Marina Granovskaia and Bruce Buck are expected to depart Chelsea following Roman Abramovich’s decision to sell the club.
According to a report from The Guardian, Chelsea could be set for a cloud of uncertainty in the near future following Roman Abramovich’s decision to sell the club. The Russian oligarch had acquired the west London outfit in 2003, but his imminent departure could see the club descend into chaos.
In addition to Abramovich, Chelsea’s influential sporting director Marina Granovskaia, as well as chairman Bruce Buck, are expected to depart Stamford Bridge. Neither of them is likely to work under the new management, leaving the club without two of its most influential board members.
Granovskaia, in particular, has played a significant role at Chelsea in recent years, spearheading the negotiations and luring a host of top players across Europe, including the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.
Even Bruce Buck has played a vital part in shifting Chelsea’s policy in terms of transfer and an improved focus on youth development. He has also been the chairman of Chelsea ever since Abramovich took over, and his leadership has been critical in helping the club win 21 trophies.
Losing both Granovskaia and Buck mid-season could serve as a major blow for Chelsea, who have a difficult summer ahead. There are already a number of players set to leave the club as free agents at the end of the season, with Andreas Christensen being linked with Barcelona.
Chelsea may lose their influential captain Cesar Azpilicueta, leaving the club without proper leaders. Even Thomas Tuchel may reconsider his future, given the German has a record of falling out with club management. While he does hold an excellent relationship with Abramovich & co., their sudden exit may lead to doubts over his future at Stamford Bridge.
There are hopes that Granovskaia may remain at Chelsea, but given her long-standing association with Abramovich, the likelihood of an extended stay at Stamford Bridge appears to be dwindling.
A lot may depend on Chelsea’s new owners, with New York-based merchant bank Raine Group helping facilitate the sale of Chelsea Football Club. Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss has been tipped as an interested party, although there may still be significant competition from American investors.