Romano: Chelsea’s target for sporting director role “could now stay” at current club

Romano: Red Bull group really trying to keep Christoph Freund amid Chelsea interest

Chelsea’s hunt for a new sporting director could yet take another surprising turn. Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Red Bull group is trying to keep their director.

Christoph Freund, the current sporting director of RB Salzburg was tipped to become the next sporting director at Chelsea. A contract agreement was also reached on Sunday between the two parties.

However, nothing has become official yet and now the Red Bull group are doing everything to keep their director from leaving. The Blues will insist, but could also now reopen talks with other candidates.

Freund has a contract with the Austrian club till 2026. Earlier, the chief of Salzburg had also played down all speculations that the 45-year-old director will leave for the Blues.

Todd Boehly has been in search of a director all summer. The American acted as the interim sporting director this summer and spent millions in rebuilding the squad with former coach Thomas Tuchel.

Salzburg’s Freund was seen as the most ideal candidate by the new owners at the west London club. His expertise would also have helped Boehly build a multi-club model, similar to that of the Red Bull group.

But with nothing sure, the London club could now look at different candidates. Paris Saint-Germain advisor Luis Campos and former Liverpool director Michael Edwards are also said to be on the shortlist of the American.

With the January window less than three months away, now would be the best time to get in a new director. This will allow the person to understand the club’s needs and scout such players in January. It remains to be seen who is appointed for that top position.

More Chelsea News:

• Benjamin Pavard considered leaving Bayern Munich amid interest from Chelsea
• Chelsea are interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz
• Christoph Freund appointment could help Chelsea in signing Benjamin Sesko in the future

But it would be smart if we conclude everything during this international break. Chelsea return to action on October 1 against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.