Graham Potter is likely to be announced as Chelsea’s new head coach on Thursday once talks have been held with Todd Boehly and Co, according to reports.
Brighton accepted Chelsea’s request to speak to the 47-year-old over their head coach vacancy on Wednesday after they relieved Thomas Tuchel of his duties following 19 months in charge of the Blues.
Potter is travelling to London to hold talks with Boehly and other members of the hierarchy on Wednesday as they look to outline the club’s long-term vision to the current Brighton boss.
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Chelsea are believed to be confident of landing Potter, with his release clause/compensation fee which is in excess of £10 million not expected to be a problem, after Chelsea showed a willingness to Brighton to pay the amount due.
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However, as reported by Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports, he is not expected to be confirmed as the club’s next boss until at least Thursday.
Discussions will take place on Wednesday afternoon heading into the evening with Boehly and others. He is likely to be confirmed on Thursday as Tuchel’s successor.
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If he arrives at Stamford Bridge, Potter will sign a long-term contract at Chelsea sitting in line with the club’s vision of changing the culture following the club’s takeover back in May.
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Potter was only taking part in Brighton’s 2022/23 team photo on Wednesday morning, with his players unsure of what the future holds for him at the AMEX amid talks with Chelsea over the managerial vacancy.
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Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister told Sky Sports: “For sure (he is among the elite coaches in world football), he will be an amazing coach.
“Hopefully he will stay here all his life but, at the same time, we know that will be difficult, but he is really important for us as a club.
“I don’t know anything. We didn’t speak about any situation.
"The boss is really important for us, we want him to be here for a long time.”
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Chelsea were hoping to name a successor for Tuchel by Saturday in time for their Premier League clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Tuchel's reign at Chelsea came to an end after 100 games in charge, finishing with a 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, which saw him have a 60 per cent win record after arriving in January 2021.
Potter appears to be getting closer to being the next in the dugout at Stamford Bridge. It's now a matter of when, not if.
Topics: Chelsea, Premier League, Football, Brighton And Hove Albion
Matthew Debono