Marina Granovslaia is set to leave the position of sporting director at Chelsea at the end of summer transfer window.
Chelsea director Marina Granovslaia is set to leave the club at the end of this summer transfer window as co-owner Todd Boehly is named the club’s new chairman.
Marina is known as one of the toughest negotiators in football during the reign of former owner Roman Abramovich’s and will remain available to support Todd Boehly for the duration of the current transfer window.
Boehly will operate as sporting director until the club names a full-time replacement.
“We thank Marina for her many years of excellent service to the club and wish her all the best in her future ventures,” Boehly said in a statement.
Chelsea confirmed chairman Bruce Buck’s departure on Monday, with Boehly replacing him in the role. Buck will continue to support the club as a senior advisor.
“I am proud to have helped Chelsea realize great success on the pitch and make a positive impact in the community,” Buck said.
Boehly added: “Bruce has led Chelsea Football Club to the highest levels of international and domestic football, while also developing one of the most active social responsibility projects in sport.
“We thank Bruce for his service and his commitment to the club.”
All the top Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium figureheads have been added to Chelsea’s new board, as the west London club’s new era continues to gather pace.
“As custodians of Chelsea FC, we now begin executing our long-term vision and plan for the club, creating an outstanding experience for its passionate, loyal fans, and continuing to challenge for top honours in line with Chelsea FC’s dedicated history,” said Boehly.
“Working together, side by side, we are firmly committed to winning, both on and off the pitch. For us, that effort has begun.”
As acting sporting director, it is understood Boehly has been hands-on in the role already, playing a key part in the decision to let Romelu Lukaku rejoin Inter Milan on loan.
Chelsea decided to let the Belgium international depart the club following talks between Boehly and head coach Thomas Tuchel, and Boehly and the player.
Boehly and Tuchel wanted to sort out Lukaku’s future quickly so they could focus on strengthening the squad this summer.
