How Chelsea could be impacted as Mark Walter sells LA Lakers - Stefan Borson

Chelsea minority owner Mark Walter selling the LA Lakers should be of no concern to the supporters at Stamford Bridge.

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that Walter's lack of involvement would make an exit rather simple.

Todd Boehly is the face of Chelsea, being criticised for when things go wrong, and taking all the credit when things go right in West London.

Supporters are excited for the 2026-27 campaign ahead, especially after deals for Morgan Rogers, Danny Welbeck, Maxence Lacroix and Pep Chavarria.

Xabi Alonso has brought an air of expectation with him to Stamford Bridge, but just days before the season kicks off, Chelsea's ownership is once again a talking point.

Walter is under a Department of Justice probe over related-party loans at his insurance companies, has now sold the Lakers, and is seeking extra capital to pay those loans down.

What Mark Walter exit would mean for Chelsea

This is sparked alarm bells, but speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson has denied that a potential future exit for the figure will impact the Blues negatively.

"It goes back to what we were talking about with Liverpool. He's just one of the consortium. I don't know how significant he is within that consortium," he said.

"I'm not sure we ever found out how it broke down. I doubt he's more than 10 per cent of the consortium.

"And there's enough wealthy people around Chelsea that if need be, and if he had to sell quickly at a distressed price, there are plenty of people that would take his stake.

"Clearly themselves, Todd Boehly or Behdad Eghbali, one of their contacts [could buy it]. So I don't think whatever happens is going to make much difference."

What are Chelsea's chances of success under Xabi Alonso?

Understandably, supporters are expecting big things this season, with the campaign being kicked off when visiting Fulham on Monday, 24 August.

Priced by one major bookmaker, the Blues are 8/1 to win the Premier League title, behind Manchester United, Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal.

Finishing top four appears to be a far more likely achievement, being priced at 5/6 to do so, and 9/1 to win the FA Cup in 2026-27.

These are far from the worst odds. In fact, it would not be a surprise to see the Blues lifting a trophy later in the season, if Alonso can get his players firing.