Former Flamengo manager Filipe Luís is making waves in European football circles, with reports linking the Brazilian tactician to a potential move to Chelsea for the 2026/27 season. While he may not be the Blues' top choice, the 39-year-old has certainly earned a spot on their shortlist.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea's primary target remains Xabi Alonso, the former Real Madrid midfielder who has impressed at Bayer Leverkusen. Initial discussions between the London club and Alonso have already taken place, signaling their serious intent to secure a high-profile replacement.

But Alonso isn't the only name on Chelsea's radar. The club has identified four other candidates, including Filipe Luís, who has been without a managerial role since leaving Flamengo on March 3. The other contenders are Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), and Andoni Iraola, who is reportedly set to depart Bournemouth.

The urgency for a new manager stems from Chelsea's dramatic slide down the Premier League table. Once comfortably in the top six for most of the season, the Blues have managed just one win in their last 11 matches, plummeting to ninth place with 49 points. With only two games remaining, they face a desperate fight to secure European qualification—whether that's the Conference League or, at best, the Europa League—and will need results to go their way elsewhere.

For Filipe Luís, this potential move to Stamford Bridge would mark a significant step up in his coaching career, following his successful stint at Flamengo where he won the Copa do Brasil in 2024. Whether he lands the job or not, his name is now firmly in the conversation among Europe's elite clubs.