LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES – JUNE 18: Granit Xhaka of Switzerland during the World Cup match between Switzerland v Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Los Angeles Stadium on June 18, 2026 in Los Angeles United States (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
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Chelsea’s 2026/27 campaign promises significant change. The club wrapped up last season in a disappointing 10th place and endured the turmoil of appointing three managers before the conclusion of the campaign.
Xabi Alonso will take the helm at Chelsea this summer, and the club is actively trawling the transfer market for reinforcements. While Marco Palestra is expected to join from Atalanta to give Alonso another wide option, the most noticeable headline is the Blues’ reported interest in Granit Xhaka.
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY – MAY 18: Granit Xhaka and Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Bayer Leverkusen, celebrate after the team’s victory during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and FC Augsburg at BayArena on May 18, 2024 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
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After a standout season, Xhaka emerged as one of the Premier League’s leading midfielders. Sunderland finished seventh—three places above Chelsea—and the 33‑year‑old, currently at his peak, could bolster Alonso’s central options ahead of next season.
Although Xhaka will turn 34 in September, bringing him to Stamford Bridge would represent a marked shift in Chelsea’s transfer philosophy. Until now, the club has focused on recruiting top young talents who can develop and later be sold for profit. Xhaka, however, is not a prospect.
Alonso’s priority is to construct a squad that balances experience with youth to deliver immediate results and accelerate the development of future stars. The presence of a seasoned midfielder like Xhaka would support emerging talents such as Estévez, Cole Palmer, and Alejandro García, who are still finding their footing.
Chelsea’s Argentine midfielder #08 Enzo Fernandez celebrates with Chelsea’s Ecuadorian midfielder #25 Moises Caicedo (L) after scoring a 2-2 equaliser during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg football match between Paris Saint‑Georges (PSG) and Chelsea at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on March 11, 2026. (Photo by Alain JOCARD / AFP via Getty Images)
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Chelsea’s midfield remains one of the squad’s greatest strengths. The Swiss playmaker Moises Caicedo has evolved into one of the world’s premier two‑way operators, while Enzo Fernández continually drives the team forward. Recently, Reece James has been utilized in central midfield roles.
In terms of ball‑distribution and tempo control, Xhaka outperforms those currently available at Chelsea. While 33, his elite experience manifests in his command from the defensive midfield position. Moreover, his prior partnership with Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen provides the familiarity that could ease his integration.
To lift the club above last season’s disappointing finish, Chelsea must make shrewd choices during the summer transfer window. Securing a player Alonso can rely on—such as Xhaka—would be a sensible move, even if it appears unconventional. The 33‑year‑old’s experience and proven leadership align with the club’s immediate objectives.
