What we learned from Alonso's first training sessionpublished at 12:03 BST 10 July
12:03 BST 10 July
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso was seen doing a mixture of ball and fitness work in his first training session at Chelsea.
As well as carrying out internal media duties, the 44-year-old toured the facilities.
He had also visited last month to meet key staff like the medical department but has now formally settled into his new office at the training ground.
Meanwhile, the players were instructed to arrive at around 9am for an extended reintroduction to training as pre-season preparations began ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Exact details of the training session are scarce, but Alonso is known to be highly hands-on and to demand intense sessions from his players.
We do know some of the players involved, notably new signings Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha and Dastan Satpaev. The latter was given permission by his club, FC Kairat, to begin training early ahead of his move officially going through when he turns 18 in August.
Chelsea's squad was largely made up of players who were not selected for the World Cup, including Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Levi Colwill.
There were also academy players in the session, including Reggie Walsh, Mahdi Nichol-Jazuli, Landon Emenalo, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen and Calvin Diakite.
In addition, Rob Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Gabriel Slonina and Teddy Sharman-Lowe took part in goalkeeper training.
Further outfield players included Aaron Anselmino, Wesley Fofana, Dario Essugo, Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, Josh Acheampong, Estevao Willian and Romeo Lavia.
Chelsea will train at Cobham until their overseas pre-season tour begins on 25 July. Their first match is against Western Sydney Wanderers on 28 July, before further fixtures in Australia and across Asia.
The Blues begin their Premier League season away at Fulham on 24 August.
Will your club sign any World Cup breakout stars?published at 12:00 BST 10 July
12:00 BST 10 July
Image source, Getty Images
Plenty of players have made names for themselves at this World Cup, from goalkeepers like Cape Verde's Vozinha and Paraguay's Orlando Gill to New Zealand midfielder Elijah Just.
But though they might not have been familiar to fans, the extent of modern scouting means clubs all over the world will already have known about many of them – so how have their heroics at the tournament affected their standing in the game, and their value in the transfer market?
More than the Score's Mani Djazmi is joined Ben Littlemore from Transfermarkt, one of the world's foremost football databases. Lutz Pfannenstiel, sporting director at Aberdeen, also shares his footballing knowledge in today's episode.
Quenda makes head start on trainingpublished at 08:18 BST 10 July
08:18 BST 10 July
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Geovany Quenda has had a lengthy lead-in to his move to Chelsea, spending his time at biweekly English lessons and building physical strength to adapt to the demands of the Premier League through additional training and nutritional work.
However, after working to ensure he finished his final season at Sporting strongly, he suffered a broken fifth metatarsal (a bone on the outer edge of the foot) that kept him sidelined for four months. His side finished second and lost the cup final to minnows Torreense.
During that period, he completed much of his rehabilitation at Chelsea's Cobham training ground, where he spoke regularly with then-manager Liam Rosenior and several players, including compatriots Pedro Neto and Dario Essugo.
Quenda also quietly attended matches at Stamford Bridge during this time, while avoiding being seen.
Sources close to Quenda say he is targeting a regular first-team role at Chelsea and hopes to make his senior Portugal debut in the near future.
Although Chelsea's squad are not due to return until Thursday, Quenda reported back early, along with a small number of other players, to gain a head start on his preparations.
Chelsea are adapting their squad with Quenda partly in mind. Alejandro Garnacho is for sale and academy winger Jesse Derry is set to join Sporting to create space, but Quenda may also be used at wing-back, which could be a good fit for new manager Xabi Alonso, having used deeper wide players at Bayer Leverkusen.
'A big honour' - Alonso reports for first day at Cobhampublished at 18:22 BST 9 July
18:22 BST 9 July
Image source, Getty Images
Thursday marked Xabi Alonso's first day at Chelsea's Cobham training ground as the new Blues manager.
Alonso signed in and met members of the squad not currently on World Cup duty or on holiday following an exit from the tournament.
Players reporting for duty included Robert Sanchez, Levi Colwill, Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer, who brought in his new branded range of ice cubes.
Speaking to club media on his first day, Alonso said: "It feels great.
"It's a big honour to be part of this club - it's a great club, one of the best in the world over the last few decades. It's a big privilege to be part of it.
"We have challenges, nice challenges, ahead of us - but, this is the beauty of the moment."
Image source, Getty Images
The deal to bring Alonso to Stamford Bridge was completed early in the summer, ending uncertainty and speculation over Chelsea's managerial position, but Thursday marked the first day he could begin work with some of his squad.
"The timings are always important and it came at the right time for all the parts, and believing that the potential and the opportunity to come to this club was the right one," the Spaniard added.
"The potential of the team and the squad made me very excited - to find a squad to work with, to create a football idea and to bring excitement to the stadium and to connect to the fans.
"I've been there at Stamford Bridge, mostly on the other side, but I know the energy that the stadium has and we need to create that energy and bond with all the parts."
'Incredible and different' Quenda plays like Saka and wants to follow Ronaldopublished at 17:28 BST 9 July
17:28 BST 9 July
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea's newest signing Geovany Quenda hopes to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo by leaving Sporting's academy for the challenge and exposure of the Premier League.
Quenda's path to the top was far from conventional. Born in Guinea-Bissau, he moved to Portugal at the age of seven and had to adapt quickly to a new environment.
That journey took him from the Damaiense's under-10s to Benfica's academy before he joined city rivals Sporting, where his development propelled him to prominence in Portuguese football.
"We saw him as an under-10 player playing against us for Benfica," former youth coach Roque told BBC Sport.
"He was incredible and different. His discipline was not always great and he was still raw, but his attitude was excellent. He was demanding of himself, confident, unpredictable, brave and had a great relationship with the ball."
After Quenda scored against Sporting in a key match for Benfica, he eventually made what Roque described as a "natural" move. Quenda then progressed into the under-23s at Sporting under Tiago Teixeira.
"Everyone talked about him. Everyone said he was one of the most talented players in the academy," Teixeira told BBC Sport.
"We wanted him to develop step by step, but he could have made his debut sooner."
Although Quenda joins a canon of great Sporting wingers, including Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Nani, his former coach believes he most closely resembles Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka.
"It's his explosiveness, his ability to play inside, protect the ball, his unpredictability and his creativity," Roque added.
"His running, crossing and final pass remind me a lot of Saka. He's one of the most impressive players I've seen. Among players born in 2007, he is one of the best in the world, alongside Lamine Yamal and Estevao."
Stuart: Another young unproven winger. I appreciate this transfer was agreed a while ago, but we need to get in a proven quality attacker as Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens are not up to scratch.
Clayton: He sounds good, but is he as good as Jesse Derry or Tyrique George? They are two young players that we already had who were performing better than Garnacho, Gittens and Mykhailo Mudryk, yet we've let them go and brought in another unknown. I hope he turns out to be more like an Estevao Willian and less like a Liam Delap.
Ant: Another unproven, injury-prone teenager signed on an eight-year contract. What could possibly go wrong?
Will: Quenda will be a great signing. He's another young, exiting winger and will be a good addition to the team. I wasn't keen on selling Santos but you can't really go wrong for £50m. We do need to work on more quality squad depth, which is something we seriously lacked last season.
Thevin: Santos is a good player and with Enzo Fernandez trying his best to leave we might regret letting him go. But if Romeo Lavia stays fit, maybe not.
Santos keen for first-team footballpublished at 11:05 BST 9 July
11:05 BST 9 July
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Andrey Santos has shown plenty of promise during his time at Chelsea, but he has found himself behind the established midfield partnership of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.
Spending a season as understudy while the club were competing in the Champions League was a logical development step.
However, sources close to the player indicated several weeks ago that Santos was keen to move on in search of regular first-team football.
Chelsea have long regarded the Brazilian highly, although he has also experienced difficult spells adapting to the demands of Premier League football.
The Blues have not stood in his way of his move to Manchester United, particularly given they are set to make a significant profit on the £16m fee paid to Vasco da Gama in 2023.
His departure has prompted some supporters to question why Chelsea have not instead moved on Romeo Lavia or Dario Essugo, but neither midfielder is currently viewed as a realistic sale after campaigns disrupted by fitness problems.
Chelsea must also confront the financial reality of a season without European football. Player exits are therefore an important part of the club's plans.
That approach has already resulted in Marc Cucurella and Tyrique George leaving for Real Madrid and Everton respectively.
Defender Trevoh Chalobah, who is valued at about £35m, is also expected to move on, with Inter Milan frontrunners for his signature.
Guehi and Rice set to be fit for Norway, while hope remains for Jamespublished at 09:59 BST 9 July
09:59 BST 9 July
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City defender Marc Guehi's absence from England training on Wednesday was precautionary and he is expected to be fit for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Norway.
The centre-back raised concerns over his availability for the game in Miami after he was confirmed as one of four players - Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice and Reece James the others - who did not train in the squad's first session since Sunday's win over Mexico.
It is understood Guehi's absence was because of muscular fatigue, but the issue is not thought to be serious.
Arsenal midfielder Rice's absence is linked to the neural hamstring lower back problem that has hampered him throughout the tournament.
But, like Guehi, the vice-captain is expected to be fit to face Norway.
There also remains hope that Chelsea right-back James, who suffered a hamstring injury in the goalless draw with Ghana on 23 June, will be available.
Chelsea will consider Juventus and Serbia forward Dusan Vlahovic, 26, if they choose to reshape their striking department this summer. (CaughtOffside), external
Quenda completes Chelsea switchpublished at 18:32 BST 8 July
18:32 BST 8 July
Chelsea claim to have signed "one of the brightest talents in European football" after confirming a deal for winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting.
The 19-year-old, who has played in a number of wide positions for Sporting and helped secure a league and cup double last season, has signed a deal until 2034.
"It feels great to be here," the 19-year-old said. "Chelsea is a great team and I am excited to play here at Stamford Bridge. The club has shown faith in players like me and I am proud to be here, proud to be part of this club.
"I am excited to work with my team-mates and the manager, Xabi Alonso. I'm a very hard-working young person and I like to help my team. I want to be someone known for having the right mentality to help my team-mates and who does their best for the club to win trophies."
The news comes as it was revealed the Blues are close to selling midfielder Andrey Santos to Manchester United.
Man Utd to sign Chelsea's Santospublished at 18:17 BST 8 July
18:17 BST 8 July
Manchester United have agreed a £50m deal with Chelsea for their Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos.
The deal has progressed quickly in the past few hours after United made their initial interest known over the weekend.
United will pay an initial £48m for Santos, with an additional £2m in what are described as 'achievable' add-ons. Chelsea have also negotiated a 10% sell-on clause.
Santos has been cleared for a medical, with fellow countryman Ederson also scheduled to have one before completing his £35m move from Italian side Atalanta following Brazil's elimination from the World Cup.
The news comes as United's senior players prepare to return for pre-season training on Thursday and goes part way to addressing what was becoming a major issue.
United prioritised central midfield this summer following the exit of Casemiro when the veteran former Real Madrid man's contract came to an end. Manuel Ugarte was set to be sold but the Uruguay international has been ruled out for an extended period with cruciate knee ligament damage.
When will Alonso speak to the media?published at 15:27 BST 8 July
15:27 BST 8 July
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
When Xabi Alonso will give his first news conference as Chelsea manager has been the subject of several questions into our Blues Ask Me Anything form.
At the time of writing, it is not scheduled.
However, it is expected Chelsea will be doing an 'unveiling' one in London, probably at Stamford Bridge, before jetting off on their pre-season tour of Australia and several Asian destinations.
It is likely to be after he has had a few training sessions and time to get his foot in the door properly.
Of course, Alonso will then also be speaking more while on that overseas tour.
Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.
We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.
Careers intertwined - Alonso and Arbeloa in rival dugoutspublished at 12:20 BST 8 July
12:20 BST 8 July
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
New Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa is best known in England for his impressive two-year spell at Liverpool as a player before returning to Real Madrid for a seven-year stint and ending his career with a season at West Ham.
He earned 56 caps for Spain and was part of arguably the greatest team in their history, which won two European Championships and the World Cup in consecutive tournaments between 2008 and 2012.
Chelsea's new manager Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa played together for seven consecutive years at club level and even longer with the national team - and now they will face each other in rival dugouts in their Premier League opener at Craven Cottage on Monday, 24 August.
Jose Mourinho signed the pair from Liverpool in the same summer both Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka joined Real to help them compete with a dominant Barcelona side managed by Pep Guardiola.
Such was the closeness of the two that they went on holiday and spent time together away from the pitch. One well-placed source in Spain said that one replacing the other at the Bernabeu in January was initially awkward.
Alonso had struggled to convince dressing-room stars such as Kylian Mbappe to adapt to his modern style of management, involving high pressing and possession-based football, at Madrid.
Arbeloa, who began his coaching career at under-14s level, was promoted to steady the ship after six months leading Castilla, Real Madrid's reserve team who play in the third tier of Spanish football.
Madrid's season ended with a second-place finish in the domestic league and elimination from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.
Fast forward a few weeks and Alonso and Arbeloa are set to be neighbouring managers in their first seasons in the Premier League, with just over a mile separating Stamford Bridge and Craven Cottage.
Derry nears Sporting loan movepublished at 09:41 BST 8 July
09:41 BST 8 July
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Sporting are close to signing Chelsea winger Jesse Derry on a season-long loan deal.
It would be a straight loan with no option to buy and follows Chelsea's decision to award the 19-year-old a new contract after his breakthrough campaign last season.
Derry made three appearances for the Blues last season, including a Premier League start against Nottingham Forest that was cut short shortly before half-time after a head collision.
The youngster, who joined from Crystal Palace last summer, has since recovered and was an unused substitute for Chelsea's final match of the season at Sunderland.
Fernandez's 'header of his career' completes epic Argentina comebackpublished at 08:38 BST 8 July
08:38 BST 8 July
Media caption,
Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez completed a scarcely believable second-half Argentina comeback two minutes into injury time, as they broke Egypt hearts and reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
The reigning world champions had looked set for a shock last-16 exit to Mohamed Salah's Pharaohs, who led 2-0 thanks to goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico.
But, Tottenham's Cristian Romero halved the deficit 11 minutes from time before Lionel Messi - who had missed a first-half penalty - equalised five minutes later and set up a nail-biting finish.
Fernandez had the final say, his perfectly placed header completing one of the great World Cup recoveries to secure a 3-2 win with the 3,000th goal in tournament history.
Stones and Fabinho in but steer clear of Xhaka? Free agents and who to avoidpublished at 08:31 BST 7 July
08:31 BST 7 July
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on which free agents Chelsea could target this summer and whether there is one player the Blues are linked with but you hope they never sign.
Here are some of your comments:
Peter: I think a great signing for free would be John Stones, his experience could be similar to our signing of Silva. I know Stones could be a bit injury prone but I think it's a risk worth taking, and he would help our inexperienced centre backs on and off the field.
Benjamin: Secure Vozinha now!! What are we waiting for? He has mature shoulders, can clearly play out from the back and is confident in his decision making, something Sanchez can only dream of! And he's a marketing dream!
Mohammed: I would try my best to get John Stones. Xhaka is prone to a red card and should perhaps be avoided.
Daniel: I would like us to go and sign Fabinho - a very good player who's a free signing unlike the recent Xhaka who Sunderland overpriced and is much older than him. More-so, his previous Liverpool career helps us gain advantage in terms of Premier League experience and inside knowledge about Liverpool just like our manager Alonso. So, I suggest we go for him immediately before we lose him to another rival!
Fanta: Of the available free transfers, IMO I would go for John Stones. Versatile and experienced defender. Adding an older head in the training ground and dressing room. Look at Desailly's wisdom being passed on with JT. Bring him in.
James: Fabinho would bring great experience and if fit John Stones likewise, especially in a young team. The one player I'm not overly sold on is Valentin Barco, I just feel that the money could be better spent elsewhere rather than another internal transfer.
Peter: Definitely Dusan Vlahovic. He looked great when he began at Juventus, but lost his way. He needs to get his career back in a groove.
David: The wages required by freebies would probably rule out a lot of them. Especially Salah! In an ideal world - Stones, and Solly March. The first would be steadying, a good partner for Colwill and influence on Josh. I watch a lot of Brighton and Solly March is reliable, experienced and Premier League ready. Both have had there fitness issues but with no euro games, that could be adequately managed. Don't go near Xhaka. We have enough red cards in a season thanks very much.
Derry close to renewing Chelsea dealpublished at 08:06 BST 7 July
08:06 BST 7 July
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Jesse Derry is close to signing a new contract at Chelsea as a reward for his recent first-team breakthrough.
The 19-year-old winger made his senior debut and first Premier League start last season and attracted interest from a number of European clubs, including Bayern Munich.
However, Chelsea are close to agreeing for the attacker to extend his stay on improved terms.
The England youth international enjoyed an impressive first campaign in Chelsea's academy after joining from London rivals Crystal Palace last summer.
Derry has made three first-team appearances to date, but his season ended early following a head injury suffered in his first start against Nottingham Forest. He has since recovered.
Meanwhile Chelsea will hand England under-19 international Jesse Derry, 19, a new contract to ward off interest from Bayern Munich. (Football Insider, external)
