Chelsea are expected to announce the appointment of Christopher Vivell as their new technical director following the German’s questionable departure from RB Leipzig.
Les Bleus have toured Europe in search of a new director after the departure of the much-loved Marina Granovskaia this summer. Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly served as interim director, overseeing a first summer of investment in the team.
Now, Stamford Bridge bosses have opted to appoint Vivell permanently just days after he left German club Leipzig. The Bundesliga team announced in late September that the 35-year-old was stepping down as manager due to “contrasting views” and temporarily accepted terms to join the Blues.
As the Daily Telegraph reports, Vivell has been on Chelsea’s shortlist for some time, although the Premier League giants have failed to convince Christoph Freund, a member of the Red Bull club’s team, to take over his sporting direction.
Former Liverpool boss Michael Edwards also connected with a position at Stamford Bridge, but no deal was reached. The report notes that the movement of Boehly and Co. by Vivell highlights his preference for identifying a multi-club style in the mold of Red Bull’s success. global network.
Chelsea will continue to look for a sporting director to work alongside Vivell, who was previously a scout and analyst at Hoffenheim. Thursday because of differences of opinion. His duties will be taken over through the existing set-up until Max Ebrl’s tenure as sporting director begins. “
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Chelsea’s successful search for Vivell comes the same week it emerged they were reaching an agreement to sign prolific French striker Cristopher Nkunku from Leipzig. The two-time Champions League winners will pay a little more of Nkunku’s £53m buyout clause to make sure their facilities are secure next summer as they have undergone medical tests.
The 24-year-old has scored nine goals in all competitions this season, after scoring 35 last season. He has put pen on paper on a pre-contract deal with Chelsea and will move to west London next summer, if all goes well. according to the plan.
In a blow to Leipzig, the Blues are also targeting beloved defender Josko Gvardiol, who also saw a release clause included in the contract extension he signed this summer. It is understood that Chelsea will have to pay around £44m to move the 19-year-old Croatian 20 into the ranks of Graham Potter, having had lengthy talks with Leipzig about the transfer.
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