Chelsea are set to usher in a new era with Liam Rosenior after the Strasbourg boss confirmed a verbal agreement to become the club’s next manager.

The 41-year-old is expected to replace Enzo Maresca, who stepped down on New Year’s Day, with final paperwork anticipated to be completed within hours.

Rosenior described the move as an opportunity he could not ignore, citing the stature of Chelsea and the quality of their squad.

The appointment marks a swift rise for Rosenior, whose work in France has earned widespread praise. Since taking charge of Strasbourg in July 2024, he guided the club to a seventh-place Ligue 1 finish last season, securing European football for the first time in eight years. Despite a recent run without a league win, Strasbourg remain competitive domestically and sit top of their Conference League group, underlining the progress made during his tenure.

Rosenior is set to arrive at Stamford Bridge with trusted members of his backroom staff, including first-team coach Kalifa Cisse, assistant head coach Justin Walker and head of analysis Ben Warner.

He insisted his decision was made with transparency, noting that Strasbourg’s ownership also linked to Chelsea through the BlueCo group had long been aware of interest from other clubs, including those competing in the Champions League.

While Rosenior has yet to manage in the Premier League, Chelsea’s hierarchy believe his modern coaching style and recent success make him ready for the challenge.

The former Fulham and Hull City defender leaves France reflecting on what he called the most fulfilling spell of his career, but with his sights firmly set on lifting Chelsea forward as they sit fifth in the league ahead of their midweek clash with Fulham.