Chelsea takeover: How the Blues could line up next season with Boehly as owner

After almost two months of uncertainty following sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich by the UK Government, Chelsea fans can now start to look towards next season with a sense of optimism after it was announced on Saturday that a consortium headed by American businessman Todd Boehly is set to over the reigns at Stamford Bridge.

Following the sanctions placed on Abramovich on March 10, the Blues were granted a special licence to continue trading by the UK, albeit under heavy restrictions.

Chelsea have been allowed to fulfil their fixtures, but have been prevented from selling tickets, merchandise and signing or selling players.

Now, with Boehly and his cohorts on the verge of assuming control of the club in a £4.25 billion takeover that is expected to be completed later this month, Chelsea are able to begin planning their summer activity.

With Chelsea not able to offer new deals to players while sanctioned, out-of-contract pair Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have already secured deals elsewhere (at Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively).

Blues’ captain Cesar Azpilicueta also appears on the verge of making a switch to Camp Nou at the end of the season.

Those heading for the Stamford Bridge exit will need replacing – and it has already been reported that Boehly is keen to recruit ‘A-List signings’ to mark his first transfer window at the club.

It’s unlikely to only be at the back where Chelsea look to strengthen, however.

In fact, despite their setbacks this year, the west London side could well enter the 2022/23 season with a formidable-looking starting line-up.

Here’s our best guess on how Thomas Tuchel’s team sheet might look at the start of next season following Boehly’s takeover.

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