Chelsea hires Aston Villa set-piece coach MacPhee

Chelsea Football Club has triggered a release clause to secure the services of Aston Villa's highly regarded set-piece coach, Austin MacPhee, in a significant backroom staff acquisition. The 46-year-old specialist is expected to join new manager Xabi Alonso's coaching setup at Stamford Bridge after saying his farewells to Villa players and staff on Friday, July 24, 2026.

MacPhee's move concludes a five-year tenure at Villa Park, where he was credited with transforming the club's threat from dead-ball situations. Under his guidance, Aston Villa scored 29 goals from set pieces during the 2025-26 season, a tally that matched Arsenal for the highest in Europe. His departure is viewed as a substantial loss for Villa, coming just days after the club sold midfielder Morgan Rogers to Chelsea in a record-breaking £117 million transfer.

Chelsea's activation of a contractual release clause facilitated the move after Villa's attempts to renew MacPhee's contract failed. The coach, who also serves as an assistant for the Portugal national team, reportedly sought a new challenge. He is anticipated to link up with Chelsea's preseason tour squad, which departed for Australia on Friday.