Chelsea ‘face having to cash in on players they didn’t plan to sell’ when Roman Abramovich leaves… and staff ‘fear chiefs Marina Granovskaia, Bruce Buck AND Petr Cech will ALL leave’
- Roman Abramovich confirmed the news that he was selling Chelsea last week
- He may be sanctioned by UK government for his proximity to the Russian state
- Bruce Buck, Marina Granovskaia and Petr Cech may follow him out the door
- Chelsea chairman Buck has been a trusted advisor to Abramovich since 2004
- While Granovskaia has been responsible for transfers and contracts since 2014
- Additionally, Chelsea could be forced to sell several key players in the summer
The ramifications of Roman Abramovich’s decision to sell Chelsea will be felt across the entire club as sources claim Thomas Tuchel’s side will be forced to sell several high-profile players and restructure their hierarchy to stay afloat.
The Russian-Israeli billionaire Abramovich confirmed his ‘incredibly difficult decision’ to sell Chelsea last week following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The 55-year-old made the decision to step away from the club after it was revealed he could come under UK government sanctions given his proximity to the Russian state.
According to The Athletic, multiple sources in and outside the club fear key personnel including Bruce Buck, Marina Granovskaia and Petr Cech will follow Abramovich out of the door.
Additionally, the financial stability of the club when Abramovich exits has come under question.
Although several suitors have stepped up to bid on the Premier League side, it remains to be seen as to what the economic situation of the club will be.
Therefore, Chelsea are said to be preparing to cash in on several high-profile players that they hadn’t planned to sell during the summer transfer window.
Roman Abramovich’s departure from Chelsea will have severe repercussions for the club
It remains to be seen which players will hit the market this summer, but rivals clubs will be lurking in the wings ready to pounce.
Players and staff at Chelsea were somewhat blindsided by Abramovich’s decision to sell as he announced the news with a statement on social media ahead of their 3-2 FA Cup fifth-round win at Luton last week.
Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and American investor Todd Boehly are said to be joining forces to prepare a bid for the Blues, while Turkish businessman Muhsin Bayrak has also thrown his name in the ring to buy the Premier League giants.
However, Abramovich’s successor at Chelsea has not yet been decided and fears over the future of the club are beginning to creep in.
Chelsea chairman, Buck, has been in the role since 2004. During that time he has become a trusted advisor to Abramovich. Therefore, he could leave the club following the billionaire’s departure.
Granovskaia – who has been handling Chelsea’s transfers and contractual business since 2014 – could also leave the club over the coming weeks.
Granovskaia was responsible for signing Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of £89million in 2020. She also brokered the deal that saw Romelu Lakaku return to the club in 2021 in a deal worth £98m.
Abramovich announced his decision to sell the club last week after Russia invaded Ukraine
Bruce Buck (above), Marina Granovskaia and Petr Cech could follow him out of the door
Granovskaia has been responsible for Chelsea’ transfers and contractual business since 2014
Her departure could throw a spanner in the works for negotiations with Antonio Rudiger (right)
The 40-year-old is said to have a good relationship with Tuchel and was recently presented with an award for her work at Chelsea, but it may not be enough to keep her at the club.
Granovskaia’s potential departure from Chelsea is cause for real concern as Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen are all out of contract in the summer.
The club are still in the process of discussing their extensions and it is believed Granovskaia had been making headway with the Chelsea defenders.
However, her departure could see the negotiations fall through – meaning Chelsea will be without several key players next season.
Chelsea are also said to be preparing to sell several players they had not planned to
Petr Cech is another influential figure who could depart when Abramovich leaves