Chelsea is close to appointing Joe Shields, a Southampton-based director of recruitment.
The Blues are rebuilding their hierarchy. co-owner Todd Boehly’s takeover from Roman AbramovichMai
Bruce Buck, Marina Granovskaia, and Petr Cech have all resigned from their positions on the board. This prompted a search to find new directors.
Shields caught the eye at Chelsea following a number of impressive deals at St Mary’s.
TalkSPORT reports that Romeo Lavia, a Manchester City midfielder, was signed by Stamford Bridge. This impressed the new leaders.
Lavia arrived at Saints from City along with three other young talents – Juan Larios, Sam Edozie and Gavin Bazunu.
Shields himself only arrived at Southampton in July 2022 after nine years working at the Etihad in City’s scouting and recruitment department.
He has also worked at Crystal Palace, Fulham and in similar positions.
However, Shields’ pending departure hasn’t gone down well at St Mary’s. talkSPORT understands there’s a lot of anger over the way the situation has been handled.
TalkSPORT has learned that Chelsea may have to wait six more months before Shields takes over as Southampton’s new manager. He is unwilling to leave after his six-month notice period.
After the Bundesliga club’s resignation, Chelsea will appoint Christopher Vivell, ex-RB Leipzig chief, as their new technical manager.
The Blues are also on the hunt for a new sporting director and Norwich’s Stuart Webber has been mentioned as a candidate.
