Chelsea look set to appoint Red Bull Salzburg director of football Christoph Freund as the club's new sporting director after holding positive talks.
Freund has agreed to join Chelsea and will work alongside new Head coach Graham Potter in reshaping in the coming transfer windows, football.london understands. Freund is known for his work in scouting the likes of Erling Haaland, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita during his time at Salzburg.
Todd Boehly is a huge admirer of the Red Bull model and has his own hopes of replicating a similar multi-club model with Chelsea by investing in clubs on a worldwide scale. Boehly is keen to protect the long-term future of the west London outfit as shown with some of the business conducted in the summer transfer window, whilst Potter's appointment also fits in with the long-term vision at Stamford Bridge.
READ MORE: Jude Bellingham has delivered major Chelsea transfer verdict amid huge Todd Boehly decision
Salzburg talent Benjamin Sesko was a target for the Blues in the summer transfer window as they looked to find a suitable replacement for Romelu Lukaku following his return to Inter Milan on-loan. A deal proved difficult with Sesko agreeing to join RB Leipzig next summer, remaining with the Austrian champions to continue his development for another season.
The 19-year-old is considered one of the best young strikers in Europe and would be a statement signing by the Blues if they are able to secure a deal later down the line. By adding Freund to their backroom staff, it could help ease negotiations should Chelsea look to reignite their interest in a few years time.
Sesko has signed a contract until 2028 with Leipzig ahead of his move next summer and will demand a significant transfer fee if any club look to lure him away from the Bundesliga. Freund's appointment could lead to the Blues finding their own Sesko after the Salzburg director of football has an impressive track record of scouting and securing deals for talented youngsters that develop into world-class players.
READ NEXT:
Graham Potter makes Romelu Lukaku return decision as contact made amid Inter Milan transfer plan
Graham Potter finds perfect answer to N'Golo Kante contract saga with £20m Chelsea transfer
Fulham's Willian continues to make Roman Abramovich pay for costly £284m Chelsea transfer errors
Diego Costa responds to Eden Hazard's Chelsea remark and makes Wolves Premier League admission
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
