Chelsea Women eye Aston Villa’s set-piece guru Austin MacPhee

Chelsea Women are in talks to sign Austin MacPhee from Aston Villa, as new manager Xabi Alonso looks to bolster his coaching staff for the upcoming season. The Scottish coach, 46, has spent the past five years combining roles at Villa Park and with the Portugal national team under Roberto Martinez.

League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 3rd in FA WSL, 49 pts, 15W-4D-3L from 22 games, recent form WWWWD.

Why MacPhee matters for Chelsea Women

MacPhee’s arrival would address a gap left by Bernardo Cueva, who is moving into a behind-the-scenes role after joining Chelsea from Brentford for £750,000 in 2024. The club’s set-piece output has dipped since Cueva’s departure, with Villa ranking among Europe’s top five teams for set-piece goals in both 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.

Under MacPhee, Villa scored more goals from set-pieces than any other team in Europe’s top five leagues in 2023-24. They matched Arsenal’s Premier League tally last season, finishing joint-top despite a smaller squad. His tactical nous could help Chelsea, who sit third in the FA WSL with 44 goals scored and a +24 goal difference in 2025.

Competition heats up for MacPhee’s signature

Chelsea face rivals from the Premier League and Saudi Pro League in the race to sign MacPhee. Villa would receive compensation under his contract’s release clause, complicating negotiations. The club has already lost key staff this summer, including after Unai Emery guided them to the Europa Conference League and Champions League qualification.

The timing aligns with Chelsea’s busy transfer window, which saw Morgan Rogers join from Aston Villa for £117m this week. Alejandro Garnacho moved the other way on loan, with a permanent deal likely to follow.

What comes next for Chelsea Women

MacPhee’s potential arrival hinges on Villa’s willingness to part with him and Chelsea’s ability to meet his release clause. Alonso’s backroom reshuffle continues, with Cueva’s shift signaling a broader tactical evolution.

Chelsea kick off their 2026-27 campaign with a squad overhaul in progress. Goals this season (44 scored, 20 conceded) reflect their attacking potential, but set-piece efficiency could be the edge needed to close the six-point gap to Manchester City Women.