Chelsea owner Todd Boyle has been appointed as the club’s new president, succeeding his compatriot Bruce Buck, to serve as interim sporting director after the “Blues” confirmed Wednesday the departure of Marina Granovskaya.
Canadian-Russian Granovskaya is stepping down as part of a major shake-up at Stamford Bridge, leaving the task to new owner Boley to lead Chelsea’s transfer negotiations.
All prominent figures in the Boley-Clearlake Capital consortium have joined the new Chelsea board of directors after its purchase from Russian former owner Roman Abramovich.
“As the custodian of Chelsea FC, we are now beginning to implement our long-term vision and plan for the club, creating a great experience for our passionate and loyal fans, and continuing to compete for the biggest trophies in line with Chelsea’s dedicated history,” Boeley said in a statement.
Chelsea will now begin the search for a permanent sporting director after leaving Granovskaya after nearly 20 years at Stamford Bridge, during which she became one of football’s best negotiators under the Abramovich era.
Chelsea said in a statement: “Boele will act as interim sporting director until the club appoints a permanent replacement, in order to continue the club’s work towards its goals during the current transfer period.”
Granovskaya will remain to work during the current window to help with the transition.
The London club is preparing for a hectic summer of transfers. Reports indicated that Belgian international striker Romelu Lukaku is close to returning to Inter after a disappointing season in the English capital.
The club, which finished third in the league last season, is linked to French defender Jules Conde, Sevilla striker Ousmane Dembélé, Barcelona striker, and Raheem Sterling, from rivals Manchester City, champions of England.
