Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is close to kickstarting his multi-club project at Stamford Bridge by purchasing a stake in French side Strasbourg. Boehly and Clearlake Capital have been looking for suitable clubs to purchase since last summer as they aim to follow Manchester City's example of owning stakes in multiple clubs across the world.
The American has admitted to making a number of mistakes in his first full-season as the Blues' co-owner but is hoping to continue on with his long-term project. After spending £600million on new signings in the last 12 months, Boehly is expected to back incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino with further additions - whilst trimming down the club's bloated squad.
Chelsea will not feature in any European competition next term which could benefit Pochettino's rebuild at Stamford Bridge, allowing him more time on the training pitch with his players. Despite a number of plans being put in motion in west London, Boehly is continuing to look for other clubs to invest in and build a multi-club model.
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A report from The Guardian has detailed that Boehly is preparing to purchase a stake in Strasbourg ahead of next season. The Chelsea co-owner has spoken about a multi-club model being a way the Blues can offer a clear pathway for young talents to be exposed to first-team football, accelerating their development and opportunity to feature for the West London outfit.
Chelsea have looked at a number of clubs in France, Belgium, Portugal and South America. There have been talks with Bordeaux but a deal with Strasbourg is said to make more financial sense for Boehly and the Blues.
The size of the proposed stake Boehly is willing to buy is unknown, but talks are said to be progressing smoothly and it is understood the price would depend on whether Strasbourg avoid relegation from Ligue 1 - with the team currently five points above the bottom four with three games left.
The report adds that Chelsea are believed to be looking at buying a stake in the Portuguese club Portimonense. The Blues stepped up their interest in Strasbourg after Boehly was unable to reach a deal with Bordeaux’s president, Gerard Lopez.
Boehly is said to have held productive discussions with Strasbourg’s president, Marc Keller, in recent months. There are 11 shareholders at Strasbourg and Keller, whose 27% stake is the biggest, has been alive to their concerns.
Gaining influence at Strasbourg would give Chelsea a footing in a country that produces some of the best players in the world. They would also have a way of giving experience to young players who could be brought to Stamford Bridge at a later date.
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