Chelsea Football Club is accelerating efforts to secure Kieran McKenna as the next head coach following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure, according to Evening Standard.
McKenna, 38, has been instrumental in Ipswich’s return to the top flight, achieving consecutive promotions and earning the League Managers Association manager of the year award for his efforts. This success has placed him on Chelsea’s shortlist as they look to stabilize their managerial position after a period of frequent changes.
Despite Ipswich’s desire to retain their manager, offering him a new contract despite his current agreement running until 2027, Chelsea’s interest appears strong. It is understood that the compensation required to release McKenna from Ipswich would exceed £4 million, a figure that Chelsea is prepared to meet.
Chelsea’s search for a new head coach comes after Pochettino parted ways with the club by mutual consent, having led the team to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League. This was deemed underwhelming by the club’s owners, prompting them to look for a new direction.
Other candidates reportedly on Chelsea’s radar include Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Leicester’s Enzo Maresca, though McKenna seems to be the front-runner. Ruben Amorim and Sebastian Hoeness were also considered, but both appear set to remain with their current clubs.
Chelsea’s management is looking for a coach who can grow with the team and establish a long-term presence at Stamford Bridge, marking a shift towards stability and developmental focus after years of managerial upheaval.
Brighton is also reportedly interested in McKenna, indicating that Chelsea may face competition for his signature. As the summer progresses, Chelsea’s intentions will become clearer as they aim to secure their next managerial appointment before the pre-season begins.