Ex-PL club chief says who Chelsea are more likely to hire if they can't agree terms with Iraola
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(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media) Mon 4 May 2026 12:15, UK Chelsea will pivot to Xabi Alonso if they can not agree a deal with Andoni Iraola for the vacant managerial position at Stamford Bridge.That is the view of former Everton chief Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, who believes Iraola is currently the favourite for the job.The Blues are looking for a new permanent manager for next season after firing Liam Rosenior after only 107 days in charge.Iraola has already confirmed he will be available in the summer, as the Spaniard will depart Bournemouth after three years at the end of the season, whilst Alonso has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in January.There is a possibility that Chelsea’s next manager could be without European football next season, as the Blues already face player sales this summer due to their financial position. 👔 Chelsea Manager News👔 Get the inside track on the Stamford Bridge dugout with updates on shortlisted candidates and BlueCo technical strategy. VISIT THE MANAGER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Andoni Iraola ‘slightly ahead’ of Xabi Alonso for Chelsea positionEverton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Chelsea’s next boss will be in a “stronger position” than Rosenior to agree the contract they want.Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness states that the ownership could be looking to “create an auction” for the role.Games Managed111Games Won40Games Drawn36Games Lost35Andoni Iraola’s Premier League managerial stats at Bournemouth.He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Iraola is probably just slightly ahead right now.
“But don’t be surprised to see Alonso considered, if Iraola’s demands aren’t quite what they’re hoping. “What will be interesting was where Rosenior had a break clause at the end of the season which restricted his payout, I think the next manager coming in will demand at least two years.
“This has got consequences for their previous actions for these owners, and somebody coming in will be in a much stronger position to demand the sort of deal they want. So we’ll see who takes it, but they’ll be very well rewarded.”Second Premier League club interested in Andoni IraolaIraola also has admirers at Crystal Palace, and the Eagles want the 43-year-old to replace the departing Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park.Amid options for his services, sources have told Football Insider that Iraola is weighing up his next move in management.Whilst Iraola could be handed a more lucrative deal at Chelsea, instability at the club could make him think twice about joining.European football would certainly boost Chelsea’s prospects of hiring Iraola, as that could also be key to keeping star players at the club. 🦁 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Chelsea Insider Access Get the full story from Stamford Bridge and Cobham with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from West London.