Richest Chelsea bidder named and Facebook co-founder joins Celtics owner group

On the pitch, Chelsea are doing as well as could be expected considering the turmoil turning the world of the club upside-down. A loss at Stamford Bridge to a side such as Brentford would not usually transpire. At least only once in a Royal Blue moon, so to speak. That is not to do the Bees and boss Thomas Frank a disservice; they have proven themselves Premier League worthy. Following this result, a disappointing but differently understandable defeat to Real Madrid occurred. To be 3-1 down and have to make a maiden trip to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium – to play los Blancos, anyway – is a monumental second leg task. Defeating Southampton 6-0 should serve as a reminder that if anyone can inspire his side to a memorable achievement in the Champions League – it is arguably Thomas Tuchel. A comeback is within the realm of possibility. Believe.

We have naturally received some timely updates with regards to the fitness of the Chelsea squad. Unfortunately the most significant note may be the fact that struggling but experienced striker Romelu Lukaku will not feature in the clash. Lukaku has an achilles issue – the same problem that continues to sideline Callum Hudson-Odoi – and has not travelled to Spain with teammates. Ben Chilwell won’t be playing in 2021/22 again. Ross Barkley is “sick” so isn’t available either. However, captain and fan favourite Cesar Azpilicueta returns following multiple negative COVID tests.

Some surprising, well-known and very wealthy bidders for Chelsea ownership

We all know why Roman Abramovich was forced to sell the London club, so there is no need to dwell on that. What Pride of London do want to discuss, is the consortia involved in submitting proposals to buy the Pensioners. And, of course, we would like to detail the most interesting personas involved, as well as analysing the most prospectively suitable parties. The richest man supposedly bidding for Chelsea has recently been named as Ken Griffin. Hedge funds are the game of Mr Griffin; a man apparently worth up to three times more than Mr Abramovich. Although, the Florida-born 53-year-old is part of the Ricketts bid which many supporters oppose. Dan Gilbert is also involved in that offer.

Meanwhile, Facebook co-founder and former Mark Zuckerberg friend, Eduardo Saverin, joined Boston Celtics owner, Steve Pagliuca, and NBA chairman, Larry Tanenbaum, in a separate group of potential Blues suitors. Saverin is a particularly fascinating addition to the rather intriguingly rich names associated with interests in acquiring the famous English top-flight outfit. Those who have watched David Fincher’s masterfully entertaining, fastidious overview of Zuckerberg’s rise through the astounding inception of Facebook, The Social Network, will be aware of the now Singapore-based, entrepreneur and Angel Investor. Talented Academy Award nominee Andrew Garfield portrayed Saverin in the movie.

American private equity investor, Pagliuca – also co-chair of Bain Capital – is part of the local private investors group which purchased the Celtics basketball team. Along with a separate collective of shareholders, the 67-year-old has a 55 percent stake in Serie A club Atalanta. Finally, Tanenbaum hails from Canada and is the chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which is otherwise known as MLSE. He is reportedly the owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey club and arena, the Toronto Raptors basketball team, their Air Canada Centre, and Major League Soccer side Toronto FC.