Chelsea have finally confirmed the appointment of Christopher Vivell as their new technical director, more than two months after he left RB Leipzig.
Vivell will immediately take over from owner Todd Boehly, who had been filling in as interim sporting director since Marina Granovskia left Stamford Bridge. The appointment means that Vivell will be in place for the January transfer window, which will be key amid the Blues' poor form.
The German had spent two years at Leipzig working as sporting director, having been head of scouting at sister-club Red Bull Salzburg. Chelsea have long eyed Vivell, who was sacked by Leipzig back in October amid his links to Stamford Bridge.
And the Blues have confirmed they have finally been able to bring him to London with immediate effect. Vivell expressed his delight at taking on the role at the Blues, where he will link up with Graham Potter.
"Chelsea are building the most exciting project in global football and I’m extremely proud to be joining the club. There is so much potential for the club to continue to succeed, develop and grow," he said.
"Under the new ownership, Graham Potter and the broader sporting team, there is a clear and sustainable philosophy underpinned by performance analysis, data and innovation, and I am looking forward to playing a part in that."
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Boehly is also pleased to have finally been able to relinquish his interim role. Speaking alongside co-controlling owner Behad Eghbali, the American revealed his hope for a successful partnership between Vivell and Potter.
"We are delighted that Christopher is taking up this important leadership role at the club. His work in Germany and Austria speaks for itself," the duo said in a statement.
"We are confident he will continue on his impressive trajectory here at Chelsea. He will provide important support to Graham and the ownership group and play a vital part in advancing our overall vision for the club."
Chelsea will be hoping Vivell's time with them does not go the same way as his career did at Leipzig. He was sacked in October, with the Bundesliga side claiming he had "contrasting views" to them on the future of the club.
“Christopher Vivell was dismissed from his role as technical director on Thursday due to different contrasting views. His duties will be taken over by by the existing setup until Max Eberl’s tenure as sporting director begins," a Leipzig statement read.
Vivell's arrival is part of a major overhaul of Chelsea's recruitment team, with the German joining analyst Kyle Macaulay, appointed in September, and director of global talent and transfers Paul Winstaley, who joined in November.
The January transfer window opens in 11 days' time and Chelsea are set to be one of the more active clubs. This will be Potter's first chance to sign players since he replaced Thomas Tuchel and he will hope that Vivell's arrival can make it a successful month.
