New Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed that Reece James will retain the captaincy for the upcoming season, describing the England international as a complete footballer whose lifelong bond with the club makes him the natural choice to lead the dressing room.

Alonso's verdict on James

Speaking to Sky Sports, Alonso was unequivocal about his decision. 'He can do everything. He can attack from inside or outside. He can deliver; he's good at set pieces; he has blue DNA, which is very important, and we transmit that to the whole team and new players. He's going to be the captain,' the Spanish coach said.

James, a Chelsea academy product, was first handed the armband ahead of the 2023-24 season. The 26-year-old made 39 appearances across all competitions last season before earning a place in England's squad for the FIFA World Cup. He is currently away on international duty and will return to Stamford Bridge after the tournament concludes.

Injury concerns set aside

James's availability has been a recurring concern at Chelsea in recent seasons, with injuries limiting his impact across multiple campaigns. Alonso, however, signalled that those concerns would not define his approach, stressing James's versatility, leadership and cultural understanding of the club as decisive factors in retaining him as captain.

Fernandez stays, Garnacho future uncertain

Alonso also addressed the futures of two other high-profile squad members. On Enzo Fernandez, the Argentina midfielder linked with a summer exit, the coach was clear: 'Enzo's a great player, and we are looking forward to having him and starting to work together.'

The situation is less settled for winger Alejandro Garnacho, 22. Alonso confirmed that Chelsea have received concrete interest from other clubs. 'The situation is that we have spoken with the sporting directors, and there is an interest for him from other clubs. So let's see how this develops. But hopefully, it finishes in the best possible way for all parties,' he said.

European ambition after a difficult season

Chelsea endured a turbulent 2024-25 Premier League campaign, finishing 10th with 52 points — a result that cost them direct qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Alonso acknowledged that returning to European competition is a stated objective, while insisting that building a coherent playing identity must come first.

'For sure that's a goal. But to reach that goal, you need to do many right things... how do we want to play, how we want to see ourselves, how we want to approach a game wherever we go. That's my job,' he said. He added: 'We are ambitious, and we in Chelsea need to share that energy, that ambition, as well as that hunger to want to have success.'

With several transfer bids reportedly in motion and key squad decisions still pending, Alonso acknowledged it remains 'early days' — but the captain's question, at least, has been settled.