Enzo Maresca Agrees to Five-Year Deal as Chelsea’s New Head Coach
Enzo Maresca, 44, has reached an agreement with Chelsea to become their new head coach, succeeding Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge. The Italian manager, who led Leicester City back to the Premier League, is set to join Chelsea on a long-term basis, reflecting the club’s commitment to sustained success.
Negotiations for Maresca’s contract are underway, with legal teams finalizing the details. An official announcement is expected before the weekend.
Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, traveled to Marbella for face-to-face discussions with Maresca after Leicester granted permission for talks to commence. His release clause at Leicester is reported to be between £8m and £10m.
Maresca impressed Chelsea with his comprehensive knowledge of the squad and his alignment with the club’s playing philosophy. His emphasis on possession and positional play made him the leading candidate to replace Pochettino.
Senior figures at Chelsea see Maresca as the final piece in their modern structure, aimed at long-term success. The club anticipates an active transfer window, with potential signings in key positions such as striker and center-back. The futures of players like Romelu Lukaku and Kepa Arrizabalaga are also set to be resolved.
