Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with manager Thomas Tuchel over a new long-term contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until June 2026.
It's believed Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly wants to repay Tuchel's loyalty by giving him a pay rise and more job security. The experienced coach, 48, has been in charge of the Blues since January 2021, when he succeeded club legend Frank Lampard in the role.
Tuchel has achieved significant success at Stamford Bridge since his appointment - winning the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup. He's also guided Chelsea to two FA Cup finals and the EFL Cup final, losing all three Wembley events.
As a result of Chelsea's success, Tuchel has won a host of individual awards - including The Best FIFA Football Coach, UEFA Men's Coach of the Year and German Football Manager of the Year. He is also a two-time Premier League Manager of the Month.
Tuchel has two years left on his existing deal, which was signed on his appointment. According to The Sun, negotiations between Chelsea and the German's representatives are underway and it's hoped a new four-year deal can be agreed.
Many expected Tuchel to leave Stamford Bridge when previous owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government over alleged ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin, something he denies. Russia invaded Ukraine in February.
How do you rate Thomas Tuchel's time at Chelsea? Let us know in the comments below!
The sanctions placed on Abramovich meant Chelsea could not do business in the transfer market or renew contracts until they were lifted by Boris Johnson and his colleagues or the club was sold. Boehly's consortium completed a takeover in May.
It's believed the American tycoon is keen to reward Tuchel's loyalty. Manchester United were reportedly interested in making Tuchel their new manager in March, at the peak of Chelsea's crisis. He was quick to quash links and Erik ten Hag was handed the job the next month.
"No reaction at all," said Tuchel in March when he was quizzed about the United speculation. "Do you feel me less committed to the club or less involved in the club in my situation? I think absolutely not, I love to be here and I love to work for Chelsea.
"This club has everything it needs to make me happy and that's why it's no need and we have plenty of reasons to stay in the moment here and that's what we're doing."
Tuchel has been backed in the transfer market this summer, with Chelsea bringing in Raheem Sterling from Manchester City, Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, Gabriel Slonina from Chicago Fire, Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa and Marc Cucurella from Brighton.
Tuchel has a successful track record. The former Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain boss has also won two Ligue 1 titles, the Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue and DFB-Pokal.
