Thomas Tuchel calls for Todd Boehly’s Chelsea takeover to get wrapped us as soon as possible

Thomas Tuchel has spoken for the first time since it was announced that Todd Boehly’s consortium had signed a deal for the £4.25bn takeover of Chelsea.

The Blues confirmed in the early hours of Saturday morning that the American’s consortium can buy the club, following the UK Government’s approval.

Boehly is in attendance for Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Wolves at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea announced the American’s consortium have signed an agreement for the takeover

When asked by Sky Sports whether the update provided Chelsea some relief, Tuchel said: ‘Not relief but it gives us an outlook into that terms are agreed and hopefully the process will be streamlined and go forward as soon as possible so that we can act and not sanctioned anymore – so good news.’

In response to whether he has met Boehly yet, he added: ‘No not yet, I was not involved so far in any talks. This might happen soon but not until today.’

It comes as great news for Chelsea fans following a period of uncertainty after sanctions were placed on the club’s former owner Roman Abramovich for his ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin, amid the country’s ongoing war in Ukraine.

The club said that the deal is expected to be completed by the end of May, ‘subject to all necessary approvals’.

Boehly is in attendance at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’ Premier League game with Wolves

Sanctions against Abramovich have impacted the club and its supporters.

Chelsea have a limited attendance again for their match with Wolves, as they have not been allowed to sell tickets, with only season ticket holders able to attend. 

Boehly’s consortium was named as the preferred bidder to take over at Stamford Bridge by the Raine Group, the American bank who are overseeing the sale. He has partnered with fellow Dodgers owner Mark Walter, Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss as well as investment firm Clearlake Capital.

The LA Dodgers owner was pictured at Stamford Bridge on Friday night, hours before Boehly’s group signed a purchase agreement.

Darren Lavery, who took the picture, claimed in a tweet that American billionaire Boehly was ‘more than happy to stand and chat away with us’, adding that the businessman was a ‘top, top guy’.    

The news is a boost for Chelsea fans following the sanctions against Roman Abramovich

Chelsea’s statement in the early hours of Saturday morning read: ‘Chelsea Football Club can confirm that terms have been agreed for a new ownership group, led by Todd Boehly, Clearlake Capital, Mark Walter and Hansjorg Wyss, to acquire the Club.

‘Of the total investment being made, £2.5bn will be applied to purchase the shares in the Club and such proceeds will be deposited into a frozen UK bank account with the intention to donate 100 per cent to charitable causes as confirmed by Roman Abramovich. UK Government approval will be required for the proceeds to be transferred from the frozen UK bank account.

‘In addition, the proposed new owners will commit £1.75bn in further investment for the benefit of the Club. This includes investments in Stamford Bridge, the Academy, the Women’s Team and Kingsmeadow and continued funding for the Chelsea Foundation.

‘The sale is expected to complete in late May subject to all necessary regulatory approvals. More details will be provided at that time.’