Chelsea now have a new boss, with Xabi Alonso agreeing a four-year deal which will see him take over after the end of the season.
The Blues seemed to whittle their search down to two, with Andoni Iraola the other manager considered, but Alonso was ultimately chosen, and the decision could help keep key man Marc Cucurella at the club.
The Spaniard is coming off the back of a disastrous spell at Real Madrid that saw him sacked within months following a dressing room fallout, but he did impress at Bayer Leverkusen before that.
The hope is that his Premier League playing experience can help him turn things around at Stamford Bridge, though we don't yet know how limited he will be by the transfer strategy that ultimately caused a rift between Enzo Maresca and the club.
Alonso has asked to move away from the youth-based transfer approach, with this team clearly needing some proven signings, but we will find out more about that this summer.
Xabi Alonso arrival will have ripple effect for Marc Cucurella
What we do know is that the appointment of Alonso, which is an ambitious one in some ways, will help keep some of the current Chelsea players committed to the club.
After a disappointing season that will likely mean no European football next season, a strong appointment was a must to keep some of the more ambitious players around for next season, and there is no hiding one of the biggest benefits.
Marc Cucurella, who has been a terrific servant at Stamford Bridge, has been heavily linked with a move away this summer, with Barcelona, in particular, being linked with a move.
Cucurella came through the La Masia youth setup, and he has admitted that he would struggle to turn down a return to Camp Nou. Chelsea's poor season only added fuel to the rumours, but the appointment of Alonso might just prevent the full-back's exit.
Alonso's arrival will allow Cucurella to work with an attacking coach, and a Spanish one, too, which will be an obvious lure, especially for a player who seems to be missing home a little.
Cucurella has been one of Chelsea's most consistent players in the last couple of years, so they will be desperate to keep him. Though, there is still a possibility Barca come in with a big offer, and especially if he replicates the form he showed at Euro 2024 in this summer's World Cup.
Add us as a preferred source on Google