Chelsea owners buy Ligue 1 side Strasbourg in a deal worth £60m
Chelsea are planning to join the ranks of teams using a multi-club model in an ambitious effort to improve player development, scouting ability, and worldwide presence. Chelsea owners buy Ligue 1 side Strasbourg with the intention to expand this strategy to Portugal by buying Rio Ave. This creates an avenue where Chelsea’s academy and youth players can develop themselves.
According to writer Romain Molina, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital and Chelsea have reached an agreement that will give them a sizable ownership in Ligue 1 team Strasbourg. Chelsea’s position in the multi-club model will be further strengthened by this acquisition, which is anticipated to culminate in them acquiring roughly 100% of the French club. Boehly noted that City Football Group and Red Bull’s successful models served as further motivation for Chelsea to pursue this strategy.
Chelsea’s multi-club growth is primarily driven by a desire to provide clear career paths for their youth players. The club wants to provide its talented players great possibilities for growth and playing time experience by purchasing Strasbourg. This action is consistent with Chelsea’s long-standing dedication to developing young players and making sure the first team has a robust talent pipeline.
Chelsea may be able to help foreign players amass enough points to satisfy the requirements of the regulatory body with the acquisition of Strasbourg. The Football Association implemented new, strict guidelines governing the eligibility of international players when the United Kingdom left the European Union. Chelsea can increase their chances of fulfilling these standards by enabling players from linked teams to accumulate worthwhile experience and points.
Chelsea’s interest in the multi-club concept has grown as a result of remarks made in March by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin. Ceferin made a suggestion that the rules prohibiting clubs with the same majority owner from participating in the same tournament may be changed. Chelsea’s confidence in pursuing their multi-club plan was probably increased by this comment, since it shows potential future flexibility in competing in many tournaments.
Despite the contract with Strasbourg has not yet been officially confirmed, the story has already caused dissent among the French club’s followers. “Boehly not welcome” was the message on a banner that was put up by ultras in Strasbourg, stressing the problems with the investment. However, the purchase gives Chelsea a chance to improve their young players and expand their network of clubs internationally.
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