Chelsea's Jules Kounde fate depends on Marina Granovskaia call as £50m revelation raises stakes

Barely any Chelsea supporters have ever heard Marina Granovskaia speak. Her actions have been at the forefront of how her reputation has been built, how the perception of the club's "iron lady" was forged behind closed doors in secret negotiations and transfer dealings.

But for those in attendance at the annual Golden Boy awards before Christmas, where Granvoskaia was recognised as the Best Club Director in European football in 2021 at a ceremony in Italy, the Russian-Canadian uttered words that would recently come to the attention of fans online.

"I was surprised an individual award for my job in football even exists." she joked, quickly turning her praise to the club and team. "Maybe if there is one secret about Chelsea or if there is a secret for our success, then it is probably the people that create that environment that allows us all to be successful".

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Those who have met Chelsea's respected director have all relayed her ability to be disarmingly charming, her ability to make people feel at ease, before bending a conversation to her perspective. Even if it was a brief 36-second clip, fans got a glimpse into that perspective.

It is these qualities that have allowed Chelsea to remain ahead of the curve, able to gain progress in major transfer deals and maintain important relationships. As Chelsea's process of being sold comes into its final stages, a process Granvoskaia will have influence over, it is imperative she remains a core part of the club for at the very least, this summer.

Her power and influence in the club have only