Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has outlined what Todd Boehly’s consortium must prioritise at the club.
On Saturday morning, a statement on the club’s website confirmed that a takeover had been agreed: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm that terms have been agreed for a new ownership group, led by Todd Boehly, Clearlake Capital, Mark Walter and Hansjorg Wyss, to acquire the club.
“Of the total investment being made, £2.5billion will be applied to purchase the shares in the club and such proceeds will be deposited into a frozen UK bank account with the intention to donate 100% to charitable causes as confirmed by Roman Abramovich. UK Government approval will be required for the proceeds to be transferred from the frozen UK bank account.
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“In addition, the proposed new owners will commit £1.75billion in further investment for the benefit of the club. This includes investments in Stamford Bridge, the Academy, the Women’s Team and Kingsmeadow and continued funding for the Chelsea Foundation. The sale is expected to complete in late May subject to all necessary regulatory approvals. More details will be provided at that time.”
Even though the Blues have been one of the most successful clubs in Europe over the past two decades, Boehly’s consortium have a lot to sort out in the coming months and years – at least according to Hasselbaink that is.
“There’s a lot to do,” Hasselbaink told Prime Slots. “Chelsea needs a new stadium. 45,000 is not sustainable if you want to compete with the big boys, so they need to go to 60-70,000. They need to think about the training and development of players and getting that foundation right. Chelsea has a history of developing players and that needs to continue.”
The former Netherlands striker also admitted that the club needs to be active in the upcoming transfer market. With that in mind, he thinks that the new ownership must strengthen Thomas Tuchel’s defence.
“Many of Chelsea’s defenders are getting older or have contracts that are expiring and will need to be replaced,” he added. “Maybe Azpi [Azpilicueta] has another year playing week in week out, but if you’re not keeping Rudiger, Chelsea will need to bring in three to four defenders in a very short period of time. The squad needs to be balanced. A few need to go and a few need to come in. The new owners have several priorities that he needs to sort out.”
There’s clearly a lot to do but it’s a project fans, players and the owners can go through together as Chelsea embark on a new era in west London.
Source by Football London
