Chelsea chief Todd Boehly jets out to launch Saudi ‘fire sale’ – ‘my sources have told me’, says ex-CEO
Chelsea owner and chairman Todd Boehly has already set up a summer “fire sale” of talent in Saudi Arabia, according to former Everton chief Keith Wyness.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – highlighted the link between the Blues and their ex-sporting director Michael Emenalo, who now holds a senior role in the Saudi Pro League set-up.
Chelsea have spent huge money on transfers since Boehly’s takeover in 2022 with their outlay now standing at more than £920million since the deal went through (as per Transfermarkt).
Finance guru Kieran Maguire told Football Insider on Tuesday (12 March) that Chelsea will be “very close to the limit” of financial regulations in their 2023-24 accounts.
Chelsea chief Boehly has arranged Saudi fire sale
He warned of potential punishment or point deductions – unless they make a significant profit from player sales this summer.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “There’s going to be a fire sale of talent at Chelsea.
“My sources have told me that Todd Boehly was down in Saudi Arabia, potentially trying to arrange sales for some players ahead of time.
“That could be one way that they try and get some quick money at the end of the season.
“It’s going to take some pretty fancy footwork to do that, but there is a connection down there.
“Michael Emenalo is now the supremo of the Saudi Pro League and has a long relationship with Chelsea.
“That’s where I’m told they are looking.
“In terms of looking to other clubs to sell players and cover this shortfall – that could be very hard.
“It could be that the Saudi League is the big escape hatch for Chelsea. If that’s the case, then they could just about get away without any punishments.”
In other news, Chelsea move to sign defender sensation set to collapse after new twist.
For more Chelsea and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.