Kianig89
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Massive performance last night shame ref robbed them
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Contact the PP Team
Chelsea FC | 2021/22 Season
- Thread starter Firebat
- Start date
James
World Star
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- Post of the Week
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Really good effort from Chelsea.
Massively against the odds.
Just fell short.
Massively against the odds.
Just fell short.
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- Oct 2, 2004
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- 217,978
The UK government has imposed sanctions on Chelsea football club director Eugene Tenenbaum in an attempt to freeze up to £10bn of assets linked to the club’s Russian oligarch owner, Roman Abramovich.
The UK said it was extending sanctions to Tenenbaum and David Davidovich, another close associate of Abramovich, because the oligarch had transferred billions of pounds of assets to the pair as Russia invaded Ukraine.
The Foreign Office said the sanctions would “freeze assets connected with the pair estimated to total up to £10bn – the largest asset freeze action in UK history”. The department said the asset freezes would “prevent these assets from being repatriated to Russia and used to fund Putin’s war machine”.
“We are tightening the ratchet on Putin’s war machine and targeting the circle of people closest to the Kremlin,” Liz Truss, the foreign secretary, said. “We will keep going with sanctions until Putin fails in Ukraine. Nothing and no one is off the table.”
The UK said the sanctions were coordinated with Jersey, which yesterday froze £5.4bn of Abramovich’s assets.
Abramovich was subjected to UK sanctions on 10 March after ministers accused him of having “clear connections” to Putin’s regime and being among a group of rich Russian business people who had “blood on their hands”. He has denied having close links to Putin.
However, the UK has not seized any of Abramovich’s UK properties, which include a £120m mansion on Kensington Palace Gardens just behind the royal palace. His family have amassed a UK property collection worth more than £250m, numbering about 70 homes, buildings and pieces of land. The UK is forcing him to sell Chelsea FC, which he bought in 2003 for about £140m.
Corporate filings show that Tenenbaum took control of Evrington Investments Ltd, an Abramovich-linked investment company, on 24 February, immediately after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Abramovich was previously listed as the “beneficial owner” of Cyprus-based Ervington, according to filings in London and Amsterdam. The company has made investments in at least eight firms, including in Russia’s top search engine, Yandex.
Also on the first day of the invasion, Abramovich transferred control of another investment vehicle, Norma Investments, to Davidovich. The Foreign Office said Davidovich, who has been described by Forbes magazine as “Abramovich’s much lower-profile right-hand man”, “took over Evrington Investments from Tenenbaum in March 2022”.
The men will be subject to asset freezes as well as transport sanctions, meaning that any ship or aircraft owned, chartered, controlled or operated by them could be detained if it enters Britain.
Tenenbaum, 57, was born in Ukraine when it was part of the Soviet Union and has been on Chelsea’s board for 19 years. He was previously the head of corporate finance at Sibneft, an oil company sold in 2006 by Abramovich.
He has previously described sanctions against Abramovich as “unjust”. The Guardian has approached Tenenbaum and Davidovich for comment.
Guardian
The UK said it was extending sanctions to Tenenbaum and David Davidovich, another close associate of Abramovich, because the oligarch had transferred billions of pounds of assets to the pair as Russia invaded Ukraine.
The Foreign Office said the sanctions would “freeze assets connected with the pair estimated to total up to £10bn – the largest asset freeze action in UK history”. The department said the asset freezes would “prevent these assets from being repatriated to Russia and used to fund Putin’s war machine”.
“We are tightening the ratchet on Putin’s war machine and targeting the circle of people closest to the Kremlin,” Liz Truss, the foreign secretary, said. “We will keep going with sanctions until Putin fails in Ukraine. Nothing and no one is off the table.”
The UK said the sanctions were coordinated with Jersey, which yesterday froze £5.4bn of Abramovich’s assets.
Abramovich was subjected to UK sanctions on 10 March after ministers accused him of having “clear connections” to Putin’s regime and being among a group of rich Russian business people who had “blood on their hands”. He has denied having close links to Putin.
However, the UK has not seized any of Abramovich’s UK properties, which include a £120m mansion on Kensington Palace Gardens just behind the royal palace. His family have amassed a UK property collection worth more than £250m, numbering about 70 homes, buildings and pieces of land. The UK is forcing him to sell Chelsea FC, which he bought in 2003 for about £140m.
Corporate filings show that Tenenbaum took control of Evrington Investments Ltd, an Abramovich-linked investment company, on 24 February, immediately after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Abramovich was previously listed as the “beneficial owner” of Cyprus-based Ervington, according to filings in London and Amsterdam. The company has made investments in at least eight firms, including in Russia’s top search engine, Yandex.
Also on the first day of the invasion, Abramovich transferred control of another investment vehicle, Norma Investments, to Davidovich. The Foreign Office said Davidovich, who has been described by Forbes magazine as “Abramovich’s much lower-profile right-hand man”, “took over Evrington Investments from Tenenbaum in March 2022”.
The men will be subject to asset freezes as well as transport sanctions, meaning that any ship or aircraft owned, chartered, controlled or operated by them could be detained if it enters Britain.
Tenenbaum, 57, was born in Ukraine when it was part of the Soviet Union and has been on Chelsea’s board for 19 years. He was previously the head of corporate finance at Sibneft, an oil company sold in 2006 by Abramovich.
He has previously described sanctions against Abramovich as “unjust”. The Guardian has approached Tenenbaum and Davidovich for comment.
Guardian
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Chelsea may have a new name above the door at Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks but some things never change, and they delivered the evidence once more by beating Crystal Palace to reach their third successive FA Cup final.
In recent years, Chelsea have been the exception to the often-quoted rule that stability sustains success, a consistent supply of silverware arriving in west London despite regular managerial changes and expensive shifts in personnel.
Chelsea have shown a remarkable ability to defy the game's natural laws, thriving amid what the outside world deemed as chaos, buffeted by the sort of turbulence usually associated with crisis.
It has not mattered whether the club was undergoing seismic change on or off the pitch - and occasionally both - as Chelsea have a winning mentality that appears able to overcome all obstacles.
All you need to know about the Chelsea bidders
The classic example was the interim tenure of Roberto di Matteo, appointed after the failure of Andre Villas-Boas, going on to win the FA Cup and Champions League in 2012. Of course, this being Chelsea, he was sacked six months after getting the job permanently.
This time, the uncertainty hanging over Stamford Bridge is caused by sanctions taken against owner Roman Abramovich for alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin, which have threatened to wreak financial havoc on Chelsea.
Thomas Tuchel demonstrated he was fit for all that managing Chelsea brings when he succeeded sacked Frank Lampard in January 2021 and navigated a way to winning the Champions League.
In the current climate Tuchel has remained a calm figurehead for Chelsea, and they showed commendable powers of recovery to shake off the bitter disappointment of losing their Champions League crown after an epic quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu when they threatened to overturn a 3-1 lead from the first game.
And now, after taking Chelsea to the FA Cup final last season, when they lost to Leicester City, and a victorious Champions League final against Manchester City, Tuchel has followed up reaching the Carabao Cup final this term by setting up another meeting with Liverpool back at Wembley in May.
Chelsea and Tuchel have two ghosts to lay to rest.
They have lost their two previous FA Cup finals, the first under Lampard to Arsenal, and will now set sights on a measure of revenge against Liverpool after losing on penalties in the EFL Cup final.
It is only the second time the same sides have met in the two major domestic finals since 1993, when Arsenal were twice winners against Sheffield Wednesday.
There may be a group of new owners jostling for position to succeed Abramovich at Stamford Bridge, but whoever eventually moves into the boardroom will look down and see a Chelsea side with a familiar look and feel.
Doubts remain over the future of some players, with Andreas Christensen on his way to Barcelona and both Antonio Rudiger and long-serving captain Cesar Azpilicueta touted with moves away at the end of their contracts.
Romelu Lukaku still looks every inch a £97.5m failure, not even considered for the starting line-up against Palace and somehow striking an upright when it seemed easier to score after he was introduced by Tuchel.
These are all matters for another day as, typically, Chelsea set these uncertainties to one side to rumble on.
They still possess a core of steely professionalism, an ability to get the job done. Once they took control at the start of the second half they never let it go and there was only one winner once Ruben Loftus-Cheek put them ahead, a fact confirmed by Mason Mount's second that saw off any remaining Palace hopes of meeting Liverpool in the final.
The Abramovich era was famed for the big buys that changed the face of English football, but here were two graduates from a Chelsea academy carefully nurtured during his time at the club making the difference.
It made the difference for Palace, too.
Conor Gallagher, such a success on loan at Palace from Chelsea that he has played for England, was ruled out against his parent club under the terms of the deal - and how manager Patrick Vieira missed his exuberance, skill and creativity as his side strived to break through.
It was cruel on Palace and Gallagher, but rules are rules and Chelsea were glad of them.
Marc Guehi, another from Chelsea's academy, has excelled to such an extent at Palace that he has also represented England. He was impressive again here.
Those remaining at Chelsea have what currently ranks among the game's most onerous tasks, namely finding a way to beat Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool as they try to add the FA Cup to the EFL Cup.
Liverpool are attempting to make history by also winning the Champions League, with a semi-final against Villarreal to come, and the Premier League as they do battle with Manchester City.
Chelsea could only be separated from Liverpool on penalties at Wembley in their first meeting, and while Liverpool will be favourites, history and an uncanny ability to emerge from seemingly unfavourable circumstances with a trophy, means it would be foolish to write the Blues off.
BBC
In recent years, Chelsea have been the exception to the often-quoted rule that stability sustains success, a consistent supply of silverware arriving in west London despite regular managerial changes and expensive shifts in personnel.
Chelsea have shown a remarkable ability to defy the game's natural laws, thriving amid what the outside world deemed as chaos, buffeted by the sort of turbulence usually associated with crisis.
It has not mattered whether the club was undergoing seismic change on or off the pitch - and occasionally both - as Chelsea have a winning mentality that appears able to overcome all obstacles.
All you need to know about the Chelsea bidders
The classic example was the interim tenure of Roberto di Matteo, appointed after the failure of Andre Villas-Boas, going on to win the FA Cup and Champions League in 2012. Of course, this being Chelsea, he was sacked six months after getting the job permanently.
This time, the uncertainty hanging over Stamford Bridge is caused by sanctions taken against owner Roman Abramovich for alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin, which have threatened to wreak financial havoc on Chelsea.
Thomas Tuchel demonstrated he was fit for all that managing Chelsea brings when he succeeded sacked Frank Lampard in January 2021 and navigated a way to winning the Champions League.
In the current climate Tuchel has remained a calm figurehead for Chelsea, and they showed commendable powers of recovery to shake off the bitter disappointment of losing their Champions League crown after an epic quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu when they threatened to overturn a 3-1 lead from the first game.
And now, after taking Chelsea to the FA Cup final last season, when they lost to Leicester City, and a victorious Champions League final against Manchester City, Tuchel has followed up reaching the Carabao Cup final this term by setting up another meeting with Liverpool back at Wembley in May.
Chelsea and Tuchel have two ghosts to lay to rest.
They have lost their two previous FA Cup finals, the first under Lampard to Arsenal, and will now set sights on a measure of revenge against Liverpool after losing on penalties in the EFL Cup final.
It is only the second time the same sides have met in the two major domestic finals since 1993, when Arsenal were twice winners against Sheffield Wednesday.
There may be a group of new owners jostling for position to succeed Abramovich at Stamford Bridge, but whoever eventually moves into the boardroom will look down and see a Chelsea side with a familiar look and feel.
Doubts remain over the future of some players, with Andreas Christensen on his way to Barcelona and both Antonio Rudiger and long-serving captain Cesar Azpilicueta touted with moves away at the end of their contracts.
Romelu Lukaku still looks every inch a £97.5m failure, not even considered for the starting line-up against Palace and somehow striking an upright when it seemed easier to score after he was introduced by Tuchel.
These are all matters for another day as, typically, Chelsea set these uncertainties to one side to rumble on.
They still possess a core of steely professionalism, an ability to get the job done. Once they took control at the start of the second half they never let it go and there was only one winner once Ruben Loftus-Cheek put them ahead, a fact confirmed by Mason Mount's second that saw off any remaining Palace hopes of meeting Liverpool in the final.
The Abramovich era was famed for the big buys that changed the face of English football, but here were two graduates from a Chelsea academy carefully nurtured during his time at the club making the difference.
It made the difference for Palace, too.
Conor Gallagher, such a success on loan at Palace from Chelsea that he has played for England, was ruled out against his parent club under the terms of the deal - and how manager Patrick Vieira missed his exuberance, skill and creativity as his side strived to break through.
It was cruel on Palace and Gallagher, but rules are rules and Chelsea were glad of them.
Marc Guehi, another from Chelsea's academy, has excelled to such an extent at Palace that he has also represented England. He was impressive again here.
Those remaining at Chelsea have what currently ranks among the game's most onerous tasks, namely finding a way to beat Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool as they try to add the FA Cup to the EFL Cup.
Liverpool are attempting to make history by also winning the Champions League, with a semi-final against Villarreal to come, and the Premier League as they do battle with Manchester City.
Chelsea could only be separated from Liverpool on penalties at Wembley in their first meeting, and while Liverpool will be favourites, history and an uncanny ability to emerge from seemingly unfavourable circumstances with a trophy, means it would be foolish to write the Blues off.
BBC
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- 217,978
Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku needs to find "that one spark" to get back to his best says Blues boss Thomas Tuchel.
The Belgium international returned to Chelsea in a £97.5m deal last August but has recently fallen out of favour.
Lukaku has started two of Chelsea's past 13 matches in all competitions and has just five league goals this term.
"After period of injury he [Lukaku] lacks simply the fitness for matches, which is not pointing the finger it's just a fact," Tuchel said.
"It's not his fault. I don't think he [Lukaku] really needs inspiration. What he needs is maybe that one moment, that one spark.
"Normally he would be a natural starter against Crystal Palace [in the FA Cup] in terms also of the amount of minutes that Kai Havertz has played now and the physicality that Kai gives to matches, but it's in the crucial time of the season where you need to have a certain rhythm."
Lukaku has at times been hampered by injury and illness since returning to Stamford Bridge from Inter Milan.
However, he also appeared to criticise Tuchel's tactics and hinted he wanted to leave the club in an interview with Sky Sport Italia earlier in the season.
And while the 28-year-old appeared to find some form over the festive period he has subsequently dropped down the pecking order with Timo Werner and Havertz being seemingly preferred to occupy the central striking role as he searches for his first Premier League goal of 2022.
"If you see our matches between Brentford and Real Madrid and between Real Madrid and Southampton you can see in that short period of time you see the huge amount of effort we put in to become a winning team again," Tuchel said.
"It goes from there and as I said Romelu should have had a goal against Real Madrid and Crystal Palace but he was missing the luck.
"He is an option if he starts [against Arsenal]. If he starts we need all he has. Maybe he can't play 90 minutes but maybe he could put everything out there in the first 60 minutes."
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61154136
The Belgium international returned to Chelsea in a £97.5m deal last August but has recently fallen out of favour.
Lukaku has started two of Chelsea's past 13 matches in all competitions and has just five league goals this term.
"After period of injury he [Lukaku] lacks simply the fitness for matches, which is not pointing the finger it's just a fact," Tuchel said.
"It's not his fault. I don't think he [Lukaku] really needs inspiration. What he needs is maybe that one moment, that one spark.
"Normally he would be a natural starter against Crystal Palace [in the FA Cup] in terms also of the amount of minutes that Kai Havertz has played now and the physicality that Kai gives to matches, but it's in the crucial time of the season where you need to have a certain rhythm."
Lukaku has at times been hampered by injury and illness since returning to Stamford Bridge from Inter Milan.
However, he also appeared to criticise Tuchel's tactics and hinted he wanted to leave the club in an interview with Sky Sport Italia earlier in the season.
And while the 28-year-old appeared to find some form over the festive period he has subsequently dropped down the pecking order with Timo Werner and Havertz being seemingly preferred to occupy the central striking role as he searches for his first Premier League goal of 2022.
"If you see our matches between Brentford and Real Madrid and between Real Madrid and Southampton you can see in that short period of time you see the huge amount of effort we put in to become a winning team again," Tuchel said.
"It goes from there and as I said Romelu should have had a goal against Real Madrid and Crystal Palace but he was missing the luck.
"He is an option if he starts [against Arsenal]. If he starts we need all he has. Maybe he can't play 90 minutes but maybe he could put everything out there in the first 60 minutes."
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61154136
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- Mar 19, 2015
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Thomas Tuchel blasts mistakes and pitch for Chelsea's home defeat to Arsenal
Thomas Tuchel was at a loss to explain why his Chelsea team made "impossible" individual mistakes in the 4-2 defeat to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
The loss follows heavy home defeats to Brentford and Real Madrid, which were also blighted by individual errors from Chelsea's previously reliable defence.
Andreas Christensen's poor back pass set the tone, allowing Eddie Nketiah to score the first, and he got his second after Emile Smith Rowe's well-worked strike following a turnover, before Cesar Azpilicueta gave away a late penalty for holding onto Bukayo Saka in the box.
Searching for answers, Tuchel claimed the Stamford Bridge pitch is a problem for his side in reference to the opener, but also criticised his side for creating problems from situations when they should have been in control.
"It was a totally wild and open game in the first half - already a 2-2 after we came back twice. We had a good start but again gave the first goal away, which is impossible to do these things in consecutive matches. But we're doing it. We came back twice, and we scored another two in the second half, unfortunately for the wrong side.
"It's a level of mistakes, the number of mistakes in consecutive games here at home, it's impossible at this kind of level. You don't see this. It's simply impossible, but we're doing this at the moment, and you cannot win football games like this.
"To say the pitch is difficult to play here it maybe sounds like an excuse, but it is a very, very difficult pitch that we have here. It's not in our favour. The ball bounces very awkwardly in front of Andreas when he wants to play this ball. But still, we had the same mistake against Real Madrid that cost us the next round of the Champions League, and this one cost us the next match. I can't remember when we got two goals like this."
"Look at the penalty, and it is an unbelievable goal from our ball possession. There are no tactics behind that. We have three ball losses in ten seconds. Then we do a foul where there's not even the slightest danger. We foul a person, it is a penalty, and we rob ourselves of six minutes for an equaliser. What is there to analyse? There's nothing to analyse."
Tuchel's Chelsea have conceded three or more goals twice this month. They'd only done that once before in his entire reign and, as Tuchel pointed out, the absence of regular Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva beginning the match on the bench doesn't explain it.
"We conceded seven goals with Toni against Brentford and Real Madrid, that answers the question. It's not about individual players," said Tuchel. "A defensive performance is a team performance, and an offensive performance is a team performance.
"You need to have the tactics right, which is doubtful I had this right, and you need the team selection right, again it's doubtful I had this right.
"Then it's a game for the players. They get full praise when they do it when they did it for the last three matches. And they have to face the reality that it's impossible to win matches if you make this amount of mistakes of this calibre. It's simply impossible. I don't see it in any other matches, but I see it now in consecutive matches of our games, and it has to stop."
https://www.skysports.com/football/...aink-says-romelu-lukaku-display-lacked-desire
Thomas Tuchel was at a loss to explain why his Chelsea team made "impossible" individual mistakes in the 4-2 defeat to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
The loss follows heavy home defeats to Brentford and Real Madrid, which were also blighted by individual errors from Chelsea's previously reliable defence.
Andreas Christensen's poor back pass set the tone, allowing Eddie Nketiah to score the first, and he got his second after Emile Smith Rowe's well-worked strike following a turnover, before Cesar Azpilicueta gave away a late penalty for holding onto Bukayo Saka in the box.
Searching for answers, Tuchel claimed the Stamford Bridge pitch is a problem for his side in reference to the opener, but also criticised his side for creating problems from situations when they should have been in control.
"It was a totally wild and open game in the first half - already a 2-2 after we came back twice. We had a good start but again gave the first goal away, which is impossible to do these things in consecutive matches. But we're doing it. We came back twice, and we scored another two in the second half, unfortunately for the wrong side.
"It's a level of mistakes, the number of mistakes in consecutive games here at home, it's impossible at this kind of level. You don't see this. It's simply impossible, but we're doing this at the moment, and you cannot win football games like this.
"To say the pitch is difficult to play here it maybe sounds like an excuse, but it is a very, very difficult pitch that we have here. It's not in our favour. The ball bounces very awkwardly in front of Andreas when he wants to play this ball. But still, we had the same mistake against Real Madrid that cost us the next round of the Champions League, and this one cost us the next match. I can't remember when we got two goals like this."
"Look at the penalty, and it is an unbelievable goal from our ball possession. There are no tactics behind that. We have three ball losses in ten seconds. Then we do a foul where there's not even the slightest danger. We foul a person, it is a penalty, and we rob ourselves of six minutes for an equaliser. What is there to analyse? There's nothing to analyse."
Tuchel's Chelsea have conceded three or more goals twice this month. They'd only done that once before in his entire reign and, as Tuchel pointed out, the absence of regular Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva beginning the match on the bench doesn't explain it.
"We conceded seven goals with Toni against Brentford and Real Madrid, that answers the question. It's not about individual players," said Tuchel. "A defensive performance is a team performance, and an offensive performance is a team performance.
"You need to have the tactics right, which is doubtful I had this right, and you need the team selection right, again it's doubtful I had this right.
"Then it's a game for the players. They get full praise when they do it when they did it for the last three matches. And they have to face the reality that it's impossible to win matches if you make this amount of mistakes of this calibre. It's simply impossible. I don't see it in any other matches, but I see it now in consecutive matches of our games, and it has to stop."
https://www.skysports.com/football/...aink-says-romelu-lukaku-display-lacked-desire
According to an exclusive report on Sky on Thursday, the seven-time champion has joined tennis superstar Serena Williams in committing major investment funds to a consortium bidding to take ownership of Chelsea.
The plans are being spearheaded by former Liverpool Football Club and British Airways chairman Martin Broughton.
Sky suggests that both Hamilton and Williams have held talks with Broughton's group about the plans, and the pair could be willing to invest around £10 million each to the bid.
It was also suggested that rather than be a silent partner if the deal went ahead, Hamilton would pay a formal role in Chelsea's future efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
Broughton’s bid is not the only one vying to take over from Roman Abramovich as Chelsea’s new owners, with a number of international parties taking a keen interest.
The three final bidders are Broughton’s consortium, a group led by part-owner of the LA Dodgers Todd Boehly, and one from Stephen Pagliuca, who is co-owner of NBA’s Boston Celtics and Serie A side Atalanta.
All those interested have been asked to provide a guarantee of £1 billion of investment in the club’s infrastructure, its academy and women’s team if they are successful in a takeover.
Chelsea sponsored the Sauber Formula 1 team in 2012, when Kamui Kobayashi finished third in the Japanese Grand Prix
With handling for the sale being undertaken by US bank, the Raine Group, the preferred candidate is expected to be picked later this month.
The sale of Chelsea, which could be worth as much as £2.5 billion, has come about after former owner Abramovich became subject to sanctions in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
With a risk of the club’s assets being seized, Abramovich elected to put it up for sale. He originally bought the club back in 2003 for around £150 million.
Due to the implications of the sanctions, any takeover of Chelsea will need approval from the UK government, which will have to issue the club with a fresh operating licence.
Hamilton was not immediately available for comment on the matter, but will almost certainly be asked about the report ahead of this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
MSN
The plans are being spearheaded by former Liverpool Football Club and British Airways chairman Martin Broughton.
Sky suggests that both Hamilton and Williams have held talks with Broughton's group about the plans, and the pair could be willing to invest around £10 million each to the bid.
It was also suggested that rather than be a silent partner if the deal went ahead, Hamilton would pay a formal role in Chelsea's future efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
Broughton’s bid is not the only one vying to take over from Roman Abramovich as Chelsea’s new owners, with a number of international parties taking a keen interest.
The three final bidders are Broughton’s consortium, a group led by part-owner of the LA Dodgers Todd Boehly, and one from Stephen Pagliuca, who is co-owner of NBA’s Boston Celtics and Serie A side Atalanta.
All those interested have been asked to provide a guarantee of £1 billion of investment in the club’s infrastructure, its academy and women’s team if they are successful in a takeover.
Chelsea sponsored the Sauber Formula 1 team in 2012, when Kamui Kobayashi finished third in the Japanese Grand Prix
With handling for the sale being undertaken by US bank, the Raine Group, the preferred candidate is expected to be picked later this month.
The sale of Chelsea, which could be worth as much as £2.5 billion, has come about after former owner Abramovich became subject to sanctions in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
With a risk of the club’s assets being seized, Abramovich elected to put it up for sale. He originally bought the club back in 2003 for around £150 million.
Due to the implications of the sanctions, any takeover of Chelsea will need approval from the UK government, which will have to issue the club with a fresh operating licence.
Hamilton was not immediately available for comment on the matter, but will almost certainly be asked about the report ahead of this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
MSN
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- Mar 19, 2015
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- 15,745
Lewis Hamilton says involvement in Chelsea takeover would be 'dream'
Lewis Hamilton said it would be a "dream" to be part of "something great" at Chelsea after backing Sir Martin Broughton's bid to buy the Premier League club.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion has pledged investment into the bid, along with 23-time Grand Slam tennis champion Serena Williams.
"Chelsea is one of the biggest teams in the world," said Hamilton. "When I heard about the opportunity, I was like wow, this is a great opportunity to be part of something so great.
"Sir Martin took time to speak to me on the phone and explain to me his and his team's goals if they were to win the bid, which was incredibly exciting and very much aligned with my values."
On Williams' involvement, Hamilton added: "We spoke about it. I told her I was going to be involved and she was happy to join."
The Broughton consortium, which also includes World Athletics president and Chelsea fan Lord Coe, is one of three groups in the running to purchase Chelsea for £2.5bn.
The Premier League club has operated under a special licence from the UK government since owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin, following the invasion of Ukraine.
BBC Sport understands that Hamilton and Williams, who would have no say on footballing decisions, have been involved with the Broughton consortium's bid from the start.
"I have been a football fan since I was a kid. I played in the school team every year in my childhood and I have been to numerous games," Hamilton said.
"When I was young, I wanted to fit in and all the kids supported different teams. I remember switching between teams and my sister punching me and saying you have to support Arsenal, so then I became a supporter of Arsenal.
"But my uncle Terry is a big Blues fan and I have been to so many games with him to watch Arsenal and Chelsea play.
"I wanted to be the best player I could be and play for a team. I was trying to tryout for Stevenage Borough but I ended up in the racing space. I could only have dreamed of being part of a team - and that for me is the most exciting part."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61189055
Lewis Hamilton said it would be a "dream" to be part of "something great" at Chelsea after backing Sir Martin Broughton's bid to buy the Premier League club.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion has pledged investment into the bid, along with 23-time Grand Slam tennis champion Serena Williams.
"Chelsea is one of the biggest teams in the world," said Hamilton. "When I heard about the opportunity, I was like wow, this is a great opportunity to be part of something so great.
"Sir Martin took time to speak to me on the phone and explain to me his and his team's goals if they were to win the bid, which was incredibly exciting and very much aligned with my values."
On Williams' involvement, Hamilton added: "We spoke about it. I told her I was going to be involved and she was happy to join."
The Broughton consortium, which also includes World Athletics president and Chelsea fan Lord Coe, is one of three groups in the running to purchase Chelsea for £2.5bn.
The Premier League club has operated under a special licence from the UK government since owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin, following the invasion of Ukraine.
BBC Sport understands that Hamilton and Williams, who would have no say on footballing decisions, have been involved with the Broughton consortium's bid from the start.
"I have been a football fan since I was a kid. I played in the school team every year in my childhood and I have been to numerous games," Hamilton said.
"When I was young, I wanted to fit in and all the kids supported different teams. I remember switching between teams and my sister punching me and saying you have to support Arsenal, so then I became a supporter of Arsenal.
"But my uncle Terry is a big Blues fan and I have been to so many games with him to watch Arsenal and Chelsea play.
"I wanted to be the best player I could be and play for a team. I was trying to tryout for Stevenage Borough but I ended up in the racing space. I could only have dreamed of being part of a team - and that for me is the most exciting part."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61189055
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- Oct 2, 2004
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- 217,978
Christian Pulisic's 90th-minute winner helped save team-mate Jorginho's blushes as Chelsea boosted their top-four hopes with a late win over an understrength West Ham.
David Moyes rested six players before their Europa League semi-final on Thursday and it looked like they might hold for a precious point when Jorginho's woeful effort from the spot was saved by Lukasz Fabianski after 87 minutes.
But after Craig Dawson was sent off after a video assistant review (VAR) for fouling Romelu Lukaku in the build-up to the penalty, Pulisic turned the saviour as he tucked in Marcos Alonso's low cross.
It sent Stamford Bridge into raptures after a frustrating afternoon that looked set to continue manager Thomas Tuchel's poor form at home, with his side having lost their last three games.
But the victory sparked relief for him and his players as they recovered from their midweek defeat by Arsenal to move five points clear of the fourth-placed Gunners.
West Ham will be distraught they did not get anything from the game after a sterling display, with Declan Rice, Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio all starting on the bench.
Dawson, who was otherwise excellent with a number of blocks, will also feel aggrieved as West Ham remain seventh, eight points behind Arsenal.
Stuttering Chelsea saved by Pulisic
Chelsea's recent woes on the pitch have mirrored their uncertainty off it as the club waits for new owners to take charge and give it new direction.
Recent defensive problems, with the team having conceded 11 goals in their three previous home games, have not been helped by news that Antonio Rudiger is set to leave at the end of the season after failing to agree a new deal despite being offered a contract of more than £200,000 a week.
But this late victory gave Stamford Bridge a huge lift even if it looked as if Jorginho had thrown away Chelsea's best chance when his under-hit penalty was easily gathered by the West Ham goalkeeper.
A clean sheet for the hosts was also welcome, particularly as they were without the injured Rudiger and James, and forced into a late reshuffle when Andreas Christensen was replaced by Trevoh Chalobah, despite the Dane initially being named in the starting line-up.
James was missed in a lacklustre first half. Ruben Loftus-Cheek filled in at right wing-back but Chelsea could not penetrate West Ham's defensive wall under the expert marshalling of the evergreen Mark Noble.
In front of another restricted crowd of 32,231 because of sanctions against owner Roman Abramovich, and with Lukaku back on the bench, there was little to rouse the crowd before the break with only an off-target effort by N'golo Kante coming anywhere close.
West Ham were happy to soak up the pressure and went closer to scoring through Andriy Yarmolenko and Said Benrahma, although the latter's saved effort was deemed offside.
The first shot on target did not come until close to the hour mark, when the home fans finally got off their seats. Dawson brilliantly blocked Timo Werner's effort before Kante and Chalobah had shots saved by Fabianski.
Tuchel also woke from a slumber to berate the officials after Rice was deemed to have been fouled shortly after coming on to replace Noble.
After Werner went close twice more, Tuchel made a triple substitution with Lukaku, Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech all coming on.
And it was not long before it made an impact. Lukaku was slipped through and pulled back by Dawson. Referee Michael Oliver awarded a penalty and a yellow card, but after a VAR review upgraded it to a red.
That looked like it would lead to a home win when Jorginho, normally so reliable from the spot, stepped up.
But his embarrassment was saved by Pulisic, who scored his seventh goal of the season from Alonso's cut-back which made Tuchel and the fans punch the air in delight.
BBC
David Moyes rested six players before their Europa League semi-final on Thursday and it looked like they might hold for a precious point when Jorginho's woeful effort from the spot was saved by Lukasz Fabianski after 87 minutes.
But after Craig Dawson was sent off after a video assistant review (VAR) for fouling Romelu Lukaku in the build-up to the penalty, Pulisic turned the saviour as he tucked in Marcos Alonso's low cross.
It sent Stamford Bridge into raptures after a frustrating afternoon that looked set to continue manager Thomas Tuchel's poor form at home, with his side having lost their last three games.
But the victory sparked relief for him and his players as they recovered from their midweek defeat by Arsenal to move five points clear of the fourth-placed Gunners.
West Ham will be distraught they did not get anything from the game after a sterling display, with Declan Rice, Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio all starting on the bench.
Dawson, who was otherwise excellent with a number of blocks, will also feel aggrieved as West Ham remain seventh, eight points behind Arsenal.
Stuttering Chelsea saved by Pulisic
Chelsea's recent woes on the pitch have mirrored their uncertainty off it as the club waits for new owners to take charge and give it new direction.
Recent defensive problems, with the team having conceded 11 goals in their three previous home games, have not been helped by news that Antonio Rudiger is set to leave at the end of the season after failing to agree a new deal despite being offered a contract of more than £200,000 a week.
But this late victory gave Stamford Bridge a huge lift even if it looked as if Jorginho had thrown away Chelsea's best chance when his under-hit penalty was easily gathered by the West Ham goalkeeper.
A clean sheet for the hosts was also welcome, particularly as they were without the injured Rudiger and James, and forced into a late reshuffle when Andreas Christensen was replaced by Trevoh Chalobah, despite the Dane initially being named in the starting line-up.
James was missed in a lacklustre first half. Ruben Loftus-Cheek filled in at right wing-back but Chelsea could not penetrate West Ham's defensive wall under the expert marshalling of the evergreen Mark Noble.
In front of another restricted crowd of 32,231 because of sanctions against owner Roman Abramovich, and with Lukaku back on the bench, there was little to rouse the crowd before the break with only an off-target effort by N'golo Kante coming anywhere close.
West Ham were happy to soak up the pressure and went closer to scoring through Andriy Yarmolenko and Said Benrahma, although the latter's saved effort was deemed offside.
The first shot on target did not come until close to the hour mark, when the home fans finally got off their seats. Dawson brilliantly blocked Timo Werner's effort before Kante and Chalobah had shots saved by Fabianski.
Tuchel also woke from a slumber to berate the officials after Rice was deemed to have been fouled shortly after coming on to replace Noble.
After Werner went close twice more, Tuchel made a triple substitution with Lukaku, Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech all coming on.
And it was not long before it made an impact. Lukaku was slipped through and pulled back by Dawson. Referee Michael Oliver awarded a penalty and a yellow card, but after a VAR review upgraded it to a red.
That looked like it would lead to a home win when Jorginho, normally so reliable from the spot, stepped up.
But his embarrassment was saved by Pulisic, who scored his seventh goal of the season from Alonso's cut-back which made Tuchel and the fans punch the air in delight.
BBC
Kianig89
T20I Star
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For a top 3 team and with abundance of talent they are playing with a too defensive formation 3-4-1-2
Three centre backs and then two holding midfielder and then two wing backs the system is not getting the best out of Chelsea specially in league games
Three centre backs and then two holding midfielder and then two wing backs the system is not getting the best out of Chelsea specially in league games
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- Oct 2, 2004
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Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has told manager Thomas Tuchel he will leave the club this summer after failing to agree a new deal.
Rudiger, 29, was offered a new contract worth more than £200,000 a week, which would have made him the best-paid defender in the club's history.
BBC Sport understands the signing-on and agent's fees demanded by Rudiger's camp have proved too steep for Chelsea.
"He informed me some days ago in a personal talk," Tuchel told Sky Sports.
Tuchel had hoped to keep Rudiger at Chelsea but the Germany international has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid.
"We gave everything and now we enter a situation where we can't fight any more because of the sanctions and now Toni will leave," Tuchel added, referring to the restrictions placed on the club while a new owner is sought.
"Our hands are tied. I don't know what would have been the outcome [without the sanctions]. That's his decision. It's not a nice one for us but we don't take it personally.
"He is a key figure and will stay a key figure for us. We will miss him a lot. He is a guy who gives people courage, who people are a bit afraid of. He plays 55 games a season for 90 minutes at an outstanding level.
"He was the top defender in the past one and a half years with me and I have nothing but respect for him."
Chelsea could also lose centre-back Andreas Christensen this summer.
Like Rudiger, who joined the Blues for an initial £29m from Roma in 2017, the Denmark international's contract is up at the end of the season and will be allowed to leave on a free transfer, with Barcelona agreeing a deal to sign the 26-year-old.
Chelsea's financial situation has been uncertain since owner Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale last month before being sanctioned by the UK government.
Three bidders are attempting to buy the club from the Russian billionaire for more than £2.5bn, with the hope that a preferred bidder can be selected this week.
But it is understood the contract offer to Rudiger was made weeks before the advent of the sanctions, which put player contract deals on hold until the end of May when the government is expected to issue the club with a special licence.
BBC
Rudiger, 29, was offered a new contract worth more than £200,000 a week, which would have made him the best-paid defender in the club's history.
BBC Sport understands the signing-on and agent's fees demanded by Rudiger's camp have proved too steep for Chelsea.
"He informed me some days ago in a personal talk," Tuchel told Sky Sports.
Tuchel had hoped to keep Rudiger at Chelsea but the Germany international has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid.
"We gave everything and now we enter a situation where we can't fight any more because of the sanctions and now Toni will leave," Tuchel added, referring to the restrictions placed on the club while a new owner is sought.
"Our hands are tied. I don't know what would have been the outcome [without the sanctions]. That's his decision. It's not a nice one for us but we don't take it personally.
"He is a key figure and will stay a key figure for us. We will miss him a lot. He is a guy who gives people courage, who people are a bit afraid of. He plays 55 games a season for 90 minutes at an outstanding level.
"He was the top defender in the past one and a half years with me and I have nothing but respect for him."
Chelsea could also lose centre-back Andreas Christensen this summer.
Like Rudiger, who joined the Blues for an initial £29m from Roma in 2017, the Denmark international's contract is up at the end of the season and will be allowed to leave on a free transfer, with Barcelona agreeing a deal to sign the 26-year-old.
Chelsea's financial situation has been uncertain since owner Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale last month before being sanctioned by the UK government.
Three bidders are attempting to buy the club from the Russian billionaire for more than £2.5bn, with the hope that a preferred bidder can be selected this week.
But it is understood the contract offer to Rudiger was made weeks before the advent of the sanctions, which put player contract deals on hold until the end of May when the government is expected to issue the club with a special licence.
BBC
silentkiller187
First Class Captain
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Jorginho admits Chelsea will “miss” Antonio Rudiger after Spanish football journalist Alvaro Montero told Sky Sports News on Tuesday the defender’s move to Real Madrid is a “done deal”.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel confirmed on Sunday the centre-back will leave the club this summer after he failed to agree a new deal.
The 29-year-old's current contract expires at the end of the season and he now looks set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Montero told Sky Sports News: "I asked someone inside the club [Real Madrid] yesterday and he started laughing and said, 'Yes, it's a done deal'.
Spanish football expert Alvaro Montero remains confident that the Chelsea defender will be playing for Real Madrid next season
"Things can change but there is a deal between the player and the club.
"I believe when he scored at the Bernabeu [for Chelsea in the Champions League this month] he was already a Real Madrid player.
"It was his desire and if nothing strange happens he's going to play for Real Madrid next season."
Rudiger has been a key part of Chelsea's success in recent seasons having won five trophies with the club, including last year's Champions League.
Chelsea team-mate Jorginho believes the German will be a big loss for the team if he was to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
The Italian told Sky Sports News: "He's been here a long time so if he leaves then we're going to miss him.
"He's a big personality and he's helped us a lot. We've had amazing times here; he's a good friend of mine and of course if he leaves everyone at the club will miss him, not just me."
Asked what he will miss the most about Rudiger, the 30-year-old laughed: "His craziness. He makes me laugh a lot; all of his jokes and laughs we've had together - that's the nice part."
Antonio Rudiger (left) could be replaced by Sevilla defender Jules Kounde this summer
Jules Kounde has paved the way for a move to Chelsea this summer by telling Sevilla he remains determined to leave the Spanish club, the PA news agency understands.
France defender Kounde saw a long-mooted transfer to Chelsea fall apart last summer, after Sevilla refused to let the highly-rated centre-back leave for less than his £68.5m (€80m) release clause.
Chelsea thought they had a deal wrapped up, only for Sevilla to dig in at the last with the switch falling through just before the summer's transfer window closed.
But with Chelsea also set to lose centre-back Andreas Christensen this summer on a free transfer, with Barcelona looking a likely destination for the Dane, the Blues will be in the market for central defenders.
Chelsea cannot make any new signings or complete fresh contract terms with existing players under the club's UK Government sanctions.
The club's sale should be completes next month however, allowing Chelsea bosses to revert to business as usual.
Chelsea have lost clear ground in the transfer market due to the club's licensing constraints as a result of the sanctions on owner Roman Abramovich.
But Stamford Bridge chiefs still hope to be able to compete in the summer's transfer window, leaving Kounde among the club's top targets.
Chelsea have never let their interest in the nine-cap France defender wane and will be expected to step up efforts to recruit the 23-year-old once the club's sale is complete.
Rudiger's calmness will be missed by Chelsea
Play Video - Rudiger's screamer from all angles
Watch Antonio Rudiger's stunning strike for Chelsea against Brentford from all the best angles
Analysis from Sky Sports' Sam Blitz at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea's 1-0 win over West Ham:
News that Rudiger is leaving Chelsea is far from a shock. This was not a bolt out of the blue for Blues boss Tuchel.
Sky Sports News has been reporting since the turn of the year that the German defender has been speaking to other clubs, including the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, over a pre-contract agreement which would result in a free transfer.
The problem Tuchel now faces is how to replace his compatriot - if he can. There's a race against time for Chelsea to officially complete their takeover by the time the summer transfer window starts. New owners need to be decided, Government approval is needed, and that's before the conversation about what funds are available even begins.
Finding a player that can match Rudiger's standards over the last 18 months will not be easy.
The centre-back was brought back into the Chelsea starting line-up when Tuchel arrived at Stamford Bridge in January 2021, after enduring a fraught relationship with former boss Frank Lampard - who even went as far as to exile him.
Since Rudiger came back into the fold, Chelsea have won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup, victories they owe in no small part to defensive solidity.
The security Rudiger provides is evidenced by the statistic that Chelsea have conceded twice as many goals (1.4) with him out of the team, compared to when he plays (0.7).
Against West Ham on Sunday, Tuchel's Chelsea restricted their opponents to zero shots on target in the game - but that does not tell the whole story.
Watch highlights of Chelsea's win against West Ham in the Premier League.
Play Video - Pulisic strikes late after Jorginho's penalty miss
FREE TO WATCH: Highlights of Chelsea's win against West Ham in the Premier League
Centre-backs Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chalobah - both used in a makeshift back three after Andreas Christensen was injured in the warm-up - looked sloppy in possession in defensive transitions.
Both had their pockets picked by Said Benrahma in the space of a matter of moments, and only defensive astuteness from goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Thiago Silva bailed the pair out. How long the latter - 37 years of age - can go on will be a concern, although there are few signs of his powers diminishing.
Tuchel summed up the hole Rudiger will leave behind: "It will be incredibly difficult because Toni is what he is: a big personality, a big leader. He takes fear away and gives confidence when he's next to you, and between 50 or 60 matches [he plays] with an incredible level of consistency."
https://www.skysports.com/football/...jorginho-says-club-will-miss-him-if-he-leaves
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel confirmed on Sunday the centre-back will leave the club this summer after he failed to agree a new deal.
The 29-year-old's current contract expires at the end of the season and he now looks set to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Montero told Sky Sports News: "I asked someone inside the club [Real Madrid] yesterday and he started laughing and said, 'Yes, it's a done deal'.
Spanish football expert Alvaro Montero remains confident that the Chelsea defender will be playing for Real Madrid next season
"Things can change but there is a deal between the player and the club.
"I believe when he scored at the Bernabeu [for Chelsea in the Champions League this month] he was already a Real Madrid player.
"It was his desire and if nothing strange happens he's going to play for Real Madrid next season."
Rudiger has been a key part of Chelsea's success in recent seasons having won five trophies with the club, including last year's Champions League.
Chelsea team-mate Jorginho believes the German will be a big loss for the team if he was to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
The Italian told Sky Sports News: "He's been here a long time so if he leaves then we're going to miss him.
"He's a big personality and he's helped us a lot. We've had amazing times here; he's a good friend of mine and of course if he leaves everyone at the club will miss him, not just me."
Asked what he will miss the most about Rudiger, the 30-year-old laughed: "His craziness. He makes me laugh a lot; all of his jokes and laughs we've had together - that's the nice part."
Antonio Rudiger (left) could be replaced by Sevilla defender Jules Kounde this summer
Jules Kounde has paved the way for a move to Chelsea this summer by telling Sevilla he remains determined to leave the Spanish club, the PA news agency understands.
France defender Kounde saw a long-mooted transfer to Chelsea fall apart last summer, after Sevilla refused to let the highly-rated centre-back leave for less than his £68.5m (€80m) release clause.
Chelsea thought they had a deal wrapped up, only for Sevilla to dig in at the last with the switch falling through just before the summer's transfer window closed.
But with Chelsea also set to lose centre-back Andreas Christensen this summer on a free transfer, with Barcelona looking a likely destination for the Dane, the Blues will be in the market for central defenders.
Chelsea cannot make any new signings or complete fresh contract terms with existing players under the club's UK Government sanctions.
The club's sale should be completes next month however, allowing Chelsea bosses to revert to business as usual.
Chelsea have lost clear ground in the transfer market due to the club's licensing constraints as a result of the sanctions on owner Roman Abramovich.
But Stamford Bridge chiefs still hope to be able to compete in the summer's transfer window, leaving Kounde among the club's top targets.
Chelsea have never let their interest in the nine-cap France defender wane and will be expected to step up efforts to recruit the 23-year-old once the club's sale is complete.
Rudiger's calmness will be missed by Chelsea
Play Video - Rudiger's screamer from all angles
Watch Antonio Rudiger's stunning strike for Chelsea against Brentford from all the best angles
Analysis from Sky Sports' Sam Blitz at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea's 1-0 win over West Ham:
News that Rudiger is leaving Chelsea is far from a shock. This was not a bolt out of the blue for Blues boss Tuchel.
Sky Sports News has been reporting since the turn of the year that the German defender has been speaking to other clubs, including the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, over a pre-contract agreement which would result in a free transfer.
The problem Tuchel now faces is how to replace his compatriot - if he can. There's a race against time for Chelsea to officially complete their takeover by the time the summer transfer window starts. New owners need to be decided, Government approval is needed, and that's before the conversation about what funds are available even begins.
Finding a player that can match Rudiger's standards over the last 18 months will not be easy.
The centre-back was brought back into the Chelsea starting line-up when Tuchel arrived at Stamford Bridge in January 2021, after enduring a fraught relationship with former boss Frank Lampard - who even went as far as to exile him.
Since Rudiger came back into the fold, Chelsea have won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup, victories they owe in no small part to defensive solidity.
The security Rudiger provides is evidenced by the statistic that Chelsea have conceded twice as many goals (1.4) with him out of the team, compared to when he plays (0.7).
Against West Ham on Sunday, Tuchel's Chelsea restricted their opponents to zero shots on target in the game - but that does not tell the whole story.
Watch highlights of Chelsea's win against West Ham in the Premier League.
Play Video - Pulisic strikes late after Jorginho's penalty miss
FREE TO WATCH: Highlights of Chelsea's win against West Ham in the Premier League
Centre-backs Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chalobah - both used in a makeshift back three after Andreas Christensen was injured in the warm-up - looked sloppy in possession in defensive transitions.
Both had their pockets picked by Said Benrahma in the space of a matter of moments, and only defensive astuteness from goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Thiago Silva bailed the pair out. How long the latter - 37 years of age - can go on will be a concern, although there are few signs of his powers diminishing.
Tuchel summed up the hole Rudiger will leave behind: "It will be incredibly difficult because Toni is what he is: a big personality, a big leader. He takes fear away and gives confidence when he's next to you, and between 50 or 60 matches [he plays] with an incredible level of consistency."
https://www.skysports.com/football/...jorginho-says-club-will-miss-him-if-he-leaves
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- Oct 2, 2004
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- 217,978
Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger when his contract expires at the end of the season, says Guillem Balague.
On Sunday, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said Rudiger had failed to agree a new deal with the European champions.
Rudiger, who has also spoken to Bayern Munich, was offered a contract worth more than £200,000 to stay at Chelsea.
The 29-year-old is expected to sign a four-year-old deal at the Bernabeu with a medical set to take place in London.
BBC Sport understands the signing-on and agent's fees demanded by Rudiger's camp proved too steep for Chelsea.
"Real Madrid had originally rejected the chance to sign Rudiger but the financial demands were reduced by the player," said Balague, BBC Sport's European football expert.
Rudiger, who joined the Blues for an initial £29m from Roma in 2017, has played almost 200 games, scoring 12 times.
He has won the Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup and the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge.
"We gave everything and now we enter a situation where we can't fight any more because of the sanctions and now Toni will leave," Tuchel said, referring to the restrictions placed on the club while a new owner is sought.
"Our hands are tied. I don't know what would have been the outcome [without the sanctions]. That's his decision. It's not a nice one for us but we don't take it personally.
Chelsea are also set to lose Danish centre-back Andreas Christensen this summer to Barcelona on a free transfer, but captain Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to stay after a one-year extension was triggered in his contact earlier this season.
'Losing Rudiger doesn't bode well for Chelsea'
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton said Rudiger would be a "big loss".
"Chelsea have got big problems, there's so much uncertainty which is going to continue until there is a new owner in place," he said, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.
"They may lose other players, I cannot see Chelsea competing next season with the uncertainty which lies over them at this moment.
"[Andreas] Christensen is off, [Cesar] Azpilicueta - it's going to be interesting to see what happens to him. And then you look at the young talented players they have let go. [Kurt] Zouma to West Ham, [Marc] Guehi to Crystal palace and [Fikayo] Tomori. Talented players who may have been able to step up.
"They are losing a top defender and that doesn't bode well for them."
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards said: "To replace Rudiger in this market you are looking at £40m or £50m."
BBC
On Sunday, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said Rudiger had failed to agree a new deal with the European champions.
Rudiger, who has also spoken to Bayern Munich, was offered a contract worth more than £200,000 to stay at Chelsea.
The 29-year-old is expected to sign a four-year-old deal at the Bernabeu with a medical set to take place in London.
BBC Sport understands the signing-on and agent's fees demanded by Rudiger's camp proved too steep for Chelsea.
"Real Madrid had originally rejected the chance to sign Rudiger but the financial demands were reduced by the player," said Balague, BBC Sport's European football expert.
Rudiger, who joined the Blues for an initial £29m from Roma in 2017, has played almost 200 games, scoring 12 times.
He has won the Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup and the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge.
"We gave everything and now we enter a situation where we can't fight any more because of the sanctions and now Toni will leave," Tuchel said, referring to the restrictions placed on the club while a new owner is sought.
"Our hands are tied. I don't know what would have been the outcome [without the sanctions]. That's his decision. It's not a nice one for us but we don't take it personally.
Chelsea are also set to lose Danish centre-back Andreas Christensen this summer to Barcelona on a free transfer, but captain Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to stay after a one-year extension was triggered in his contact earlier this season.
'Losing Rudiger doesn't bode well for Chelsea'
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton said Rudiger would be a "big loss".
"Chelsea have got big problems, there's so much uncertainty which is going to continue until there is a new owner in place," he said, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.
"They may lose other players, I cannot see Chelsea competing next season with the uncertainty which lies over them at this moment.
"[Andreas] Christensen is off, [Cesar] Azpilicueta - it's going to be interesting to see what happens to him. And then you look at the young talented players they have let go. [Kurt] Zouma to West Ham, [Marc] Guehi to Crystal palace and [Fikayo] Tomori. Talented players who may have been able to step up.
"They are losing a top defender and that doesn't bode well for them."
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards said: "To replace Rudiger in this market you are looking at £40m or £50m."
BBC
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- Mar 19, 2015
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- 15,745
Antonio Rudiger: Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel says 'nobody likes' defender's decision to leave
Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel says "nobody likes" Antonio Rudiger's decision to leave the club this summer as the defender closes in on a free transfer to Real Madrid.
Rudiger, whose Chelsea deal expires at the end of the season, is close to agreeing a four-year deal with Real and Tuchel revealed at the weekend he had decided to reject a new contract and join a new club.
A number of clubs across Europe - including in the Premier League - remain interested in the 29-year-old but, while talks with Real are ongoing, he is set to move to the Bernabeu.
Rudiger's representatives held talks with Barcelona last month, while he has also been linked with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.
Asked about the Germany international's decision to leave, Tuchel said: "I don't think anybody likes it. He gives everybody confidence in the dressing room. He is a unique character and plays on an outstanding level. He sometimes takes the focus towards him, he loves responsibility.
"Nobody likes this decision but we have to accept it. Like it or not there will be life at Chelsea after Toni. It is also the most important thing for us that it ends like it started, on the highest level."
Rudiger has been a key part of Chelsea's success in recent seasons having won five trophies with the club, including last year's Champions League.
On coping without him, Tuchel added: "It is my job. No matter how the situation is solved and how active we can be in the transfer market, at the end we will dig in and we will try to squeeze out everything from the squad that we have.
"I will fall in love with the squad I have then and push it to the limit. It was a pleasure every single day with Toni, I am concerned that we have talked too much about it in the past because there are still big things to achieve.
"From pre-season next season, life will go on whether we are happy about it or not and I will be fully involved with all my heart and all my knowledge."
https://www.skysports.com/football/...says-nobody-likes-defenders-decision-to-leave
Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel says "nobody likes" Antonio Rudiger's decision to leave the club this summer as the defender closes in on a free transfer to Real Madrid.
Rudiger, whose Chelsea deal expires at the end of the season, is close to agreeing a four-year deal with Real and Tuchel revealed at the weekend he had decided to reject a new contract and join a new club.
A number of clubs across Europe - including in the Premier League - remain interested in the 29-year-old but, while talks with Real are ongoing, he is set to move to the Bernabeu.
Rudiger's representatives held talks with Barcelona last month, while he has also been linked with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.
Asked about the Germany international's decision to leave, Tuchel said: "I don't think anybody likes it. He gives everybody confidence in the dressing room. He is a unique character and plays on an outstanding level. He sometimes takes the focus towards him, he loves responsibility.
"Nobody likes this decision but we have to accept it. Like it or not there will be life at Chelsea after Toni. It is also the most important thing for us that it ends like it started, on the highest level."
Rudiger has been a key part of Chelsea's success in recent seasons having won five trophies with the club, including last year's Champions League.
On coping without him, Tuchel added: "It is my job. No matter how the situation is solved and how active we can be in the transfer market, at the end we will dig in and we will try to squeeze out everything from the squad that we have.
"I will fall in love with the squad I have then and push it to the limit. It was a pleasure every single day with Toni, I am concerned that we have talked too much about it in the past because there are still big things to achieve.
"From pre-season next season, life will go on whether we are happy about it or not and I will be fully involved with all my heart and all my knowledge."
https://www.skysports.com/football/...says-nobody-likes-defenders-decision-to-leave
silentkiller187
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British billionaire businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a late bid of £4.25bn to buy Chelsea.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale before he was sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine.
Three bidders were in the running to buy Chelsea for about £2.5bn.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said on Thursday that time was running out to complete the sale.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale before he was sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine.
Three bidders were in the running to buy Chelsea for about £2.5bn.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said on Thursday that time was running out to complete the sale.
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Chelsea: Todd Boehly set to be preferred bidder despite late offer from Sir Jim Ratcliffe
A consortium led by LA Dodgers owner Todd Boehly is set to be named the preferred bidder for Chelsea, BBC Sport understands.
The club was put up for sale before owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine.
Earlier on Friday, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe made a £4.25bn offer.
The late offer is understood to have prompted confusion among rival bidders.
Ratcliffe - majority shareholder of chemical group Ineos - pledged to invest £1.75bn into the club over 10 years as part of his submission.
But the offer arrived on Friday morning, weeks beyond the initial deadline for bids of 18 March.
Chelsea and Boehly have not officially commented on his group's position as preferred bidders.
The American investor and businessman - who has offered around £2.5bn for the club - has a reported net worth of $4.5bn (£3.6bn) according to Forbes.
He is a part owner of the Dodgers - a US baseball franchise - and US women's basketball outfit the Los Angeles Sparks, while he also owns a stake in the renowned LA Lakers NBA franchise.
His consortium includes Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss, American PR executive Barbara Charone, British businessman Jonathan Goldstein and British journalist Daniel Finkelstein.
Other consortiums who have been in the running to buy Chelsea have been headed by Sir Martin Broughton and the co-owner of the Boston Celtics, Stephen Pagliuca - but both have now been told their bids were unsuccessful.
Chelsea are operating under a special licence from the UK government which ends on 31 May, but on Thursday Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said the club were on "borrowed time" to complete the sale.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61267010
A consortium led by LA Dodgers owner Todd Boehly is set to be named the preferred bidder for Chelsea, BBC Sport understands.
The club was put up for sale before owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine.
Earlier on Friday, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe made a £4.25bn offer.
The late offer is understood to have prompted confusion among rival bidders.
Ratcliffe - majority shareholder of chemical group Ineos - pledged to invest £1.75bn into the club over 10 years as part of his submission.
But the offer arrived on Friday morning, weeks beyond the initial deadline for bids of 18 March.
Chelsea and Boehly have not officially commented on his group's position as preferred bidders.
The American investor and businessman - who has offered around £2.5bn for the club - has a reported net worth of $4.5bn (£3.6bn) according to Forbes.
He is a part owner of the Dodgers - a US baseball franchise - and US women's basketball outfit the Los Angeles Sparks, while he also owns a stake in the renowned LA Lakers NBA franchise.
His consortium includes Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss, American PR executive Barbara Charone, British businessman Jonathan Goldstein and British journalist Daniel Finkelstein.
Other consortiums who have been in the running to buy Chelsea have been headed by Sir Martin Broughton and the co-owner of the Boston Celtics, Stephen Pagliuca - but both have now been told their bids were unsuccessful.
Chelsea are operating under a special licence from the UK government which ends on 31 May, but on Thursday Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said the club were on "borrowed time" to complete the sale.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61267010
James
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- Post of the Week
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Chelsea’s trip up to Everton tomorrow is now looking like a humongous fixture in the Premier League relegation battle.
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Chelsea will look to offer 22-year-old England right-back Reece James, who has been linked with Real Madrid, an improved contract once they have new owners in place. (90 Min)
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The sale of Chelsea has been thrown into doubt over disagreements about what will happen to the £2.5billion the club is expected to be sold for.
The consortium led by US businessman Todd Boehly is the preferred bidder to buy Chelsea, but the UK government will not allow the sale to go through unless it is completely certain Roman Abramovich will not receive any of the proceeds.
Two months ago Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale and said he would not be asking for his loans to the club to be repaid and all the proceeds would go to a charitable foundation for "all the victims of the war in Ukraine".
Abramovich was sanctioned by the government on March 10, preventing him from doing any business in the UK.
But the sale of Chelsea is being conducted by the Raine Group, an investment bank appointed by Abramovich, and he will have the final say on who buys the club.
The government is aware of attempts to restructure any potential deal in a way which could see Abramovich receive the £1.5billion he has loaned the club through its parent company Fordstam Limited.
The government has to issue a special license for Chelsea to be sold and it would not do so if any of the proceeds were going to Abramovich or towards paying back the loans he is owed by the club.
Chelsea's government license to operate runs out on May 31 and they are facing the prospect of going out of business unless the club is sold or the license is extended.
The Premier League are meeting on June 8 to constitute the new season, by which time Chelsea would need to have a licence to be part of the next campaign.
Chelsea and Abramovich have declined to comment.
Chelsea bidders were told last week that they would be allowed to borrow money to finance their offers for the club.
A source close to the sale process says the advice on debt was changed at the same time as the bidders were asked to increase their offers by £500m.
The bidders are believed to have been told that there would be an element of flexibility when it came to debt.
The Glazer family bought Manchester United in 2005 in a leveraged buyout which has so far cost the club more than £1billion in interest and repayments.
Where are we with the Boehly bid?
The consortium led by Todd Boehly is the preferred bidder to take over Chelsea and they have until the end of this week to finalise the terms of an agreement to buy the club.
The bid is already being scrutinised by the Premier League to see if it passes their owners and directors test.
Like the other bids, they have presented their extensive plans for the club to the Raine Group and they have given guarantees that they will not sell the club for at least a decade.
They have also given assurances that they will invest at least £1billion in the club and infrastructure, including redeveloping Stamford Bridge.
Where are we with the other bids?
The Sir Martin Broughton and Steve Pagliuca bids are still very much in play, with both consortiums still interested in buying the club.
They are on standby to re-enter the process if the Boehly bid is unsuccessful.
Both bids believe they have made very compelling bids for the club and both believe the club will thrive and flourish in their hands.
Who are the other bidders?
Sir Martin Broughton, the former British Airways and Liverpool FC chairman, and Lord Coe, the former British Olympian turned sports administrator and businessman, are fronting a bid that has the financial firepower of Josh Harris and Dave Blitzer, two wealthy American financiers, behind it.
Lewis Hamilton was one of the investors backing Broughton's attempt to acquire the west London club and is understood to have committed £10m to the bid.
Tennis legend Serena Williams is also among the backers of the Broughton consortium, spearheaded by the former Liverpool chairman.
The other consortium is fronted by Steve Pagliuca, part-owner of the NBA's Boston Celtics and Serie A's Atalanta, which includes support from Larry Tanenbaum.
Pagliuca is a private equity billionaire who has made a fortune from his career at Bain Capital.
Among the group's other co-investors are said to be John Burbank, founder of the San Francisco hedge fund Passport Capital, and Eduardo Saverin, the Facebook co-founder, who was the first investor in the tech behemoth.
What about the late Ratcliffe bid?
It emerged last week that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Britain's richest man, had tabled a last-minute £4.25billion bid to buy the west London club.
But, the consortium of LA Dodgers part-owner Boehly was still named as the preferred bidder.
Ratcliffe has not engaged in the process set out by the Raine Group, making it difficult for his bid to be considered.
Irrespective of that, his bid remains on the table and Ratcliffe is still interested in buying Chelsea.
https://www.skysports.com/football/...estructure-deal-to-regain-his-1-5billion-loan
The consortium led by US businessman Todd Boehly is the preferred bidder to buy Chelsea, but the UK government will not allow the sale to go through unless it is completely certain Roman Abramovich will not receive any of the proceeds.
Two months ago Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale and said he would not be asking for his loans to the club to be repaid and all the proceeds would go to a charitable foundation for "all the victims of the war in Ukraine".
Abramovich was sanctioned by the government on March 10, preventing him from doing any business in the UK.
But the sale of Chelsea is being conducted by the Raine Group, an investment bank appointed by Abramovich, and he will have the final say on who buys the club.
The government is aware of attempts to restructure any potential deal in a way which could see Abramovich receive the £1.5billion he has loaned the club through its parent company Fordstam Limited.
The government has to issue a special license for Chelsea to be sold and it would not do so if any of the proceeds were going to Abramovich or towards paying back the loans he is owed by the club.
Chelsea's government license to operate runs out on May 31 and they are facing the prospect of going out of business unless the club is sold or the license is extended.
The Premier League are meeting on June 8 to constitute the new season, by which time Chelsea would need to have a licence to be part of the next campaign.
Chelsea and Abramovich have declined to comment.
Chelsea bidders were told last week that they would be allowed to borrow money to finance their offers for the club.
A source close to the sale process says the advice on debt was changed at the same time as the bidders were asked to increase their offers by £500m.
The bidders are believed to have been told that there would be an element of flexibility when it came to debt.
The Glazer family bought Manchester United in 2005 in a leveraged buyout which has so far cost the club more than £1billion in interest and repayments.
Where are we with the Boehly bid?
The consortium led by Todd Boehly is the preferred bidder to take over Chelsea and they have until the end of this week to finalise the terms of an agreement to buy the club.
The bid is already being scrutinised by the Premier League to see if it passes their owners and directors test.
Like the other bids, they have presented their extensive plans for the club to the Raine Group and they have given guarantees that they will not sell the club for at least a decade.
They have also given assurances that they will invest at least £1billion in the club and infrastructure, including redeveloping Stamford Bridge.
Where are we with the other bids?
The Sir Martin Broughton and Steve Pagliuca bids are still very much in play, with both consortiums still interested in buying the club.
They are on standby to re-enter the process if the Boehly bid is unsuccessful.
Both bids believe they have made very compelling bids for the club and both believe the club will thrive and flourish in their hands.
Who are the other bidders?
Sir Martin Broughton, the former British Airways and Liverpool FC chairman, and Lord Coe, the former British Olympian turned sports administrator and businessman, are fronting a bid that has the financial firepower of Josh Harris and Dave Blitzer, two wealthy American financiers, behind it.
Lewis Hamilton was one of the investors backing Broughton's attempt to acquire the west London club and is understood to have committed £10m to the bid.
Tennis legend Serena Williams is also among the backers of the Broughton consortium, spearheaded by the former Liverpool chairman.
The other consortium is fronted by Steve Pagliuca, part-owner of the NBA's Boston Celtics and Serie A's Atalanta, which includes support from Larry Tanenbaum.
Pagliuca is a private equity billionaire who has made a fortune from his career at Bain Capital.
Among the group's other co-investors are said to be John Burbank, founder of the San Francisco hedge fund Passport Capital, and Eduardo Saverin, the Facebook co-founder, who was the first investor in the tech behemoth.
What about the late Ratcliffe bid?
It emerged last week that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Britain's richest man, had tabled a last-minute £4.25billion bid to buy the west London club.
But, the consortium of LA Dodgers part-owner Boehly was still named as the preferred bidder.
Ratcliffe has not engaged in the process set out by the Raine Group, making it difficult for his bid to be considered.
Irrespective of that, his bid remains on the table and Ratcliffe is still interested in buying Chelsea.
https://www.skysports.com/football/...estructure-deal-to-regain-his-1-5billion-loan
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- Oct 2, 2004
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Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's £4.25bn offer for Chelsea has been rejected, according to reports.
The majority shareholder of chemical group Ineos made the late bid on Friday, weeks after the 18 March deadline for bids.
A consortium led by LA Dodgers owner Todd Boehly is understood to be the preferred bidder for Chelsea.
"We've been rejected out of hand," Ineos director Tom Crotty told Bloomberg on Wednesday.
The Premier League club was put up for sale before owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine.
Chelsea are operating under a special licence from the UK government which ends on 31 May.
Ineos also owns Swiss side FC Lausanne and French Ligue 1 side Nice, the former Team Sky cycling franchise, and has interests in Formula 1.
BBC
The majority shareholder of chemical group Ineos made the late bid on Friday, weeks after the 18 March deadline for bids.
A consortium led by LA Dodgers owner Todd Boehly is understood to be the preferred bidder for Chelsea.
"We've been rejected out of hand," Ineos director Tom Crotty told Bloomberg on Wednesday.
The Premier League club was put up for sale before owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine.
Chelsea are operating under a special licence from the UK government which ends on 31 May.
Ineos also owns Swiss side FC Lausanne and French Ligue 1 side Nice, the former Team Sky cycling franchise, and has interests in Formula 1.
BBC
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Chelsea have agreed terms on the £4.25bn ($5.2bn) sale of the club to a consortium led by Todd Boehly, co-owner of the LA Dodgers baseball team.
The club was put up for sale before owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine.
A Chelsea statement said the new owners will pay £2.5bn for the club's shares.
The proceeds will go into a frozen bank account to be donated to charity.
The consortium - led by Boehly as well as Clearlake Capital, Mark Walter and Swiss billionaire Hansjoerg Wyss - will also provide £1.75bn to invest in the Premier League club, including "investments in Stamford Bridge, the academy, the women's team and Kingsmeadow and continued funding for the Chelsea Foundation".
In the statement, Chelsea said the sale was expected to complete in late May. The takeover will require approval from the English football authorities and the UK government.
Chelsea are operating under a special licence from the UK government which ends on 31 May, but last month, Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said the club were on "borrowed time" to complete the sale.
Any sale can only be signed off by the bidder passing the Premier League's owners' and directors' test.
Boehly, an American investor and businessman, has a reported net worth of $4.5bn (£3.6bn), according to Forbes.
He is a part owner of the Dodgers - a US baseball franchise - and US women's basketball outfit the Los Angeles Sparks, and owns a stake in the renowned LA Lakers NBA franchise.
His consortium also includes American PR executive Barbara Charone, British businessman Jonathan Goldstein and British journalist Daniel Finkelstein.
Other consortiums who had been in the running to buy Chelsea have been headed by Sir Martin Broughton and the co-owner of the Boston Celtics, Stephen Pagliuca, but they were told in late April that their bids were unsuccessful.
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe - majority shareholder of chemical group Ineos - made a late offer, but it arrived on 29 April, several weeks beyond the initial deadline for bids of 18 March.
Ratcliffe's bid was dismissed but he said on 4 May that he was "not giving up".
BBC
The club was put up for sale before owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine.
A Chelsea statement said the new owners will pay £2.5bn for the club's shares.
The proceeds will go into a frozen bank account to be donated to charity.
The consortium - led by Boehly as well as Clearlake Capital, Mark Walter and Swiss billionaire Hansjoerg Wyss - will also provide £1.75bn to invest in the Premier League club, including "investments in Stamford Bridge, the academy, the women's team and Kingsmeadow and continued funding for the Chelsea Foundation".
In the statement, Chelsea said the sale was expected to complete in late May. The takeover will require approval from the English football authorities and the UK government.
Chelsea are operating under a special licence from the UK government which ends on 31 May, but last month, Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said the club were on "borrowed time" to complete the sale.
Any sale can only be signed off by the bidder passing the Premier League's owners' and directors' test.
Boehly, an American investor and businessman, has a reported net worth of $4.5bn (£3.6bn), according to Forbes.
He is a part owner of the Dodgers - a US baseball franchise - and US women's basketball outfit the Los Angeles Sparks, and owns a stake in the renowned LA Lakers NBA franchise.
His consortium also includes American PR executive Barbara Charone, British businessman Jonathan Goldstein and British journalist Daniel Finkelstein.
Other consortiums who had been in the running to buy Chelsea have been headed by Sir Martin Broughton and the co-owner of the Boston Celtics, Stephen Pagliuca, but they were told in late April that their bids were unsuccessful.
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe - majority shareholder of chemical group Ineos - made a late offer, but it arrived on 29 April, several weeks beyond the initial deadline for bids of 18 March.
Ratcliffe's bid was dismissed but he said on 4 May that he was "not giving up".
BBC
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- Oct 2, 2004
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Chelsea's new owners are all but confirmed, with the club agreeing terms on its £4.25bn ($5.2bn) sale to a consortium led by Todd Boehly.
But who are the key people behind the consortium?
Todd Boehly
Todd Boehly leads the consortium. He owns 20% of seven-time baseball World Series champions the LA Dodgers and is also a part-owner of US women's basketball outfit the Los Angeles Sparks.
Together with Mark Walter, he also has a 27% stake in NBA franchise the Los Angeles Lakers.
In 2015, Boehly founded Eldridge Industries, a private holding company that invests in multiple industries. Through Eldridge, he has invested in life insurance firms, real estate companies and technology companies, as well as Bruce Springsteen's song rights and sports betting firm DraftKings.
In the food industry, he has invested in Aurify Brands - which owns restaurant chains such as Le Pain Quotidien - as well as American brand Chuck E. Cheese.
He is also the interim chief executive of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Clearlake Capital
Clearlake Capital is a Californian private equity firm, which would own a majority of the shares in Chelsea.
Led by Jose E. Feliciano and Behdad Eghbali, it has more than $72bn (£58bn) of assets under management, and has led or co-led more than 300 investments.
However, none of these to date have been in sport, with its portfolio focusing on the software and technology, energy and food and consumer services industries.
Mark Walter
Mark Walter is the chief executive of Guggenheim Partners, a privately held global financial services firm that has headquarters in New York and Chicago. Guggenheim Partners has more than $310bn (£250bn) in assets under management.
Like Boehly, Walter, 61, is also a co-owner of the LA Dodgers, who won the 2020 World Series, and has a stake in the LA Lakers. In 2012, he was named the eighth most influential person in sports business by the Sports Business Journal.
His personal investments include stakes in plant-based food maker Beyond Meat and online car vendor Carvana.
He and his wife also own a wildlife preserve in Florida, which features threatened and endangered species.
Hansjoerg Wyss
Swiss billionaire Hansjoerg Wyss is worth $5bn (£4bn) and amassed his fortune through the sale of his medical device manufacturer Synthes to Johnson & Johnson in 2012.
He holds stakes in biotech companies Novocure and Molecular Partners.
According to Forbes, 86-year-old Wyss is "among the most philanthropic people in the world", signing The Giving Pledge in 2013 and therefore agreeing to give away the majority of his fortune.
He has made major donations to environmental and scientific causes, with the assets of his charitable foundations totalling nearly $2bn (£1.6bn).
In 2014, he pledged $120m to two Swiss universities, the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, to help establish a centre to accelerate medical breakthroughs, while he wrote in the New York Times in 2018 that he would donate $1bn to conservation efforts around the world over a decade.
The consortium also includes American PR executive Barbara Charone, British businessman Jonathan Goldstein and British journalist Daniel Finkelstein.
BBC
But who are the key people behind the consortium?
Todd Boehly
Todd Boehly leads the consortium. He owns 20% of seven-time baseball World Series champions the LA Dodgers and is also a part-owner of US women's basketball outfit the Los Angeles Sparks.
Together with Mark Walter, he also has a 27% stake in NBA franchise the Los Angeles Lakers.
In 2015, Boehly founded Eldridge Industries, a private holding company that invests in multiple industries. Through Eldridge, he has invested in life insurance firms, real estate companies and technology companies, as well as Bruce Springsteen's song rights and sports betting firm DraftKings.
In the food industry, he has invested in Aurify Brands - which owns restaurant chains such as Le Pain Quotidien - as well as American brand Chuck E. Cheese.
He is also the interim chief executive of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Clearlake Capital
Clearlake Capital is a Californian private equity firm, which would own a majority of the shares in Chelsea.
Led by Jose E. Feliciano and Behdad Eghbali, it has more than $72bn (£58bn) of assets under management, and has led or co-led more than 300 investments.
However, none of these to date have been in sport, with its portfolio focusing on the software and technology, energy and food and consumer services industries.
Mark Walter
Mark Walter is the chief executive of Guggenheim Partners, a privately held global financial services firm that has headquarters in New York and Chicago. Guggenheim Partners has more than $310bn (£250bn) in assets under management.
Like Boehly, Walter, 61, is also a co-owner of the LA Dodgers, who won the 2020 World Series, and has a stake in the LA Lakers. In 2012, he was named the eighth most influential person in sports business by the Sports Business Journal.
His personal investments include stakes in plant-based food maker Beyond Meat and online car vendor Carvana.
He and his wife also own a wildlife preserve in Florida, which features threatened and endangered species.
Hansjoerg Wyss
Swiss billionaire Hansjoerg Wyss is worth $5bn (£4bn) and amassed his fortune through the sale of his medical device manufacturer Synthes to Johnson & Johnson in 2012.
He holds stakes in biotech companies Novocure and Molecular Partners.
According to Forbes, 86-year-old Wyss is "among the most philanthropic people in the world", signing The Giving Pledge in 2013 and therefore agreeing to give away the majority of his fortune.
He has made major donations to environmental and scientific causes, with the assets of his charitable foundations totalling nearly $2bn (£1.6bn).
In 2014, he pledged $120m to two Swiss universities, the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, to help establish a centre to accelerate medical breakthroughs, while he wrote in the New York Times in 2018 that he would donate $1bn to conservation efforts around the world over a decade.
The consortium also includes American PR executive Barbara Charone, British businessman Jonathan Goldstein and British journalist Daniel Finkelstein.
BBC
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A consortium led by US business tycoon Todd Boehly has agreed a £4.25billion deal to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich.
The Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and his partners saw off a host of rivals to broker the takeover for the highest price ever paid for a sports club.
Boehly, Clearlake Capital, Mark Walter and Hansjorg Wyss must now wait for Premier League and UK government approval before rubber-stamping the deal.
Former British Airways chairman Sir Martin Broughton and Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca had also been vying to buy the Blues.
Boehly, the chief executive of Eldridge Industries, is expected to attend Chelsea's Premier League clash with Wolves at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Confirming the terms of the deal, Chelsea said in a statement: "Of the total investment being made, £2.5bn will be applied to purchase the shares in the club, and such proceeds will be deposited into a frozen UK bank account with the intention to donate 100% to charitable causes as confirmed by Roman Abramovich.
"UK Government approval will be required for the proceeds to be transferred from the frozen UK bank account.
"In addition the proposed new owners will commit £1.75bn in further investment for the benefit of the club.
"This includes investments in Stamford Bridge, the academy, the women's team and Kingsmeadow and continued funding for the Chelsea Foundation.
"The sale is expected to be complete in late May subject to all necessary regulatory approvals. More details will be provided at that time."
The Boehly consortium is understood to have agreed to clauses that block the payment of dividends or management fees until 2032, also barring the sale of any Chelsea shares for 10 years.
The club has been owned since 2003 by Russian billionaire Abramovich, who steered the club to 21 trophies in his 19 years at the helm.
But in March he put the club up for sale just days before he was sanctioned by the British government in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The government accused him of having had a "close relationship for decades" with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Mr Abramovich cannot profit from the sale under the terms of his sanctions, but the Chelsea owner has long since pledged to donate all proceeds to a charitable foundation to aid victims of the war in Ukraine.
The government must agree to his plans to set up an independently run charitable foundation to handle the distribution of those funds.
Mr Abramovich has also insisted he still wants to write off Chelsea's £1.5bn debt to him when the club's sale is complete, but the sanctions currently block such a move.
However, Chelsea and the government are expected to find a resolution, with the Boehly sale agreement paving the way for the deal to be completed.
SKY
The Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and his partners saw off a host of rivals to broker the takeover for the highest price ever paid for a sports club.
Boehly, Clearlake Capital, Mark Walter and Hansjorg Wyss must now wait for Premier League and UK government approval before rubber-stamping the deal.
Former British Airways chairman Sir Martin Broughton and Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca had also been vying to buy the Blues.
Boehly, the chief executive of Eldridge Industries, is expected to attend Chelsea's Premier League clash with Wolves at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Confirming the terms of the deal, Chelsea said in a statement: "Of the total investment being made, £2.5bn will be applied to purchase the shares in the club, and such proceeds will be deposited into a frozen UK bank account with the intention to donate 100% to charitable causes as confirmed by Roman Abramovich.
"UK Government approval will be required for the proceeds to be transferred from the frozen UK bank account.
"In addition the proposed new owners will commit £1.75bn in further investment for the benefit of the club.
"This includes investments in Stamford Bridge, the academy, the women's team and Kingsmeadow and continued funding for the Chelsea Foundation.
"The sale is expected to be complete in late May subject to all necessary regulatory approvals. More details will be provided at that time."
The Boehly consortium is understood to have agreed to clauses that block the payment of dividends or management fees until 2032, also barring the sale of any Chelsea shares for 10 years.
The club has been owned since 2003 by Russian billionaire Abramovich, who steered the club to 21 trophies in his 19 years at the helm.
But in March he put the club up for sale just days before he was sanctioned by the British government in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The government accused him of having had a "close relationship for decades" with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Mr Abramovich cannot profit from the sale under the terms of his sanctions, but the Chelsea owner has long since pledged to donate all proceeds to a charitable foundation to aid victims of the war in Ukraine.
The government must agree to his plans to set up an independently run charitable foundation to handle the distribution of those funds.
Mr Abramovich has also insisted he still wants to write off Chelsea's £1.5bn debt to him when the club's sale is complete, but the sanctions currently block such a move.
However, Chelsea and the government are expected to find a resolution, with the Boehly sale agreement paving the way for the deal to be completed.
SKY
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- Mar 19, 2015
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- 15,745
Chelsea yet again drop points, blowing a 2-goal lead at home to Wolves in the 97th minute.
Just 2 wins in their last 7. If Arsenal win tomorrow vs Leeds, they will be just 1 point behind. Chelsea need to find a spark quickly or even a top-4 finish will be in jeopardy.
Just 2 wins in their last 7. If Arsenal win tomorrow vs Leeds, they will be just 1 point behind. Chelsea need to find a spark quickly or even a top-4 finish will be in jeopardy.
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Antonio Rudiger: Chelsea defender agrees deal with Real Madrid ahead of free transfer in summer
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has reached an agreement with Real Madrid to join the Spanish champions on a free transfer in the summer.
Rudiger will officially join Real on July 1 on a four-year deal understood to be worth €400,000 (£342,000) per week.
The Germany international's Chelsea contract expires at the end of the season and Blues boss Thomas Tuchel revealed last month the defender had decided to reject a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
A number of clubs across Europe - including in the Premier League - were interested in Rudiger. However, Real were the first club to formally express an interest in signing him this summer, and the 29-year-old is thought to be flattered and impressed by Real's pursuit.
Rudiger's representatives held talks with Barcelona earlier this season, while he had also been linked with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.
John Terry, the former Chelsea captain, expressed his disappointment at Rudiger's impending exit last month. Replying to Sky Sports' Instagram post regarding the Germany international, Terry wrote: "How have we let this man go?"
Remaining at Chelsea was a possibility for Rudiger, but the sanctions placed on the club's owner Roman Abramovich made talks over extending his deal impossible.
The European champions - who are set to be taken over by Todd Boehly's consortium - have been unable to negotiate transfers or contract extensions since March.
Tuchel revealed Rudiger's decision to leave Chelsea after his side's win over West Ham last month. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "The situation is that he wants to leave the club. He informed me of this in a private talk.
"We gave everything - me and the club - but we could not fight anymore because of the sanctions. Without the sanctions we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but our hands are tied. We don't take it personally. It is his decision.
"He is a key figure and will stay that way until the end of the season. But it is disappointing. We will miss him a lot.
"He gives courage in the dressing room - the kind everyone is afraid of, but the kind to play 50-55 games at an outstanding level. He is a top defender in the last one-and-a-half years for me. We then need to find another solution."
Pressed on whether Chelsea will be able to replace Rudiger, Tuchel said: "In the moment not, because of the sanctions. Hopefully the sanctions will be in the past.
"We had a connection from day one and he deserves my full support. I'm just happy to have had the chance to coach him in the team and the club did as well. We had offers, big offers and the club tried everything but we cannot fight anymore. We have the sanctions, we can't continue. It is what it is.
"It would be ideal [for sanctions to be lifted before the transfer window] but even if we wish for it, you can't pull grass for it to grow faster. We have to deal with what the reality is. The sanctions are still in place and the situation is not cleared for next season. We try to focus on the last weeks."
https://www.skysports.com/football/...-real-madrid-ahead-of-free-transfer-in-summer
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has reached an agreement with Real Madrid to join the Spanish champions on a free transfer in the summer.
Rudiger will officially join Real on July 1 on a four-year deal understood to be worth €400,000 (£342,000) per week.
The Germany international's Chelsea contract expires at the end of the season and Blues boss Thomas Tuchel revealed last month the defender had decided to reject a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
A number of clubs across Europe - including in the Premier League - were interested in Rudiger. However, Real were the first club to formally express an interest in signing him this summer, and the 29-year-old is thought to be flattered and impressed by Real's pursuit.
Rudiger's representatives held talks with Barcelona earlier this season, while he had also been linked with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.
John Terry, the former Chelsea captain, expressed his disappointment at Rudiger's impending exit last month. Replying to Sky Sports' Instagram post regarding the Germany international, Terry wrote: "How have we let this man go?"
Remaining at Chelsea was a possibility for Rudiger, but the sanctions placed on the club's owner Roman Abramovich made talks over extending his deal impossible.
The European champions - who are set to be taken over by Todd Boehly's consortium - have been unable to negotiate transfers or contract extensions since March.
Tuchel revealed Rudiger's decision to leave Chelsea after his side's win over West Ham last month. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "The situation is that he wants to leave the club. He informed me of this in a private talk.
"We gave everything - me and the club - but we could not fight anymore because of the sanctions. Without the sanctions we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but our hands are tied. We don't take it personally. It is his decision.
"He is a key figure and will stay that way until the end of the season. But it is disappointing. We will miss him a lot.
"He gives courage in the dressing room - the kind everyone is afraid of, but the kind to play 50-55 games at an outstanding level. He is a top defender in the last one-and-a-half years for me. We then need to find another solution."
Pressed on whether Chelsea will be able to replace Rudiger, Tuchel said: "In the moment not, because of the sanctions. Hopefully the sanctions will be in the past.
"We had a connection from day one and he deserves my full support. I'm just happy to have had the chance to coach him in the team and the club did as well. We had offers, big offers and the club tried everything but we cannot fight anymore. We have the sanctions, we can't continue. It is what it is.
"It would be ideal [for sanctions to be lifted before the transfer window] but even if we wish for it, you can't pull grass for it to grow faster. We have to deal with what the reality is. The sanctions are still in place and the situation is not cleared for next season. We try to focus on the last weeks."
https://www.skysports.com/football/...-real-madrid-ahead-of-free-transfer-in-summer
James
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<b>Chelsea, who remain subject to restrictions on their commercial operations, have struck a lucrative shirt-sleeve deal with a fast-growing digital assets platform — the Cryptocurrency WhaleFin.</b>
Chelsea FC is close to unveiling a £20m-a-year sponsorship deal with a fast-growing cryptocurrency group – despite a temporary ban on the club striking lucrative new partnerships while it operates under government supervision.
Sky News can reveal that the Blues have agreed a shirt-sleeve contract with WhaleFin, a digital asset platform owned by Singapore-based Amber Group.
Sources said the deal, which will launch next season, could be confirmed publicly as early as Thursday morning.
It will represent Chelsea's first foray into the cryptocurrency arena, and comes just weeks after Liverpool was linked with a deal from the sector to replace Standard Chartered, the emerging markets-focused bank, as its main shirt sponsor.
The deal between the Stamford Bridge club and WhaleFin is notable for a number of reasons, the most obvious being the stringent commercial restrictions placed on Chelsea since outgoing owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government in March.
However, people close to the transaction said that the agreement was signed in January - well before it became subject to conditions which included bans on ticket and memorabilia sales.
Manchester United struck a deal with Tezos, a blockchain group, meaning that Chelsea's WhaleFin partnership will not be the Premier League's maiden crypto deal.
It will underline the enormous sums of money being deployed by crypto platforms in an attempt to build their brands in one of the fastest-growing areas of global finance.
WhaleFin itself has agreed a deal to emblazon its logo on the shirts of Atletico Madrid in Spain's top flight that was said to be worth more than 40 million euros a year.
Amber Group was recently reported to be in talks to raise new funds at a valuation of $10bn or more.
Its backers include Temasek Holdings, Sequoia China and Tiger Global Management, some of the most prolific investors in the venture capital arena.
WhaleFin will replace Hyundai as Chelsea's shirt-sleeve sponsor, with the Korean car-maker understood to be discussing an alternative commercial tie-up with the club.
Chelsea is also said to be seeking a replacement for 3 UK, the mobile phone group, as its main shirt sponsor.
Details of the arrangement come just weeks before the existential crisis which engulfed Chelsea two months ago is expected to be resolved.
Mr Abramovich has struck a binding deal to sell the current Club World Champions to a group of investors led by Clearlake Capital and spearheaded by Todd Boehly, the LA Dodgers part-owner.
The transaction involves the new owners paying £2.5bn to acquire Mr Abramovich's shares in Chelsea, while pledging £1.75bn of future investment in its stadium, academy and women's team.
Sky News revealed last week that the terms of the takeover would prevent Mr Boehly and his fellow investors paying dividends or taking management fees for a decade.
The measures were described as a package of 'anti-Glazer clauses' designed to avoid the controversies which have dogged Manchester United since the Glazers' takeover in 2005.
The new owners will also be prohibited from selling any shares in the club for ten years, as well as agreeing to strict limits on the level of debt that they can take on.
The Glazer family's £790m takeover of Manchester United saddled the club with expensive debt known as payment-in-kind notes, and provided a focal point for fan protests, which escalated in the wake of Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.
Manchester United was floated on the New York Stock Exchange a decade ago, with the Glazers having extracted hundreds of millions of pounds in dividends and from the sale of shares during their ownership.
Chelsea's takeover remains subject to approval from the Premier League, and the issuance of a special licence from the government.
That is expected in the next fortnight, although people close to the deal have cautioned that it is not yet certain to take place.
Mr Abramovich is said to be determined to donate at least £2.5bn to a new foundation benefiting war victims, with a demand in the latter stages of the auction that bidders increase their offers by at least £500m.
The rivals to the Clearlake-Boehly bid were a consortium headed by Boston Celtics part-owner Steve Pagliuca and Larry Tanenbaum, the NBA chairman and Toronto Maple Leafs owner; and one led by Sir Martin Broughton, the former British Airways and Liverpool FC chairman, which would have involved Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment - owner of a stake in Premier League side Crystal Palace and a string of US sports teams - holding a controlling interest.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Ineos Group tycoon, also made a late entry into the process, although its approach was dismissed by Mr Abramovich's advisers.
Uncertainty over the club's ownership already being blamed for the departure of key players including Antonio Rudiger, the German centre-half.
Mr Abramovich has owned Chelsea since 2003, and has turned the club into one of the top sides in Europe, with 19 major trophies having been won under him.
Chelsea declined to comment on Wednesday night, while Amber Group could not be reached for comment.
SKY
Chelsea FC is close to unveiling a £20m-a-year sponsorship deal with a fast-growing cryptocurrency group – despite a temporary ban on the club striking lucrative new partnerships while it operates under government supervision.
Sky News can reveal that the Blues have agreed a shirt-sleeve contract with WhaleFin, a digital asset platform owned by Singapore-based Amber Group.
Sources said the deal, which will launch next season, could be confirmed publicly as early as Thursday morning.
It will represent Chelsea's first foray into the cryptocurrency arena, and comes just weeks after Liverpool was linked with a deal from the sector to replace Standard Chartered, the emerging markets-focused bank, as its main shirt sponsor.
The deal between the Stamford Bridge club and WhaleFin is notable for a number of reasons, the most obvious being the stringent commercial restrictions placed on Chelsea since outgoing owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government in March.
However, people close to the transaction said that the agreement was signed in January - well before it became subject to conditions which included bans on ticket and memorabilia sales.
Manchester United struck a deal with Tezos, a blockchain group, meaning that Chelsea's WhaleFin partnership will not be the Premier League's maiden crypto deal.
It will underline the enormous sums of money being deployed by crypto platforms in an attempt to build their brands in one of the fastest-growing areas of global finance.
WhaleFin itself has agreed a deal to emblazon its logo on the shirts of Atletico Madrid in Spain's top flight that was said to be worth more than 40 million euros a year.
Amber Group was recently reported to be in talks to raise new funds at a valuation of $10bn or more.
Its backers include Temasek Holdings, Sequoia China and Tiger Global Management, some of the most prolific investors in the venture capital arena.
WhaleFin will replace Hyundai as Chelsea's shirt-sleeve sponsor, with the Korean car-maker understood to be discussing an alternative commercial tie-up with the club.
Chelsea is also said to be seeking a replacement for 3 UK, the mobile phone group, as its main shirt sponsor.
Details of the arrangement come just weeks before the existential crisis which engulfed Chelsea two months ago is expected to be resolved.
Mr Abramovich has struck a binding deal to sell the current Club World Champions to a group of investors led by Clearlake Capital and spearheaded by Todd Boehly, the LA Dodgers part-owner.
The transaction involves the new owners paying £2.5bn to acquire Mr Abramovich's shares in Chelsea, while pledging £1.75bn of future investment in its stadium, academy and women's team.
Sky News revealed last week that the terms of the takeover would prevent Mr Boehly and his fellow investors paying dividends or taking management fees for a decade.
The measures were described as a package of 'anti-Glazer clauses' designed to avoid the controversies which have dogged Manchester United since the Glazers' takeover in 2005.
The new owners will also be prohibited from selling any shares in the club for ten years, as well as agreeing to strict limits on the level of debt that they can take on.
The Glazer family's £790m takeover of Manchester United saddled the club with expensive debt known as payment-in-kind notes, and provided a focal point for fan protests, which escalated in the wake of Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.
Manchester United was floated on the New York Stock Exchange a decade ago, with the Glazers having extracted hundreds of millions of pounds in dividends and from the sale of shares during their ownership.
Chelsea's takeover remains subject to approval from the Premier League, and the issuance of a special licence from the government.
That is expected in the next fortnight, although people close to the deal have cautioned that it is not yet certain to take place.
Mr Abramovich is said to be determined to donate at least £2.5bn to a new foundation benefiting war victims, with a demand in the latter stages of the auction that bidders increase their offers by at least £500m.
The rivals to the Clearlake-Boehly bid were a consortium headed by Boston Celtics part-owner Steve Pagliuca and Larry Tanenbaum, the NBA chairman and Toronto Maple Leafs owner; and one led by Sir Martin Broughton, the former British Airways and Liverpool FC chairman, which would have involved Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment - owner of a stake in Premier League side Crystal Palace and a string of US sports teams - holding a controlling interest.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Ineos Group tycoon, also made a late entry into the process, although its approach was dismissed by Mr Abramovich's advisers.
Uncertainty over the club's ownership already being blamed for the departure of key players including Antonio Rudiger, the German centre-half.
Mr Abramovich has owned Chelsea since 2003, and has turned the club into one of the top sides in Europe, with 19 major trophies having been won under him.
Chelsea declined to comment on Wednesday night, while Amber Group could not be reached for comment.
SKY
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Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen declared himself not ready to play on the morning of Saturday's FA Cup final defeat by Liverpool.
Christensen was a surprise omission from Thomas Tuchel's squad, forcing the manager into a rethink before the penalty shootout loss at Wembley.
BBC Sport understands the Denmark international, 26, was due to play.
He is expected to leave Chelsea this summer, having agreed a deal with Barcelona.
Christensen has made 32 appearances in all competitions for the Blues this season, scoring twice.
He joined Chelsea from Danish side Brondby as a 16-year-old in 2012.
Chelsea are currently unable to offer new deals to players because of sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
A group led by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly has now agreed a deal worth £4.25bn to buy the club.
Christensen's team-mate Antonio Rudiger is also set to leave for Spain this summer, having agreed a deal with Real Madrid.
BBC
Christensen was a surprise omission from Thomas Tuchel's squad, forcing the manager into a rethink before the penalty shootout loss at Wembley.
BBC Sport understands the Denmark international, 26, was due to play.
He is expected to leave Chelsea this summer, having agreed a deal with Barcelona.
Christensen has made 32 appearances in all competitions for the Blues this season, scoring twice.
He joined Chelsea from Danish side Brondby as a 16-year-old in 2012.
Chelsea are currently unable to offer new deals to players because of sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
A group led by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly has now agreed a deal worth £4.25bn to buy the club.
Christensen's team-mate Antonio Rudiger is also set to leave for Spain this summer, having agreed a deal with Real Madrid.
BBC
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Chelsea takeover: Government ministers fear sale of club to Todd Boehly consortium could 'fall apart'
Ministers are worried a £4.25bn deal to buy Chelsea may be at risk of "falling apart" due to a lack of consensus with the club over the proceeds of any sale, the BBC has learned.
According to a UK government insider, there is now "alarm" in Whitehall that the takeover of the European champions could be "timed out" if deadlines are not met.
Chelsea have agreed terms on a deal with a private-equity funded consortium led by US investor Todd Boehly, co-owner of the LA Dodgers baseball team.
The club was put up for sale before owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine.
However a senior Whitehall source revealed there was now "serious concern" that the oligarch was "willing to let Chelsea go under" over an alleged "refusal to agree to a sale structure that gives ministers confidence that proceeds would go to a good cause".
The government version of events was disputed by sources close to Abramovich when approached. Chelsea have also been approached for comment.
Chelsea are operating under a special licence from the UK government which expires on 31 May, and any takeover requires the approval of ministers and the English football authorities.
Abramovich has said he has not asked for a £1.6bn loan to Chelsea to be repaid when the club is sold. Earlier this month a spokesperson for the billionaire confirmed he "remains committed" to making sure the proceeds from the sale "go to good causes".
In a statement put out by Chelsea on 5 May, the Russian's spokesperson said money from the sale of the club would be "frozen and subject to a legal procedure governed by authorities", they added "there funds are still earmarked" for a charitable foundation.
"To be clear, Mr Abramovich has no access or control of these funds and will not have any access or control of these funds following the sale."
However, the government insider said approval was being hindered by the club's "complicated" ownership structure, with parent company Fordstam Ltd owing £1.6 billion to Jersey-based Camberley International Investments, a company with suspected links to Abramovich.
"Two big sticking points remain - where exactly the proceeds of the sale will be held, and what legal guarantees government will be given about the money going to good causes," they said.
"Essentially, despite committing to all proceeds going to good causes in public, Abramovich seems unwilling to give the same legal commitments, which would have backed up his public statements of about a week ago, that in the deal neither he nor his affiliates could basically try and stake a claim to that unpaid debt between Fordstam and Camberley.
"A deal which would allow the cash to be diverted during the deal would be a breach of sanctions and is seen as a red line for ministers."
The source added: "There are deadlines at the end of this month and the start of June, which would either see the club booted out of European competition or the Premier League entirely. But a good chunk of the sale needs to be done this week or next."
It is understood any sale would need to be completed by early June when the Premier League meets to grant clubs the licenses needed to compete next season.
The government is understood to have proposed a two-stage process where the money from any sale would be held in a managed 'escrow' account, and only released once it is satisfied that a charitable foundation is ready.
A source close to the Boehly consortium told the BBC: "The consortium is committed to buying Chelsea and contributing to the success of English football.
"They are delighted that their plans have been accepted by the club, and welcome the constructive conversations they've had with the government and football authorities.
"The proceeds of the sale are a matter for the seller and the government to resolve."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61467164
Ministers are worried a £4.25bn deal to buy Chelsea may be at risk of "falling apart" due to a lack of consensus with the club over the proceeds of any sale, the BBC has learned.
According to a UK government insider, there is now "alarm" in Whitehall that the takeover of the European champions could be "timed out" if deadlines are not met.
Chelsea have agreed terms on a deal with a private-equity funded consortium led by US investor Todd Boehly, co-owner of the LA Dodgers baseball team.
The club was put up for sale before owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned for his alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine.
However a senior Whitehall source revealed there was now "serious concern" that the oligarch was "willing to let Chelsea go under" over an alleged "refusal to agree to a sale structure that gives ministers confidence that proceeds would go to a good cause".
The government version of events was disputed by sources close to Abramovich when approached. Chelsea have also been approached for comment.
Chelsea are operating under a special licence from the UK government which expires on 31 May, and any takeover requires the approval of ministers and the English football authorities.
Abramovich has said he has not asked for a £1.6bn loan to Chelsea to be repaid when the club is sold. Earlier this month a spokesperson for the billionaire confirmed he "remains committed" to making sure the proceeds from the sale "go to good causes".
In a statement put out by Chelsea on 5 May, the Russian's spokesperson said money from the sale of the club would be "frozen and subject to a legal procedure governed by authorities", they added "there funds are still earmarked" for a charitable foundation.
"To be clear, Mr Abramovich has no access or control of these funds and will not have any access or control of these funds following the sale."
However, the government insider said approval was being hindered by the club's "complicated" ownership structure, with parent company Fordstam Ltd owing £1.6 billion to Jersey-based Camberley International Investments, a company with suspected links to Abramovich.
"Two big sticking points remain - where exactly the proceeds of the sale will be held, and what legal guarantees government will be given about the money going to good causes," they said.
"Essentially, despite committing to all proceeds going to good causes in public, Abramovich seems unwilling to give the same legal commitments, which would have backed up his public statements of about a week ago, that in the deal neither he nor his affiliates could basically try and stake a claim to that unpaid debt between Fordstam and Camberley.
"A deal which would allow the cash to be diverted during the deal would be a breach of sanctions and is seen as a red line for ministers."
The source added: "There are deadlines at the end of this month and the start of June, which would either see the club booted out of European competition or the Premier League entirely. But a good chunk of the sale needs to be done this week or next."
It is understood any sale would need to be completed by early June when the Premier League meets to grant clubs the licenses needed to compete next season.
The government is understood to have proposed a two-stage process where the money from any sale would be held in a managed 'escrow' account, and only released once it is satisfied that a charitable foundation is ready.
A source close to the Boehly consortium told the BBC: "The consortium is committed to buying Chelsea and contributing to the success of English football.
"They are delighted that their plans have been accepted by the club, and welcome the constructive conversations they've had with the government and football authorities.
"The proceeds of the sale are a matter for the seller and the government to resolve."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61467164
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- Oct 2, 2004
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Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says Andreas Christensen's late withdrawal from the squad before the FA Cup final is "not the first time" the defender has felt unable to play this season.
BBC Sport understands Christensen, who was not injured, was due to play against Liverpool in last Saturday's Wembley showcase.
Speaking on Wednesday, Tuchel said the Denmark centre-half told him on the day of the final he was not ready to play.
"He had his reasons," added the German.
"They stay private and confidential."
Tuchel added: "But it was not the first time as you can see over the last weeks we had some of the same situations why he did not play so regularly.
"We thought that we are in a good progression and good development because he played very strong in the match before the final against Leeds.
"But the conversation took place and we have to respect it and we of course respected it and he has our support."
Chelsea play their first match since losing the final on penalties when they host Leicester on Thursday at Stamford Bridge (20:00 BST).
The Blues are guaranteed a place in next season's Champions League group stage but victory over Leicester will seal third spot in the table.
Christensen, 26, is expected to leave Chelsea this summer, having agreed a deal with Barcelona.
Asked if the player is likely to play against Leicester or at home to relegated Watford on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday, Tuchel said he was "not sure".
"It was very short notice before the cup final, and not only this match, other matches in the other weeks," he added.
"There's no chance I have any prediction for tomorrow or the weekend."
BBC
BBC Sport understands Christensen, who was not injured, was due to play against Liverpool in last Saturday's Wembley showcase.
Speaking on Wednesday, Tuchel said the Denmark centre-half told him on the day of the final he was not ready to play.
"He had his reasons," added the German.
"They stay private and confidential."
Tuchel added: "But it was not the first time as you can see over the last weeks we had some of the same situations why he did not play so regularly.
"We thought that we are in a good progression and good development because he played very strong in the match before the final against Leeds.
"But the conversation took place and we have to respect it and we of course respected it and he has our support."
Chelsea play their first match since losing the final on penalties when they host Leicester on Thursday at Stamford Bridge (20:00 BST).
The Blues are guaranteed a place in next season's Champions League group stage but victory over Leicester will seal third spot in the table.
Christensen, 26, is expected to leave Chelsea this summer, having agreed a deal with Barcelona.
Asked if the player is likely to play against Leicester or at home to relegated Watford on the final day of the Premier League season on Sunday, Tuchel said he was "not sure".
"It was very short notice before the cup final, and not only this match, other matches in the other weeks," he added.
"There's no chance I have any prediction for tomorrow or the weekend."
BBC
James
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Perhaps Christensen has a mental health issue.
James
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CFC losing at home to Leicester.
Chelsea have not been themselves of late.
Chelsea have not been themselves of late.
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Thomas Tuchel: It's a miracle Chelsea are third despite missing 'our Virgil van Dijk' N'Golo Kante for so much of the season
Thomas Tuchel says it's a "miracle" Chelsea have secured a third-placed Premier League finish despite being without "key, key, key" player N'Golo Kante for so much of the season.
Kante returned to Tuchel's starting line-up for Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Leicester on Thursday night having missed the previous four games with the latest in a series of injury problems.
The Frenchman is facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge with his contract due to expire next summer but Tuchel likened him to Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne in terms of his importance to the side in his post-match press conference.
"I think he is our key, key, key player," he said. "But key, key, key players need to be on the pitch and he has played only 40 per cent of the games, so it is maybe a miracle that we arrive in third place.
"He is our Mo Salah, he is our Van Dijk, he is our De Bruyne, he is our Neymar, he is our Kylian Mbappe.
"He is simply that player, the guy who makes the difference and if you only have him 40 per cent of the time it's a huge problem.
"Given that percentage, it's maybe a miracle how consistently we produced results and it puts everything into perspective because I saw Liverpool last season without Van Dijk and they struggled heavily.
"You see the difference. N'Golo is our key player and he needs to be on the pitch."
Kante has suffered various injury issues this season, including groin and knee problems, and asked if he feels Chelsea can find a solution, Tuchel said: "I hope so. It's hard to live with because it's important for him to be there and have the rhythm.
"I think he played OK tonight but he can play so much better. But when was his last game that he started? It was weeks ago.
"He constantly starts getting rhythm, and once he has rhythm, comes a little injury and he's out again."
Tuchel referenced his role in Chelsea's Champions League triumph last season, saying: "Last year, in the Champions League, they handed him the trophy before the match.
"It was clear he would be man of the match. And this guy who gets man of the match in every Champions League game is only here for 40 per cent of the matches and that's huge for us.
"We do everything to solve it and him as well.
"I don't blame him. It's just a concern and it's a fact that we miss him a lot because he brings something that is unique in world football and he has that ability to lift everybody up and make the difference.
"He is one of the very best midfielders in the world."
https://www.skysports.com/football/...an-dijk-ngolo-kante-for-so-much-of-the-season
Thomas Tuchel says it's a "miracle" Chelsea have secured a third-placed Premier League finish despite being without "key, key, key" player N'Golo Kante for so much of the season.
Kante returned to Tuchel's starting line-up for Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Leicester on Thursday night having missed the previous four games with the latest in a series of injury problems.
The Frenchman is facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge with his contract due to expire next summer but Tuchel likened him to Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne in terms of his importance to the side in his post-match press conference.
"I think he is our key, key, key player," he said. "But key, key, key players need to be on the pitch and he has played only 40 per cent of the games, so it is maybe a miracle that we arrive in third place.
"He is our Mo Salah, he is our Van Dijk, he is our De Bruyne, he is our Neymar, he is our Kylian Mbappe.
"He is simply that player, the guy who makes the difference and if you only have him 40 per cent of the time it's a huge problem.
"Given that percentage, it's maybe a miracle how consistently we produced results and it puts everything into perspective because I saw Liverpool last season without Van Dijk and they struggled heavily.
"You see the difference. N'Golo is our key player and he needs to be on the pitch."
Kante has suffered various injury issues this season, including groin and knee problems, and asked if he feels Chelsea can find a solution, Tuchel said: "I hope so. It's hard to live with because it's important for him to be there and have the rhythm.
"I think he played OK tonight but he can play so much better. But when was his last game that he started? It was weeks ago.
"He constantly starts getting rhythm, and once he has rhythm, comes a little injury and he's out again."
Tuchel referenced his role in Chelsea's Champions League triumph last season, saying: "Last year, in the Champions League, they handed him the trophy before the match.
"It was clear he would be man of the match. And this guy who gets man of the match in every Champions League game is only here for 40 per cent of the matches and that's huge for us.
"We do everything to solve it and him as well.
"I don't blame him. It's just a concern and it's a fact that we miss him a lot because he brings something that is unique in world football and he has that ability to lift everybody up and make the difference.
"He is one of the very best midfielders in the world."
https://www.skysports.com/football/...an-dijk-ngolo-kante-for-so-much-of-the-season
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Doing well!
==
Tammy Abraham became the highest scoring English player in a Serie A season as he scored twice for Roma in a 3-0 win at Torino.
The former Chelsea and Aston Villa forward, 24, claimed his 16th and 17th league goals for Jose Mourinho's side in Turin in their final league game of the season.
The previous record was Gerry Hitchens' 16 goals for Inter Milan in 1961-62.
Roma finish in sixth place and qualify for next season's Europa League.
"It's been a good year for me," Abraham said. "I hope to build on this year and hopefully we can finish with a trophy and it can be the perfect year."
Abraham joined Roma in August 2021 for £34m from Chelsea and in April described his form as "like a dream come true".
Roma, who play in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday against Feyenoord, took the lead at Torino after 33 minutes as Abraham turned and finished inside the penalty box after a pass from captain Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Abraham doubled their lead just before half-time with a penalty, before a late spot-kick scored by Pellegrini sealed the success.
BBC
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The government is set to approve Chelsea's £4.25bn sale in the next 24 hours, BBC Sport has learned.
However, the deal "still has major hurdles to overcome" according to a senior Whitehall insider.
However, the deal "still has major hurdles to overcome" according to a senior Whitehall insider.
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Chelsea: Premier League approves takeover deal from Todd Boehly consortium
The Premier League has approved the £4.25bn takeover of Chelsea by a consortium led by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly.
The league says the consortium has passed its owner's and directors' test.
The Premier League club was put up for sale before owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned over his links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The purchase remains subject to the Government issuing the required sale licence.
The final stages of the transaction will then need to be completed.
The government does not want Abramovich to make any proceeds from the sale but sources are optimistic about a deal being finalised on Tuesday night.
"We now believe everyone will be ready to issue the necessary licences" said one insider.
"The last remaining hurdle boils down to a number of final technical details that are being discussed with the club."
Earlier this month the deal had seemed close to collapse over concerns proceeds would not reach good causes as promised by Abramovich.
Abramovich denied that he had asked for his £1.5bn loan to Chelsea be repaid when the club was sold.
Several parties expressed an interest but Chelsea agreed to sell to the Boehly-led consortium earlier in May.
The consortium is led by Boehly but Clearlake Capital, a Californian private equity firm, would own a majority of the shares in Chelsea. Other investors include US billionaire Mark Walter, also a co-owner of the LA Dodgers, and Swiss billionaire Hansjoerg Wyss.
Chelsea have been allowed to continue operating under a special government licence which expires on 31 May.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61490237
The Premier League has approved the £4.25bn takeover of Chelsea by a consortium led by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly.
The league says the consortium has passed its owner's and directors' test.
The Premier League club was put up for sale before owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned over his links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The purchase remains subject to the Government issuing the required sale licence.
The final stages of the transaction will then need to be completed.
The government does not want Abramovich to make any proceeds from the sale but sources are optimistic about a deal being finalised on Tuesday night.
"We now believe everyone will be ready to issue the necessary licences" said one insider.
"The last remaining hurdle boils down to a number of final technical details that are being discussed with the club."
Earlier this month the deal had seemed close to collapse over concerns proceeds would not reach good causes as promised by Abramovich.
Abramovich denied that he had asked for his £1.5bn loan to Chelsea be repaid when the club was sold.
Several parties expressed an interest but Chelsea agreed to sell to the Boehly-led consortium earlier in May.
The consortium is led by Boehly but Clearlake Capital, a Californian private equity firm, would own a majority of the shares in Chelsea. Other investors include US billionaire Mark Walter, also a co-owner of the LA Dodgers, and Swiss billionaire Hansjoerg Wyss.
Chelsea have been allowed to continue operating under a special government licence which expires on 31 May.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61490237
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
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- 217,978
The government has approved the £4.25bn takeover of Chelsea by a consortium led by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly.
The London club was put up for sale in March before owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned over his links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
On Tuesday, the Premier League said the consortium had passed its owners' and directors' test.
Chelsea have been operating under a special government licence which expires on 31 May.
"Late last night the UK government reached a position where we could issue a licence that permits the sale of Chelsea," a government spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.
Who are the key people behind consortium buying club?
The government does not want Abramovich to receive any of the proceeds from the sale, which will instead go into a frozen bank account to be donated to charity.
The statement added: "Following the sanctioning of Roman Abramovich, the government has worked hard to ensure Chelsea has been able to continue to play football. But we have always been clear that the long-term future of the club could only be secured under a new owner.
"Following extensive work, we are now satisfied that the full proceeds of the sale will not benefit Roman Abramovich or any other sanctioned individual. We will now begin the process of ensuring the proceeds of the sale are used for humanitarian causes in Ukraine, supporting victims of the war.
"The steps today will secure the future of this important cultural asset and protect fans and the wider football community. We have been in discussions with relevant international partners for necessary licences required and we thank them for all their cooperation."
Earlier this month the deal had seemed close to collapse over concerns proceeds would not reach good causes as promised by Abramovich.
Abramovich denied that he had asked for his £1.5bn loan to Chelsea be repaid when the club was sold.
Several parties expressed an interest but Chelsea agreed to sell to the Boehly-led consortium earlier in May.
The consortium is led by Boehly, but Clearlake Capital - a Californian private equity firm - would own a majority of the shares in Chelsea. Other investors include US billionaire Mark Walter, also a co-owner of the LA Dodgers, and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss.
Chelsea's sale - the key moments
24 February: Russia invades Ukraine
26 February: Roman Abramovich gives "stewardship and care" of club to charitable foundation
2 March: The Chelsea owner says he plans to sell the club
10 March: The UK government sanctions Abramovich
5 May: Abramovich denies he has requested a £1.5bn loan he made to Chelsea is repaid
7 May: Todd Boehly agrees a £4.25bn deal for the club
16 May: Government insider says the deal is close to collapse
24 May: Premier League approves takeover
25 May: Government approves takeover
The London club was put up for sale in March before owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned over his links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
On Tuesday, the Premier League said the consortium had passed its owners' and directors' test.
Chelsea have been operating under a special government licence which expires on 31 May.
"Late last night the UK government reached a position where we could issue a licence that permits the sale of Chelsea," a government spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.
Who are the key people behind consortium buying club?
The government does not want Abramovich to receive any of the proceeds from the sale, which will instead go into a frozen bank account to be donated to charity.
The statement added: "Following the sanctioning of Roman Abramovich, the government has worked hard to ensure Chelsea has been able to continue to play football. But we have always been clear that the long-term future of the club could only be secured under a new owner.
"Following extensive work, we are now satisfied that the full proceeds of the sale will not benefit Roman Abramovich or any other sanctioned individual. We will now begin the process of ensuring the proceeds of the sale are used for humanitarian causes in Ukraine, supporting victims of the war.
"The steps today will secure the future of this important cultural asset and protect fans and the wider football community. We have been in discussions with relevant international partners for necessary licences required and we thank them for all their cooperation."
Earlier this month the deal had seemed close to collapse over concerns proceeds would not reach good causes as promised by Abramovich.
Abramovich denied that he had asked for his £1.5bn loan to Chelsea be repaid when the club was sold.
Several parties expressed an interest but Chelsea agreed to sell to the Boehly-led consortium earlier in May.
The consortium is led by Boehly, but Clearlake Capital - a Californian private equity firm - would own a majority of the shares in Chelsea. Other investors include US billionaire Mark Walter, also a co-owner of the LA Dodgers, and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss.
Chelsea's sale - the key moments
24 February: Russia invades Ukraine
26 February: Roman Abramovich gives "stewardship and care" of club to charitable foundation
2 March: The Chelsea owner says he plans to sell the club
10 March: The UK government sanctions Abramovich
5 May: Abramovich denies he has requested a £1.5bn loan he made to Chelsea is repaid
7 May: Todd Boehly agrees a £4.25bn deal for the club
16 May: Government insider says the deal is close to collapse
24 May: Premier League approves takeover
25 May: Government approves takeover
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- Oct 2, 2004
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- 217,978
Chelsea's new owners have "big ambitions" in the transfer market as they seek to close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, say sources.
A £4.25bn takeover of the club led by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly has been approved by the government and the Premier League.
The completion of the sale should come in the next couple of days.
But there are many transfer issues for Boehly's consortium to contend with.
The new owners also want to take a more strategic and data-led approach to their recruitment, such as is in place at clubs like Liverpool, and have pledged to invest £1.75bn in Chelsea over the next 10 years.
Centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are set to leave Stamford Bridge on free transfers this summer, for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
The future of captain Cesar Azpilicueta is also in doubt after the Spaniard held talks with Barcelona.
Boehly is set to have talks with manager Thomas Tuchel about filling those gaps in the squad. The club have previously been linked with Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.
There will also be a desire to tie midfielders N'Golo Kante and Jorginho to new deals given their contracts expire next summer.
Chelsea will also want to offer new contracts to midfielder Mason Mount and defender Reece James, who are both on lower wages than their team-mates after coming through the club's academy.
The club were unable to do any transfer business once owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned over his links to Russian president Vladimir Putin shortly after he put the club up for sale in March.
Chelsea ended the season in third place, 19 points behind champions Manchester City.
BBC
A £4.25bn takeover of the club led by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly has been approved by the government and the Premier League.
The completion of the sale should come in the next couple of days.
But there are many transfer issues for Boehly's consortium to contend with.
The new owners also want to take a more strategic and data-led approach to their recruitment, such as is in place at clubs like Liverpool, and have pledged to invest £1.75bn in Chelsea over the next 10 years.
Centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are set to leave Stamford Bridge on free transfers this summer, for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
The future of captain Cesar Azpilicueta is also in doubt after the Spaniard held talks with Barcelona.
Boehly is set to have talks with manager Thomas Tuchel about filling those gaps in the squad. The club have previously been linked with Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.
There will also be a desire to tie midfielders N'Golo Kante and Jorginho to new deals given their contracts expire next summer.
Chelsea will also want to offer new contracts to midfielder Mason Mount and defender Reece James, who are both on lower wages than their team-mates after coming through the club's academy.
The club were unable to do any transfer business once owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned over his links to Russian president Vladimir Putin shortly after he put the club up for sale in March.
Chelsea ended the season in third place, 19 points behind champions Manchester City.
BBC
James
World Star
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- 50,859
- Post of the Week
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And now the Roman era comes to an end.
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Departing Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater has apologised to fans and said his time at the club was a "business deal gone wrong".
The 32-year-old was capped three times by England and helped Leicester City win the Premier League title in 2016.
But he failed to make a significant impression at Stamford Bridge after his £35m move in 2017.
"Me, the club and fans are hugely disappointed with the outcome there is no doubt about that," he said.
Writing on Instagram on Thursday to mark the end of his Chelsea contract, which expires on 30 June, he added: "Injuries, how I have been treated, mistakes I have made, issues of the pitch, lack of game time… the list of excuses could be endless.
"I'm going to look at positives over the past five years, I have played with great players, coached by awesome managers, worked with some brilliant staff, met some fantastic people, lived in some beautiful places, travelled the world and won some more silverware.
"Football's a fantastic sport but this for both parties was a business move gone wrong, it's as black and white as that.
"To the Chelsea fans I apologise for how this has turned out I would of [sic] loved for you to see me at my best in that shirt doing what I love."
After signing for Chelsea he had loan spells at Burnley, Aston Villa, Turkish club Kasimpasa and Reading.
He also had off-field problems - a drink-driving ban, being assaulted in a nightclub and headbutting team-mate Jota while on loan at Villa.
BBC
The 32-year-old was capped three times by England and helped Leicester City win the Premier League title in 2016.
But he failed to make a significant impression at Stamford Bridge after his £35m move in 2017.
"Me, the club and fans are hugely disappointed with the outcome there is no doubt about that," he said.
Writing on Instagram on Thursday to mark the end of his Chelsea contract, which expires on 30 June, he added: "Injuries, how I have been treated, mistakes I have made, issues of the pitch, lack of game time… the list of excuses could be endless.
"I'm going to look at positives over the past five years, I have played with great players, coached by awesome managers, worked with some brilliant staff, met some fantastic people, lived in some beautiful places, travelled the world and won some more silverware.
"Football's a fantastic sport but this for both parties was a business move gone wrong, it's as black and white as that.
"To the Chelsea fans I apologise for how this has turned out I would of [sic] loved for you to see me at my best in that shirt doing what I love."
After signing for Chelsea he had loan spells at Burnley, Aston Villa, Turkish club Kasimpasa and Reading.
He also had off-field problems - a drink-driving ban, being assaulted in a nightclub and headbutting team-mate Jota while on loan at Villa.
BBC
James
World Star
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- Jan 8, 2006
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- 50,859
- Post of the Week
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^Was always a stupid move from him.
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The Chelsea sale is expected to be completed on Monday after a "final and definitive agreement" was reached with the consortium led by Todd Boehly.
The Premier League and UK government have approved the £4.25bn takeover.
Chelsea were put up for sale in March before owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned over his links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The club have been operating under a special government licence which expires on 31 May.
"Chelsea Football Club can confirm that a final and definitive agreement was entered into last night to sell the club to the Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital consortium," Chelsea said in a statement on Saturday morning.
"It is expected that the transaction will be completed on Monday."
Although the consortium is led by Boehly, Californian private equity firm Clearlake Capital would own a majority of the shares.
Other investors include US billionaire Mark Walter, a co-owner of the LA Dodgers with Boehly, and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss.
It is understood the new owners have "big ambitions" in the transfer market as they seek to close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.
On Tuesday the Premier League said the consortium had passed its owners' and directors' test.
On Wednesday the UK government said it had "reached a position where we could issue a licence that permits the sale of Chelsea".
The Chelsea Supporters' Trust said: "The CST has been very encouraged by the interactions we have had with Mr Boehly and his team over recent months, but the hard work starts now.
"It is now time to deliver both on and off the pitch in building a successful, inclusive and forward-thinking club with supporters at the forefront."
Several parties expressed an interest, but Chelsea agreed to sell to the Boehly-led consortium this month.
The government does not want Abramovich to receive any of the proceeds from the sale, which will instead go into a frozen bank account to be donated to charity.
The government says it is now "satisfied that the full proceeds of the sale will not benefit Roman Abramovich or any other sanctioned individual" and the proceeds will be used for "humanitarian causes in Ukraine, supporting victims of the war".
Chelsea finished third in the Premier League, lost the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals to Liverpool on penalties and reached the Champions League quarter-finals.
End of an era
Abramovich bought Chelsea for £140m in 2003.
Under his ownership, the club have won every major trophy - two Champions League titles, five Premier Leagues, five FA Cups, two Europa League titles and three EFL Cups.
In August 2021 they won the Uefa Super Cup and in February their first Club World Cup.
Abramovich has appointed 13 managers and the club have spent more than £2bn in the transfer market under his ownership.
Chelsea's women's team, who became affiliated to Chelsea FC in 2004, have won four Women's Super League titles and three FA Cups under Abramovich.
Chelsea's sale - the key moments
24 February: Russia invades Ukraine
26 February: Abramovich gives "stewardship and care" of club to charitable foundation
2 March: Abramovich says he plans to sell the club
10 March: The UK government sanctions Abramovich
5 May: Abramovich denies he has requested a £1.5bn loan he made to Chelsea is repaid
7 May: Boehly agrees a £4.25bn deal for the club
16 May: Government insider says the deal is close to collapse
24 May: Premier League approves takeover
25 May: Government approves takeover
BBC
The Premier League and UK government have approved the £4.25bn takeover.
Chelsea were put up for sale in March before owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned over his links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
The club have been operating under a special government licence which expires on 31 May.
"Chelsea Football Club can confirm that a final and definitive agreement was entered into last night to sell the club to the Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital consortium," Chelsea said in a statement on Saturday morning.
"It is expected that the transaction will be completed on Monday."
Although the consortium is led by Boehly, Californian private equity firm Clearlake Capital would own a majority of the shares.
Other investors include US billionaire Mark Walter, a co-owner of the LA Dodgers with Boehly, and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss.
It is understood the new owners have "big ambitions" in the transfer market as they seek to close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.
On Tuesday the Premier League said the consortium had passed its owners' and directors' test.
On Wednesday the UK government said it had "reached a position where we could issue a licence that permits the sale of Chelsea".
The Chelsea Supporters' Trust said: "The CST has been very encouraged by the interactions we have had with Mr Boehly and his team over recent months, but the hard work starts now.
"It is now time to deliver both on and off the pitch in building a successful, inclusive and forward-thinking club with supporters at the forefront."
Several parties expressed an interest, but Chelsea agreed to sell to the Boehly-led consortium this month.
The government does not want Abramovich to receive any of the proceeds from the sale, which will instead go into a frozen bank account to be donated to charity.
The government says it is now "satisfied that the full proceeds of the sale will not benefit Roman Abramovich or any other sanctioned individual" and the proceeds will be used for "humanitarian causes in Ukraine, supporting victims of the war".
Chelsea finished third in the Premier League, lost the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals to Liverpool on penalties and reached the Champions League quarter-finals.
End of an era
Abramovich bought Chelsea for £140m in 2003.
Under his ownership, the club have won every major trophy - two Champions League titles, five Premier Leagues, five FA Cups, two Europa League titles and three EFL Cups.
In August 2021 they won the Uefa Super Cup and in February their first Club World Cup.
Abramovich has appointed 13 managers and the club have spent more than £2bn in the transfer market under his ownership.
Chelsea's women's team, who became affiliated to Chelsea FC in 2004, have won four Women's Super League titles and three FA Cups under Abramovich.
Chelsea's sale - the key moments
24 February: Russia invades Ukraine
26 February: Abramovich gives "stewardship and care" of club to charitable foundation
2 March: Abramovich says he plans to sell the club
10 March: The UK government sanctions Abramovich
5 May: Abramovich denies he has requested a £1.5bn loan he made to Chelsea is repaid
7 May: Boehly agrees a £4.25bn deal for the club
16 May: Government insider says the deal is close to collapse
24 May: Premier League approves takeover
25 May: Government approves takeover
BBC
James
World Star
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- Jan 8, 2006
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Shame as it’s been quite amusing to watch Chelsea hobbling along like this.
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- Oct 2, 2004
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Chelsea's £4.25bn sale to a consortium led by American investor Todd Boehly has been completed.
The club was put up for sale in March before previous owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned over his links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Chelsea had been operating under a special government licence which would have expired on 31 May.
Boehly said in a statement that he was "honoured" and "wanted to make fans proud".
His consortium fought off 11 serious rivals to become the new owners, in a sale process that started on 2 March and comprised more than 250 enquiries.
"We are honoured to become the new custodians of Chelsea Football Club," he said.
"We're all in - 100% - every minute of every match. Our vision as owners is clear: we want to make the fans proud.
"Along with our commitment to developing the youth squad and acquiring the best talent, our plan of action is to invest in the club for the long term and build on Chelsea's remarkable history of success.
"I personally want to thank ministers and officials in the British government, and the Premier League, for all their work in making this happen."
The UK government - which said last Wednesday it could issue a licence for the sale of the club - does not want Abramovich to receive any of the proceeds from the sale, which will instead go into a frozen bank account to be donated to charities supporting victims of the war in Ukraine.
Several parties expressed an interest, but Chelsea agreed to sell to the Boehly-led consortium earlier in May, with Californian private equity firm Clearlake Capital owning a majority of the shares as it makes its first foray into sport.
Boehly, 48, is also a part-owner of seven-time baseball World Series champions the LA Dodgers, US women's basketball team the Los Angeles Sparks and NBA franchise the Los Angeles Lakers.
He has also invested in Bruce Springsteen's song rights, a sports betting firm and restaurant chains.
Other investors include US billionaire Mark Walter, a co-owner of the LA Dodgers with a stake in the Lakers like Boehly, and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss.
End of an era
Abramovich bought Chelsea for £140m in 2003.
Under his ownership, the club won every major trophy - two Champions Leagues, five Premier Leagues, five FA Cups, two Europa Leagues and three EFL Cups.
In August 2021 they won the Uefa Super Cup and in February their first Club World Cup.
Abramovich has appointed 13 managers and the club has spent more than £2bn in the transfer market under his ownership.
Chelsea's women's team, who became affiliated to Chelsea FC in 2004, have won five Women's Super League titles and four FA Cups under Abramovich.
When an agreement for the sale was reached, he said: "As I hand over Chelsea to its new custodians, I would like to wish them the best of success, both on and off the pitch.
"It has been an honour of a lifetime to be a part of this club - I would like to thank all the club's past and current players, staff, and of course fans for these incredible years."
Chelsea's sale - the key moments
24 February: Russia invades Ukraine
26 February: Abramovich gives "stewardship and care" of club to charitable foundation
2 March: Abramovich says he plans to sell the club
10 March: The UK government sanctions Abramovich
5 May: Abramovich denies he has requested a £1.5bn loan he made to Chelsea is repaid
7 May: Boehly agrees a £4.25bn deal for the club
16 May: Government insider says the deal is close to collapse
24 May: Premier League approves takeover
25 May: Government approves takeover
28 May: Final agreement reached with Boehly-led consortium
30 May: Sale completed
BBC
The club was put up for sale in March before previous owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned over his links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Chelsea had been operating under a special government licence which would have expired on 31 May.
Boehly said in a statement that he was "honoured" and "wanted to make fans proud".
His consortium fought off 11 serious rivals to become the new owners, in a sale process that started on 2 March and comprised more than 250 enquiries.
"We are honoured to become the new custodians of Chelsea Football Club," he said.
"We're all in - 100% - every minute of every match. Our vision as owners is clear: we want to make the fans proud.
"Along with our commitment to developing the youth squad and acquiring the best talent, our plan of action is to invest in the club for the long term and build on Chelsea's remarkable history of success.
"I personally want to thank ministers and officials in the British government, and the Premier League, for all their work in making this happen."
The UK government - which said last Wednesday it could issue a licence for the sale of the club - does not want Abramovich to receive any of the proceeds from the sale, which will instead go into a frozen bank account to be donated to charities supporting victims of the war in Ukraine.
Several parties expressed an interest, but Chelsea agreed to sell to the Boehly-led consortium earlier in May, with Californian private equity firm Clearlake Capital owning a majority of the shares as it makes its first foray into sport.
Boehly, 48, is also a part-owner of seven-time baseball World Series champions the LA Dodgers, US women's basketball team the Los Angeles Sparks and NBA franchise the Los Angeles Lakers.
He has also invested in Bruce Springsteen's song rights, a sports betting firm and restaurant chains.
Other investors include US billionaire Mark Walter, a co-owner of the LA Dodgers with a stake in the Lakers like Boehly, and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss.
End of an era
Abramovich bought Chelsea for £140m in 2003.
Under his ownership, the club won every major trophy - two Champions Leagues, five Premier Leagues, five FA Cups, two Europa Leagues and three EFL Cups.
In August 2021 they won the Uefa Super Cup and in February their first Club World Cup.
Abramovich has appointed 13 managers and the club has spent more than £2bn in the transfer market under his ownership.
Chelsea's women's team, who became affiliated to Chelsea FC in 2004, have won five Women's Super League titles and four FA Cups under Abramovich.
When an agreement for the sale was reached, he said: "As I hand over Chelsea to its new custodians, I would like to wish them the best of success, both on and off the pitch.
"It has been an honour of a lifetime to be a part of this club - I would like to thank all the club's past and current players, staff, and of course fans for these incredible years."
Chelsea's sale - the key moments
24 February: Russia invades Ukraine
26 February: Abramovich gives "stewardship and care" of club to charitable foundation
2 March: Abramovich says he plans to sell the club
10 March: The UK government sanctions Abramovich
5 May: Abramovich denies he has requested a £1.5bn loan he made to Chelsea is repaid
7 May: Boehly agrees a £4.25bn deal for the club
16 May: Government insider says the deal is close to collapse
24 May: Premier League approves takeover
25 May: Government approves takeover
28 May: Final agreement reached with Boehly-led consortium
30 May: Sale completed
BBC
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- Oct 2, 2004
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- 217,978
Antonio Rudiger has completed his move to Real Madrid from Chelsea on a free transfer, signing a four-year deal.
The Germany international, 29, has joined the new Spanish and European champions after rejecting Chelsea attempts to extend his contract.
Rudiger moved to Chelsea for an initial fee of £29m from Roma in 2017.
He made 203 appearances and scored 12 goals for the Blues, winning the FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Chelsea described Rudiger as "as one of the most passionate characters to represent the club in recent memory".
BBC
The Germany international, 29, has joined the new Spanish and European champions after rejecting Chelsea attempts to extend his contract.
Rudiger moved to Chelsea for an initial fee of £29m from Roma in 2017.
He made 203 appearances and scored 12 goals for the Blues, winning the FA Cup, Champions League, Europa League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.
Chelsea described Rudiger as "as one of the most passionate characters to represent the club in recent memory".
BBC
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