Todd Boehly, in association with Clearlake Capitals, has emerged as the front-runner in the race to complete the takeover of Chelsea Football Club.
According to reputed journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are on the verge of sealing their takeover, with the consortium led by American business magnate Todd Boehly, in association with Clearlake Capitals emerging as the front-runner in the race to complete the ownership of the Premier League outfit.
There have been intense negotiations and paperwork throughout the past couple of months, with Raine Group reducing the overall number of candidates to own Chelsea to four, including the Boehly consortium, Stephen Pagliuca and British businessman Sir Martin Broughton.
It appears the Todd Boehly consortium is on the verge of winning the race, with the takeover likely to be completed in the near future. The two parties held productive talks on Wednesday, and Chelsea are currently not considering any alternatives, paving the way for the deal to be finalised swiftly.
The takeover would mark a critical point for Chelsea’s history. The club had enjoyed almost two decades of success under the leadership of previous owner Roman Abramovich, winning numerous trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles.
Many Chelsea fans fear the takeover could bring about serious changes in the club’s management. Although all the four contenders last month were in unison in wanting to appoint Paul Mitchell as the sporting director, Chelsea may have to make do without the influential Marina Granovskaia.
Even the future of Thomas Tuchel could be under the shroud of uncertainty. The German tactician deserves credit for leading Chelsea into the dark period rather than pointing to the club’s fortunes, but he may have to rethink his position at the Stamford Bridge following the arrival of the new owners.
There is no secret that Tuchel had a healthy relationship with Abramovich, who had granted him the powers to make the moves he liked in the market. But that policy might change under Todd Boehly and his partners including Clearlake Capitals.
With just a few games remaining until the end of the season, Chelsea’s main priority will be to seal the third place in the Premier League table. They are currently leading fourth-placed Arsenal by only three points, so there is no margin for error for Tuchel’s men as we enter the business end of the campaign.
