Todd Boehly Named Interim Sporting Director As Chelsea Eye Permanent Appointment

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has been named as the interim sporting director at the club as they search for a full-time replacement.

The Blues named their new-look structure off-the-pitch, with several departures as the Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium ring in the changes.

Marina Granovskaia has departed her role as director, with Chairman Bruce Buck also leaving his role at the end of the month.

Upon Granovskaia’s departure, the club confirmed that co-owner Boehly will operate as the interim sporting director.

The statement read: “The announcement includes the departure of Marina Granovskaia, director of Chelsea FC. Boehly will operate as interim sporting director until the Club names a full-time replacement, continuing the Club’s work towards its targets during the current transfer window. 

“Chelsea FC and Ms. Granovskaia have agreed that she will remain available to Boehly and the Club for the duration of the current transfer window, to the extent required to support the transition.”

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Everton. (Alamy)

Boehly has already been in charge of transfer negotiations this summer, sitting in meetings with Romelu Lukaku’s lawyer and Inter Milan as they plan the Belgian’s exit in the window.

The latest details have been revealed as Lukaku looks set to depart this summer, returning to Inter on a season-long loan. 

The American has also handed power in the transfer market to head coach Thomas Tuchel, promising the German that he will have the final say over incomings and outgoings this summer.

Chelsea will be looking to bring in a sporting director as a full-time replacement to Granovskaia, who is still available to assist the club during this window.

Paul Mitchell of AS Monaco has been a name mentioned, with the Blues reportedly keen on bringing him to Stamford Bridge.

Atletico Madrid’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, has also been a name circulating the press but it remains to be seen as to who Boehly will look at to take over from Granovskaia.

Todd Boehly in attendance at Stamford Bridge. (Alamy)

With the structural changes confirmed, Chelsea will be hopeful of completing their first signing of the transfer window.

Recent reports stated that long-term defensive target Jules Kounde was awaiting the structure to be in place before talks continue ahead of his potential move to Stamford Bridge. 

Reinforcements are likely to be brought in in the forward areas too as the new Chelsea owners hope to compete for the Premier League title during their first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester City and Liverpool will take some catching, however, with both clubs already strengthening as Chelsea play catch-up in the market.

Erling Haaland has joined Pep Guardiola's side, with Darwin Nunez arriving at Liverpool.

Chelsea will hope to bring in their own players in order to close the gap and compete at the top next season.