Chelsea have received takeover interest from the Middle East amid a behind-scenes rift between Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly with a response given by the former, according to a new report.
Chelsea's mixed start to 2025/2026 under Enzo Maresca
Chelsea entered the campaign aiming to re-establish themselves as Premier League contenders and to make a strong impact in Europe, following what was a promising 2024/2025.
Enzo Maresca's side qualified for the Champions League, won the UEFA Conference League and topped it off with a summer triumph at the Club World Cup, which banked the club a seismic £84 million in total prize money, according to the BBC.
Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy as he celebrates with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca and teammates after winning the FIFA Club World Cup
Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy as he celebrates with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca and teammates after winning the FIFA Club World Cup
However, there were real concerns surrounding Chelsea's long-winded campaign and their inclusion in the controversial summer tournament, particularly around player fitness.
This appears to be coming to the forefront right now, with Maresca in the midst of a mini-injury crisis which has seen a host of key players sidelined, including almost all of their central defence for Chelsea's 2-1 win over Liverpool just prior to the international break.
Chelsea injury worries Problem Estimated return date
Enzo Fernández Knee Unknown
Cole Palmer Groin November
Andrey Santos Knock Unknown
Dario Essugo Thigh Early 2026
Liam Delap Hamstring November
Levi Colwill ACL Spring 2026
via Standard Sport
Reece James caused a major scare when the right-back withdrew from England duty after an injury sustained against Liverpool too, but thankfully for Maresca, the decision was merely precautionary.
Chelsea's much-needed wins over José Mourinho's Benfica and Liverpool helped to calm suggestions of real tension between Maresca and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, with the Blues suffering a poor run of form between late August and late September.
Maresca's side won just once in five games during that period — a nervy 2-1 victory away to Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup — and suffered humbling defeats against Bayern Munich, Man United and Brighton.
Chelsea really haven't been helped by injuries and there are glaring weaknesses to address, particularly in defence, with BlueCo reportedly prioritising the signing of a star centre-back in January.
However, as per a new report by journalist Simon Phillips, Clearlake and the club's ownership remain committed to the cause.
Clearlake respond to Middle East takeover approach over buying Chelsea
Phillips, via his Substack, reports that Chelsea have been subject to a takeover approach from the Middle East, with an unnamed consortium expressing interest in buying the club "outright."
General view inside Stamford Bridge before the match
General view inside Stamford Bridge before the match
However, this enquiry to Clearlake was met with a clear response — Chelsea's majority shares are not for sale.
"There has been a lot of interest in buying the club since it emerged that Todd Boehly’s side of the ownership have had a lot of disagreements with Behdad Eghbali’s side of the ownership over how the club is being run and on a number of things including the transfer strategy and the stadium rebuild plans," Phillips wrote.
"These disagreements are still there and those within the business are well aware of it and see a potential opportunity to buy the club in the near future.
"A source has told SPTC that there has been an approach to buy Chelsea outright from a Middle Eastern group, although we are unsure of the exact location of this group. With this move, Todd Boehly could remain a shareholder, and they would be buying out Clearlake. As stated above though, Clearlake have no intentions to sell.
"At this point we do not know the outcome of the approach but seeing Clearlake’s stance I can only assume it was politely turned away.
"There are a lot of other interested groups though who are watching the situation, sources have also confirmed.
"I do think it’s a situation to keep an eye on in the coming months and years though, because those disagreements are very much still there. It’s also important to state that these disagreements are not toxic and there remains a professional working relationship between both sides and there also remains a determination and ambition to get Chelsea back to the very top."
Clearlake and Boehly have pumped hundreds of millions into Chelsea since their takeover from Roman Abramovich in 2022, particularly into new signings, and it would be a major shock to see either party sell-up now.
Even if a long-term acquisition is one to keep an eye on, Clearlake will surely want to end their tenure at the club by going out on a high with major silverware to look back on.