Talks planned for Bundesliga chief over sporting director role as Chelsea could eye internal appointment

Chelsea are ready to engage in further talks with Bayer Leverkusen’s Tim Steidten over the club’s vacant sporting director role, according to reports. 

The new Chelsea owners are looking to bring in their own people for high-profile roles at Stamford Bridge, which has seen a mass exodus of big names this summer. 

Following the departures of Bruce Buck, Marina Granovskaia and Petr Cech, as well as Scott McLachlan - former head of scouting - and head coach Thomas Tuchel, Todd Boehly and Co are stamping their authority in west London. 

One position they have made a priority is the sporting director role and plans have been put in place to appoint someone before the World Cup in November. 

It appeared that Christoph Freund of RB Salzburg was going to be heading to the capital, but the Austrian side and 45-year-old confirmed he would be staying at Salzburg. 

Earlier this month, the Salzburg chief said: “Christoph Freund has been doing excellent work for us for many years and only recently extended his contract until 2026. 

“I can hereby confirm that he will remain sporting director of FC Red Bull Salzburg. 

“Of course, he informed me about Chelsea FC's interest in him and we exchanged ideas on a personal level and in good conversations.

“The fact is that he will remain our sporting director! We have not received any inquiries about a possible change.”

Freund added: 'As I have already confirmed in interviews, Chelsea FC was interested in me. When such a big club asks, it not only honors me and the work of FC Red Bull Salzburg, it is of course also a circumstance that entails personal considerations.

"But I've come to the conclusion that I'm in the best of hands with FC Red Bull Salzburg and that a change is out of the question for me.

"We're in the middle of a very intense phase and have important tasks to do in the Bundesliga, Cup and Champions League – that's what my focus and concentration are all on."

Attention has been moved elsewhere with talks ongoing with several candidates, however Chelsea are ready to have further talks with Steidten of Bayer Leverkusen, according to Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian. 

Initial talks with the 43-year-old have been positive, as per reports, with Steidten attracting because of his focus on data. 

Chelsea are keen to finalise an appointment as soon as possible, and should Steidten not materialise, internal candidates are being considered. 

Graham Potter and his staff have already started to make their mark after settling into their new surroundings at Cobham, including recruitment analyst Kyle Macaulay who has made a ‘strong impression’ on staff at the club.