Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly ready to raise £2.5 billion to buy majority stake after relationship with Clearlake reaches breaking point: Report
According to a report by the Telegraph, Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is ready to raise £2.5 billion in a bid to buy a majority stake at the club amid rumors of a rift with Clearlake Capital. The American owns the club's 38.5%, which is split evenly between Boehly, Hansjorg Wyss and Mark Walter.
The report suggests that the billionaire and venture capital firm have split over their long-term vision for the West London club and could begin a board room civil war imminently. Clearlake is said to have a plan that spans a decade for the English giants, while the LA Dodgers co-owner envisions a two to three-decade-long journey with the Blues.
Clearlake has stated that they have no desire to sell their stake in the club. However, Todd Boehly is willing to raise £2.5 billion to test their resolve. The amount would see the venture capital firm make a profit on their initial investment.
Clearlake Capital is willing to buy Todd Boehly out of Chelsea
According to a report by Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol, Chelsea's majority owners, Clearlake Capital, are open to buying Todd Boehly out of the club. The news comes after reports that the two parties have fallen out and are looking to buy the other party out.
Boehly and the venture capital firm formed a consortium, BlueCo, that purchased the English club from Russian oligarch Roman Abramovic in 2022. Since the group's arrival, the West London side has failed to secure a place in the top four, finishing 12th in their first season and sixth last season.
The relationship between Boehly and the venture capital firm is described as professional at the moment, but the belief is that a split is imminent.
Chelsea has embarked on a wide-ranging recruitment policy that has seen them spend over £1 billion on new signings since the takeover was completed. Boehly, who was the face of the takeover and serves as the club's chairman, will have a decision to make concerning his future at the club. He has not hinted at wanting to sell his 38.5% shares at the club.