Chelsea wait for Alonso to approve signing of Sunderland star after talks with agent

Chelsea will consult new manager Xabi Alonso before attempting to sign the Sunderland star following negotiations with his agent, according to a new report.

Xabi Alonso to be involved in Chelsea transfer plans

Alonso has not yet officially started work, and is due to start until July 1, but his fingerprints are already being found at Stamford Bridge.

As Fabrizio Romano reported over the weekend, the new Chelsea manager will be heavily involved in the club’s summer transfer plans, a marked departure from the approach of previous managers who were often offered contracts rather than consultations.

Alonso’s four-year contract, announced on Sunday and running until June 2030, is much more than just a dugout.

He has been given the title of manager rather than head coach, and no major contract is expected to be finalized without him signing off.

That dynamic is about to be put to the test.

Chelsea are planning a major overhaul of their striking options this summer, with at least two forwards expected to leave and a new No.9 at the top of their shopping list, according to trusted journalist Simon Phillips.

Both Liam Delap and Marc Giu are expected to be sold outright or on loan with an option to buy, while Joao Pedro’s future remains a hot topic of conversation despite the club insisting he is not for sale.

Barcelona continue to pursue the Brazilian regardless of Chelsea’s public status, with Pedro reportedly telling his agent that it would be difficult for him to turn down a move to Camp Nou.

With the expected departure of the forward, Chelsea’s recruitment team have drawn up a shortlist of possible replacements, and Brian Brobbey’s name has emerged as one of them.

Chelsea wait for Xabi Alonso to give green light to Brian Brobbey transfer

Phillips reports that Chelsea have already made some contact with the Sunderland striker’s agent, who joined the Black Cats from Ajax for around £17 million in September last year.

The Dutchman’s first season in English football was more solid than spectacular, as he scored seven goals and provided one assist in 30 Premier League games for Sunderland, who made a surprising breakthrough into Europe in the closing stages.

The numbers don’t jump off the page, but Blobby’s qualities go beyond raw statistics.

At 5ft 10in, he is not the tallest centre-forward, but his physical power, explosive acceleration and ability to move through the channels make him a good fit for any defense.

He played 43 games in all competitions, scoring 22 goals, and was named Ajax Player of the Year for the 2023/24 season, reaching the Euro 2024 semi-finals in Germany as part of the Dutch national team.

His debut goal in the Premier League – he equalized in stoppage time against Arsenal in November – showed a glimpse of the composure and big-game nature that attracted Sunderland in the first place.

Phillips insists that the names currently being circulated, including Blobby, are not necessarily targets that Alonso himself requested.

Still in its early stages, the Spaniard has had little time to evaluate the team in detail, let alone create a personal wishlist. Crucially, however, Chelsea will not make a move for any of these players, including Brobby, unless Alonso first green-lights the deal.

That is the new reality at Stamford Bridge and represents a meaningful change in the way the club operates.

Sunderland will not be keen sellers. Brobby has three years left on his contract and is a key member of Regis Le Bris’ squad as they look to build on a promising first season back in the top flight.

To start a conversation, Chelsea’s approach needs to be substantive.

It remains to be seen whether Alonso ultimately decides that Brobbey fits his vision for the team, but contacts have already been made, the foundations have been laid and the summer is shaping up to be a very busy one.