Chelsea has opened negotiations to acquire Austin MacPhee, the set-piece specialist currently employed by Aston Villa, according to multiple sources. The 46-year-old Scottish coach commands significant interest from multiple Premier League organizations as well as clubs competing in the Saudi Pro League. Aston Villa is entitled to receive compensation for MacPhee’s departure, with his existing contract believed to contain a release clause that governs the terms of any potential transfer.
MacPhee has held dual responsibilities over the past five years, serving as both a set-piece coach at Aston Villa and in the same capacity with the Portugal national team under manager Roberto Martinez until his recent departure following the World Cup. His track record with Villa has been noteworthy, as the club ranked first across Europe’s top five leagues in goals scored directly from set-piece situations during the 2023-24 season. The team subsequently maintained elite-level performance in this area, finishing among the top five the following season and ending the recent campaign tied with Arsenal for the top position in the Premier League.
MacPhee is one of several Villa Park personnel anticipated to depart this summer following the club’s achievement of winning the Europa Conference League and securing qualification for the Champions League under manager Unai Emery. New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has identified a need for set-piece coaching depth following the repositioning of Bernardo Cueva, who arrived from Brentford for £750,000 in 2024. Cueva is transitioning away from direct touchline involvement toward administrative and analytical responsibilities.
Chelsea’s interest in MacPhee coincides with the club’s recent player transactions involving Aston Villa. The Blues completed the acquisition of Morgan Rogers this week for £117m, while forward Alejandro Garnacho moved to Villa on an initial loan agreement that includes an option for conversion into a permanent transfer.
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