Todd Boehly has ended his association with Chelsea after four years in the boardroom, selling his stake in the Premier League club for what is described as a ‘small profit’.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, the American provided plenty of amusement, from his suggestion of a North versus South all-star game to fund the football pyramid, to his apparent lack of recognition of club legend Ruud Gullit.
A spending spree like no other
Boehly’s tenure was defined by record spending and unusually long contracts. In 2022, as interim sporting director, he signed Raheem Sterling for £50million on a five-year deal worth £325,000 a week. The following January, Chelsea paid £70million for Mykhailo Mudryk, handing the Ukrainian an eight-and-a-half-year contract.
In just over four years, the club signed 65 players with an outlay of around £2billion. Boehly himself admitted at a conference earlier this year: “I was stuck being interim sporting director for the summer having no idea what made a good football player.”
Managerial merry-go-round
Chelsea have had eight managers in four years, including interim bosses Frank Lampard and Calum McFarlane. Graham Potter received a £13million pay-off after just eight months in charge.
Despite finishing tenth last season and winning two of their opening four Premier League games this term, Boehly said in his departure statement: “I am confident that Chelsea is well positioned for continued success.”
While his influence may have waned after his initial six months, Boehly remained a key figure during a period in which Chelsea lost any sense of identity. He brought new owners to the club when the future was uncertain, and leaves having made a profit on his investment.
