The 2021/22 campaign was a season like no other for Chelsea. Sixty-three games were played across six competitions, two trophies were lifted, two finals were lost, and off-pitch events resulted in the biggest challenge – and imminently the biggest change – the club has faced in 19 years.
That is, of course, the sale of Chelsea by Roman Abramovich, who was sanctioned by the UK government and EU as part of their responses to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February. A takeover is now close to completion, with the consortium led by U.S. billionaire Todd Boehly confident a deal will be officially wrapped up in the coming days.
The sale will free Chelsea from operating under the sanctions imposed on Abramovich; that is vital ahead of the summer transfer window, with Thomas Tuchel having admitted a squad rebuild is required. Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are moving on, and Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso are wanted by Barcelona. So replacements will need to be signed – and quickly.
