Christoph Freund has agreed to become Chelsea’s new sporting director, sources have confirmed to 90 Minutes, which will see him replace Red Bull Salzburg.
The 45-year-old has already held talks with Chelsea – as revealed on 90 Minutes ago. Those talks have now progressed further this weekend, with sources confirming an agreement has been reached.
Chelsea’s lack of a Premier League match this weekend has given them an opportunity to improve their ratings and they have now agreed terms with Frond. 90 Minutes is reported to have spoken at length with new head coach Graham Potter, who in turn has greenlit the Austrian’s appointment.
Freund was earmarked by co-owner Todd Buhly as the right man for the role after the club failed to convince former Liverpool man Michael Edwards to take charge.
Chelsea also spoke to the likes of Paul Mitchell and Luis Campos about the role. But Freund was offered the job by Bohli and has agreed to take charge – given Red Bull Salzburg’s blessing to negotiate terms with Chelsea.
Friend signed a long-term deal at Salzburg earlier this year, but they have not tried to dissuade him from leaving, admitting the opportunity to move to Stamford Bridge is too big.
Chelsea are now ready to finalize terms with Salzburg and Friend, but are expected to confirm their appointments as early as next week.