Chelsea set to delay major plans as Todd Boehly makes sporting director decision

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is ready to delay the appointment of a sporting director in order to bring the right person to the club. 

The new owners have stamped their authority in west London since taking over the club back in May and have axed high-profile names as part of the change at Stamford Bridge. 

Petr Cech, Marina Granovskaia and Bruce Buck have all departed, while head coach Thomas Tuchel was sacked in September and replaced by Graham Potter, who brought a five-man team with him to the club from Brighton & Hove Albion. 

Petr Cech, Marina Granovskaia and Bruce Buck during a Chelsea press conference. (Alamy)

But Chelsea are yet to replace their transfer gurus and eyed a sporting director appointment, with interest being shown in several candidates including Michael Edwards, Paul Mitchell, Christoph Freund and Tim Steidten. 

However, Freund rejected the Blues earlier this month when he confirmed he would stay at RB Salzburg, while talks remain ongoing with Steidten of Bayer Leverkusen. 

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It had been hoped that an appointment would have been made before the mid-season break in November for the World Cup, but Boehly and Co have made a fresh decision on their pursuit of a sporting director. 

As reported by Andy Dillon of The Sun, Chelsea are prepared to delay the appointment until after the World Cup should it be necessary. 

Boehly is claimed to be ‘ready to take his time’ with the appointment with many candidates being looked at.

READ MORE: In full - Chelsea’s 13-game fixture list until World Cup break revealed 

Todd Boehly became Chelsea co-owner in May. (Alamy)

Chelsea want to ensure they find the ‘right person’ and prioritise that over bringing someone to the club just for speed's sake. 

Chelsea are also considering appointing a technical director too.

This role was left vacant by Cech who made the decision to leave his post as Technical and Performance Advisor back in June.

At the time, he said: "It has been a huge privilege to perform this role at Chelsea for the past three years.

"With the club under new ownership, I feel now is the right time for me to step aside.

"I am pleased that the club is now in an excellent position with the new owners, and I am confident of its future success both on and off the pitch."

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