Todd Boehly: Chelsea’s wonderfully down-to-earth new billionaire owner

Chelsea supporters’ transfer fears were partially allayed by the arrival of England star Raheem Sterling. Then a stronger feeling of security was felt when Napoli centreback Kalidou Koulibaly arrived. Yet there needs to be another sufficiently qualified addition at the heart of defence as well before the Blues start patting one another on the back too heartedly. Senegal international Koulibaly will be a great success at Stamford Bridge, I envision. Another top-class defender will emerge, potentially in the form of terrific Leicester CB Wesley Fofana.

The soon-to-be France international will cost though, I mean a lot: up to £80million, probably. Personal terms are said to be agreed between Fofana and Thomas Tuchel’s team. Unless further unforeseen problems like the Raphinha, Ousmane Dembele, Nathan Ake and Jules Kounde issues arise, you can expect more excellent signings by September, as previously stated. Chelsea had been frustrated by the impasses and supposed player preferences that transpired. That will happen when dealing with the best targets the footballing world has to offer, a long with iconic clubs. The silver lining here is that highly-rated Levi Colwill may be afforded first team opportunities now. Well, if he doesn’t also depart for the promise of minutes.

Todd Boehly: Chelsea’s wonderfully down-to-earth new billionaire owner

In addition, CFC also looked at a deal with Paris Saint-Germain’ over Frenchman Presnel Kimpembe. Tuchel wished for a reunion with his former athlete. Though Kimpembe’s preference is said to be remaining in at PSG. Other options are on the table, if reports are accurate; this includes an apparent focus to improve the squad from the Boehly-Clearlake group.

I don’t believe chairman Todd Boehly can be blamed for missing out on these desired transfers. You cannot sign a player who doesn’t want to join or has another first choice. He has apparently dedicated himself to overseeing business this summer, even acting as a recruitment head when he most likely didn’t want to.

There are accusations that Boehly or his staff weren’t sreetwise enough in dealings. This perception seems unfair and uninformed: whilst he is not practised at the helm of a football outfit, he is experienced with high level sporting sides. Maybe it was a bit steady, but assured negotiating nonetheless.

The most important factor is that the surely accompanying lawyers and aids will be footy people, so to speak. So there is nothing to worry about there. A ‘proper’ transfer guru shall be appointed by the next window, I am sure.

In the meantime, Boehly has acquired quite a social media following – possibly without even knowing it. After some very personable, humorous and likeable public appearances over the past month or so, ‘TB’ comes across as particularly grounded and relatable for a billionaire tycoon. Catch him almost laying down whilst chilling at the Dodger Baseball stadium.

Spectating at the Bridge at the end of the 2021/22 season seemed to kick off the loving Boehly memes. The owner was slightly more youthful appearing than most ownership front men. Along with cheering and being maddened by play as Blues performance fluctuated. He’s a sports fan – just like the rest of us.

The whole Spanish restaurant thing was a delight, to be honest. I know the deals with Barcelona haven’t gone the English teams way, in that case. Although Boehly definitely handled himself like a cheekily nonchalant ‘boss man’. When asked why he was in at the place, rather than saying ‘to discuss their targets and ours‘ or staying silent, the 48-year-old said: “Great meal, great meal. Wonderful food.”

Boehly is even being looked on favourably by his Premier League counterparts, due to arranging a dinner for EPL executives. I mean, the American was even spotted at a summer Pearl Jam concert drinking beer in his off-time. The Boehly legacy begins. Whilst not everything has gone CFC’s way yet, the era has started very Interestingly!