Chelsea Set to Seal Most Modern, Depressing and Potentially Important Summer Transfer Deal in Recent History
Chelsea are set to appoint Austin MacPhee as their new set-piece specialist, with the 46-year-old joining Xabi Alonso's managerial staff ahead of the 2026-27 season. MacPhee's release clause was triggered by Chelsea, beating out other Premier League clubs interested in his services.
MacPhee will leave Aston Villa after five seasons, where he transformed the team into one of Europe's most dangerous set-piece teams. His innovative and creative dead-ball schemes added a prolific dimension to Unai Emery's attack. Under his guidance, Villa scored 29 set-piece goals last season, matching Arsenal's total.
The acquisition highlights the growing emphasis on set pieces in soccer, with many top clubs prioritizing them as a key way to score. MacPhee's success has also led to him working with Portugal's national team, helping them develop unique set-piece plays during the 2026 World Cup.
Chelsea's move to appoint MacPhee is their third piece of business with Aston Villa this summer, following the signings of Morgan Rogers and the loan of Alejandro Garnacho to Villa. The Blues are strengthening their set-piece department, a crucial area in modern soccer, with MacPhee's expertise expected to make a significant impact.
MacPhee will leave Aston Villa after five seasons, where he transformed the team into one of Europe's most dangerous set-piece teams. His innovative and creative dead-ball schemes added a prolific dimension to Unai Emery's attack. Under his guidance, Villa scored 29 set-piece goals last season, matching Arsenal's total.
The acquisition highlights the growing emphasis on set pieces in soccer, with many top clubs prioritizing them as a key way to score. MacPhee's success has also led to him working with Portugal's national team, helping them develop unique set-piece plays during the 2026 World Cup.
Chelsea's move to appoint MacPhee is their third piece of business with Aston Villa this summer, following the signings of Morgan Rogers and the loan of Alejandro Garnacho to Villa. The Blues are strengthening their set-piece department, a crucial area in modern soccer, with MacPhee's expertise expected to make a significant impact.
#News, #Football