Who is Still Interested in Taking Over Chelsea?
After confirming that Chelsea is for sale and that everything at Stamford Bridge is up for grabs in a takeover, Roman Abramovich hasn’t wasted any time in attracting buyers.
Chelsea is up for sale, and a bidding battle is raging at Stamford Bridge.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Roman Abramovich has chosen to sell the club after 19 years of leadership.
The issue was brought up the relationship between the Russian billionaire and President Vladimir Putin.
Abramovich, who paid £140 million for the Blues in 2003, is seeking £3.5 billion in exchange for his prized asset, with a number of interested parties.
However, bidders are already laying out their plans – or lack thereof – just two days after the ‘for sale’ was posted.
Those who are still interested are listed below.
The partnership of Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss
At least publicly, the race was won by Swiss benefactor Wyss, who announced his intention to negotiate with Abramovich on Monday – on one condition.
The 86-year-old would require assistance, which looks to have arrived in the form of Boehly, a US sports mogul who reportedly made two bids for Chelsea in 2019.
Boehly is a passionate sports lover and clearly wants to grow his empire, already owning stakes in two Los Angeles sports teams: the Lakers and the Dodgers.
The two have formed a coalition that was the frontrunner until Friday evening.
Wyss has reportedly traveled cross-country from Boston to California to continue negotiations, with Monday being mentioned as a possible announcement date.
Muhsin Bayrak
While the consortium was considered the favorite heading into Friday evening, Turkish billionaire Bayrak stated that he is “negotiating signatures” to complete the takeover.
Bayrak is the chairman of AB Group Holding, a construction and investment business with a reported net worth of more than £8 billion.
“Yes, we can categorically confirm. A spokeswoman for Bayrak told The Guardian, “We have conveyed our offer regarding this to them.”
“We are discussing the conditions of Chelsea’s purchase with Roman Abramovich’s lawyers,” Bayrak told Turkish media previously.
“We’re negotiating signatures,” says the narrator. The Turkish flag will be flown in London soon.”
Conor McGregor.
Yes, it’s improbable. Yes, it’s still not the table.
McGregor, a UFC fighter, declared his interest in the sport on social media earlier this week, sending fans into a frenzy.
“I wish to examine this, Chelsea,” the Irish sensation tweeted in response to a screenshot of a WhatsApp message from an anonymous person that read: “Chelsea for sale, £3 billion.” Let’s go ahead and buy it.”
McGregor, who is worth over £135 million, has expressed interest in purchasing Manchester United in the past, saying on social media last year: “Hey folks, I’m thinking about buying Manchester United!” “How do you feel?”