Liam Rosenior has flown to London to finalise his expected appointment as Chelsea head coach.

As BBC Sport reported on Thursday, January 1, 2026, Strasbourg boss Rosenior is the leading candidate to replace Enzo Maresca, who has left Stamford Bridge.

Talks to appoint Rosenior are at an advanced stage, and the 41-year-old is in the capital to complete formalities before he is named as Maresca’s successor.

BlueCo – the investment vehicle set up to purchase Chelsea in 2022 – has started the process of identifying candidates to replace Rosenior at sister club Strasbourg.

Chelsea caretaker manager Calum McFarlane says “there’s a chance” the new boss will be in place on Monday, January 5, 2025.

Under-21s coach McFarlane stepped in after Maresca parted company with Chelsea following disagreements with leadership figures at the club.

McFarlane’s Chelsea drew 1-1 away at title challengers Manchester City on Sunday, January 4, 2026, thanks to an equaliser in the closing moments from midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Speaking after the match, McFarlane said, “When I first took the job, I was told I would take the Manchester City game. So that was three days with the group.

“There’s a chance the new manager will be in on Monday – that’s what I was told originally.

“Obviously, it’s Sunday now. We’ve been solely focused on the game. I’m sure I’ll get more information once I’m out of this press conference. But as far as I know, the new manager will be in shortly, and I’ll lead the team until he’s in.”

Rosenior took charge of Strasbourg’s 1-1 draw at Nice on Saturday and was photographed at Strasbourg airport by French football publication L’Equipeon Sunday, sitting alongside the club’s sporting director David Weir.

The appointment is complicated mainly by Strasbourg, who share the same American ownership as Chelsea, needing a replacement, as talks remain ongoing with multiple candidates.

Former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil is understood to have held talks with Strasbourg about taking the job.

Weir, along with Strasbourg president Marc Keller, is overseeing the process of appointing a successor to Rosenior amid concerns from sections of the French club’s fanbase about the switch across the multi-club divide.

There is not expected to be any friction on the Chelsea side.