Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their bid to create a multi-club model and partner up with emerging teams across the globe in order to better hone the development of young players. It has been a public goal of the new ownership to create such a structure as they look to have closer control over the pathway of prospective Blues stars of the future.
A clear link has been taken off the market though after Bayern Munich announced a partnership with MLS side Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC). A statement released by the Bundesliga giants on Monday read: "FC Bayern Munich and Major League Soccer champions Los Angeles Football Club are to cooperate in the development of young talent.
"To this end, the two clubs have set up a joint venture (Red&Gold Football) based in Munich. The management team will be announced in the near future. The aim of the cooperation is to develop international talents, also in cooperation with partner clubs, for their own teams and for professional football."
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When it comes to Chelsea's aims, Boehly has already outlined them, saying in September: "We’ve talked about having a multi-club model. I would love to continue to build out the footprint. There are different countries where there are advantages to having a club. Red Bull does a good job. Manchester City has a big network of clubs.
“Our goal is to ensure pathways for our young stars to get on to the Chelsea pitch while getting them real game time. To do that is through another club in a really competitive league in Europe."
Behdad Eghbali has also been vocal on the matter with Chelsea already missing out attempted deals with other clubs across Europe and South America. The blow here doesn't simply come because Bayern have taken a potential club into their group, it is the clear link between Boehly and Los Angeles.
The American businessman part-owns MLB side LA Dodgers and has done for over a decade. The two sides have come together several times recently in the City of Angels, with ties between co-owner of both sides Magic Johnson. With Boehly working with the NBA great, the chances of an LAFC-Chelsea affiliation may have been possible before Bayern swooped in.
On that, Oliver Kahn, CEO of Bayern, explained the logistics of the partership, showing what the Blues have missed out on. "FC Bayern will expand its promotion of young talent with Los Angeles Football Club," the former Germany goalkeeper said. "On an international level, soccer is developing rapidly, which is also evident in the transfer market.
"We see this partnership as an opportunity to strengthen FC Bayern in the sporting competition with the best clubs in Europe and the Bundesliga. The fact that the 2026 World Cup will largely take place in the USA, where we already have an office in New York, makes Los Angeles even more attractive. I expect a boost in quality and young talent in Major League Soccer, which will have a positive impact on our partnership."
LAFC Co-President and General Manager John Thorrington added: "A partnership of this magnitude is the next step in our evolution as a club. We are extremely excited to work together with FC Bayern Munich to identify and develop young talent in Southern California and beyond and believe this relationship will provide players throughout our systems the ability to maximize their potential and see a clear pathway to our first teams."
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