A new book has revealed the Chelsea owner almost made a move for the Black Cats
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Chelsea's US owner Todd Boehly
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly(Image: GLYN KIRK/IKIMAGES/AFP)
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly explored a potential deal for Sunderland before completing his Stamford Bridge takeover, according to a claim made in a new book on the Blues - The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC.
The man who is reportedly worth in excess of £6billion was interested in a move for the Wearsiders according to the book’s author - former Chronicle sportswriter Nick Purewal.
American businessman and investor Boehly’s first significant engagement with English football came through Sunderland, according to the publication.
The takeover of Chelsea took place in 2022 and it is reported that Boehly was approached by then-Sunderland owner Ellis Short, who was actively looking to sell the Wearside club. Boehly explored, but ultimately decided against pursuing a deal.
The more he examined the broader landscape of English football, the more convinced he became of the strategic power of London. The book even claims Boehly loaned money to Sunderland.
Having become more familiar with the English game having explored his potential move for the Black Cats, Boehly was then able to act with more knowledge when it came to buying Chelsea, Purewal suggested.
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Boehly, who is worth approximately £6.2billion, is said to have regularly attended matches at Stamford Bridge prior to his official involvement, gaining valuable insight into the club’s culture and operations.
That exposure reportedly deepened his appreciation for what Chelsea had built under previous owner Roman Abramovich. The book also suggested Boehly might have bought Chelsea earlier while in 2014, investing in Tottenham was a possibility before he decided Chelsea was the club he should buy.
had considered purchasing Chelsea on multiple occasions prior to 2022, including in 2018 and 2019. He also reportedly looked into the possibility of investing in Tottenham Hotspur in 2014.
However, due diligence convinced him that Chelsea was London’s club, and the right one to buy.
Sunderland's Premier League collection
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