Chelsea are on the hunt for a new sporting director to take the reins from Todd Boehly, who has been temporarily doing the job over the summer since he bought the club.
There have been many linked names over recent months, but the frontrunner in recent days has been Christoph Freund from RB Salzburg. Every single reliable report, including the source of this latest report, has said that Freund is set to join Chelsea.
🚨 Chelsea spoke to Leipzig ceo Oliver Mintzlaff about taking a role in new #CFC set-up. Not advancing but Christoph Freund set to join
➕ Phillips surgery this week, Iwobi contract talks begin, clubs explore #UCL games outside Europe & more
@TheAthleticUKhttps://t.co/ATjOX37vJo— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 19, 2022
But now, David Ornstein from The Athletic claims that Freund may not become the Chelsea sporting director now and in fact, says there is ‘a good chance’ that he actually now stays at Salzburg instead!
🚨 Chelsea appointment of sporting director not imminent. #CFC optimism on Christoph Freund premature as RB Salzburg want to keep 45yo & he may now stay. Still interested but also talking to other candidates + plenty keen on role @TheAthleticUK #RBSalzburg https://t.co/RD6K8zteg8
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 19, 2022
Top Chelsea sources including Matt Law and Fabrizio Romano have reported that Freund is expected to join Chelsea as sporting director. Perhaps something has happened to change this?
Christoph Freund now expected to become Chelsea’s new sporting director following another round of positive talks. It is thought his appointment will be made relatively soon. #cfc
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) September 18, 2022
Law has yet to provide any further updates since the one above, so it will be interesting to see what he reports next, if anything.
Christoph Freund will be sign documents to be unveiled as new Chelsea director in the next days. He's also been "approved" by Graham Potter as perfect profile to work together on present and future project. 🔵 #CFC
It's just matter of time to get it signed, also with Salzburg. pic.twitter.com/5BokyZ5Kjg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 19, 2022
