Chelsea are closing in on Austin MacPhee, one of the Premier League’s top set-piece specialists, after triggering a release clause in his Aston Villa contract. MacPhee said his goodbyes to Villa players and staff on July 24, ending a five-season stint that transformed the club’s dead-ball situations into a genuine competitive weapon. He will join Xabi Alonso’s coaching setup at Stamford Bridge. MacPhee has also served as assistant head coach of the Portugal national team since February 2025, a dual role that underscores his widely recognized expertise. The departure is described as a significant blow for Aston Villa, who were unable to retain a key member of their backroom staff.
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