.
The key will be ensuring that Chelsea do not become too passive when defending with three centre-backs.
Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer could form a dangerous partnership
Chelsea’s attack has generated considerable excitement, particularly following the arrival of Morgan Rogers for a reported £117 million.
Rogers is expected to play alongside Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro in what could become one of the most dangerous attacking combinations in the Premier League.
Rather than operating as traditional wingers, Rogers and Palmer have shown a tendency to move inside and operate as attacking midfielders or inside forwards.
That movement could suit Alonso’s tactical approach.
Joao Pedro has also enjoyed an impressive pre-season, scoring seven goals in five matches according to the analysis surrounding Chelsea’s preparations.
The challenge will be turning that individual quality into consistent production once competitive football begins.
Cole Palmer faces another important season
Cole Palmer remains one of Chelsea’s most important players, but the England international will be looking to rediscover the level that made him one of the Premier League’s standout performers during his breakthrough campaign.
Injuries have disrupted his progress in recent seasons, while his performances have not always reached the exceptional standards he previously established.
With a full pre-season behind him and more attacking options around him, Palmer has an opportunity to play a central role in Alonso’s Chelsea.
A productive season from Palmer could be one of the biggest factors in determining how far Chelsea can go.
Robert Sanchez remains Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez appears set to retain his position as Chelsea’s No. 1 goalkeeper.
The Spaniard endured difficult periods earlier in his Chelsea career, particularly regarding his distribution and decision-making when playing out from the back.
However, his performances improved significantly last season.
Sanchez made 51 appearances and developed greater confidence in goal, while his ability to handle pressure also appeared to improve.
Mike Penders remains an option for the future, but Sanchez currently looks to be ahead of him in the competition for the starting position.
Why Chelsea signed Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck
Chelsea’s decision to sign experienced players such as Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck represents a noticeable change in the club’s transfer strategy.
For several seasons, Chelsea have focused heavily on signing young players with long-term potential.
The addition of more experienced players suggests that the club now recognises the importance of leadership and dressing-room experience.
Henderson, in particular, brings extensive Premier League and international experience, while Welbeck has spent years competing at the highest level.
Their role could extend beyond what they contribute on the pitch.
Chelsea have one of the youngest squads among the Premier League’s major clubs, meaning experienced players can provide guidance to younger teammates and help establish a stronger winning culture.
Other additions, including Maxence Lacroix and Pep Chavarria, also point towards an effort to create a more balanced squad.
Chelsea’s transfer strategy appears to be changing
The arrival of Alonso could mark a shift in Chelsea’s overall recruitment strategy.
The club’s previous transfer approach was often criticised for focusing heavily on young players and long-term potential while lacking sufficient experience within the squad.
That appears to be changing.
Chelsea are now combining younger talents with established players who have experience of winning trophies and dealing with the pressure of Premier League football.
The challenge for Alonso will be turning those different profiles into a coherent squad.
What would success look like for Xabi Alonso?
Chelsea’s expectations under Alonso are likely to extend beyond simply finishing in a particular league position.
The club’s long-term project means progress will also be measured by the team’s performances, tactical identity and development.
However, the scale of Chelsea’s investment means expectations cannot be ignored.
A player such as Morgan Rogers reportedly costing £117 million reflects the club’s ambition.
Chelsea will therefore be expected to challenge for Champions League qualification while also competing seriously for domestic silverware.
The FA Cup and Carabao Cup could provide realistic opportunities for Alonso to deliver a trophy during his first season.
Chelsea have an opportunity in a changing Premier League
The timing of Alonso’s arrival could also work in Chelsea’s favour.
Several major Premier League clubs are entering periods of transition, creating uncertainty at the top end of the table.
Liverpool have experienced significant changes, Manchester United are entering a new phase under Michael Carrick, while the demands of Champions League football will test squads across the division.
Chelsea will need to take advantage of that uncertainty.
A strong start could quickly establish Alonso’s side as serious contenders for a Champions League place.
The verdict: Chelsea’s new era begins
Chelsea’s 2026/27 season promises to be one of the most intriguing periods in the club’s recent history.
The arrival of Xabi Alonso brings a new tactical philosophy, while the club’s changing transfer strategy suggests lessons have been learned from previous recruitment decisions.
The future of Enzo Fernandez remains one of the biggest unresolved issues, while the attacking partnership involving Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro could define Chelsea’s season.
At the other end of the pitch, Alonso must build a reliable defensive structure and decide whether his preferred back-three system can succeed in the Premier League.
Chelsea have invested heavily in their squad, but investment alone will not guarantee success.
Alonso’s biggest task will be turning Chelsea’s individual talent into a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level.
With the Premier League season about to begin, the new Chelsea era is ready to be tested.
