Stefan Borson

Tue 4 March 2025 10:38, UK

Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali were the subject of a high-profile takeover battle last year.

The relationship between the Stamford Bridge chiefs, who played a major role in BlueCo’s £4.25billion purchase of the London giants in May 2022, was believed to be on the rocks following disagreements over their future strategy.

Clearlake Capital secured a 61.5 per cent stake in the Premier League side following the takeover deal, while Boehly and fellow billionaires Mark Walter and Hansjorg Wyss each hold 12.8 per cent shareholdings.

Clearlake co-founder Eghbali is believed to be the most active and powerful figure at Stamford Bridge despite Boehly being named chairman until 2027.

Chelsea fans protested against their owners ahead of the 4-0 victory over Southampton on 25 February after their £1billion worth of spending has so far delivered little success.

Finance expert Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider it’s unlikely Eghbali or Boehly will be able to agree a full takeover deal.

Speaking at The Financial Times’ Business of Football Summit on 27 February, Boehly insisted the club are “trending in the right direction” and criticism is “par for the course”.

Football Insider revealed on 8 November Chelsea’s valuation has dropped over the past couple of years following their on-field performances.

Chelsea owners could struggle to agree £3.5bn deal

Borson believes it would be difficult for the ownership group to receive the money they have put into the club since the takeover.

He told Football Insider: “I think the chances of them selling is low and it would be very hard to find a buyer who would bail them out of what they’ve invested to date, which is probably close to £3.5billion by now.

“They have also still got the stadium issue. I think it’s been too expensive and that they overpaid.

“If they can do everything that they want to do with English football as leaders of that disruption in terms of changes to the game, changes to the way it monetises itself, then clearly, they can still make a return.

“But it’s been a very expensive project, so I think it’d be very hard to find somebody that would take them out completely.

“Would the other side of the consortium take out the other? I don’t know. It’s hard to say.

“It’s not impossible, but it seems unlikely.”

Chelsea are lining up Aaron Ramsdale deal

Chelsea are lining up a deal for Aaron Ramsdale as they look to strengthen their goalkeeping options.

The 26-year-old, who joined Southampton in an £18million deal from Arsenal last summer, has recorded just three clean sheets in 21 appearances this season.

However, Chelsea have faced their own struggles between the sticks over the past few months, with both Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez failing to impress.

Enzo Maresca’s side currently sit fifth in the Premier League table as they go in pursuit of a return to the Champions League for next season.

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