Ben Jacobs confirms that Chelsea will do more business in January. (Photo by CARLOS JASSO/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has held talks to buy a club in Portugal, as the new owner wants to follow a multi-club model like Manchester City and the Red Bull group. This is according to The Telegraph (subscription required) journalist Matt Law.
Boehly is believed to have met with Chelsea’s academy manager Neil Bath and super-agent Jorge Mendes in Portugal in June to discuss on the subject. Bath has been scouting the best clubs for the Blues to send their young talents to develop, while Mendes’ connection in the country would make him the best third party for any buy.
Portugal is considered one of the best countries to buy a satellite club. The Liga Portugal is considered to be one of the best outside the traditional ‘top five’ leagues, making it the best place for young talents to nurture.
The new co-owner had earlier confirmed this week that he is looking to expand the club’s global footprint by buying overseas satellite clubs. Although, this is the grand plan in Boehly’s mind, which club he plans to buy is not known yet.
It is also believed that the Blues next long-term sporting director would be very much involved in this project. And this could be a reason why the west London club has been linked with a move for RB Salzburg’s Christoph Freund.
Freund worked within the Red Bull system for more than a decade. There is hardly anyone else who could offer a better insight and logistics involved in having a satellite club than him. He is said to have held advanced talks with the west London club.
Boehly is not wrong with this plan. Having a sister club elsewhere would allow our young prospects to nourish while also gaining top-level football experience. RB Leipzig and Salzburg both participate in the Champions League, despite their affiliations and this is something that Chelsea want to follow suit too.
It remains to be seen who is appointed as the sporting director at the club. No doubt, whoever comes will likely lead the project and Boehly would be wise to get in a suitable candidate. A very ambitious plan, it will only benefit Chelsea if it pays off.
As for the venture in Portugal, it could be a smart long-term investment by the club. Looking at the talent PL teams have brought from Liga Portugal in recent seasons – such as Bruno Fernandes, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, among others – Chelsea would be wise to look into this market as well.
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