Chelsea have been up for sale since the beginning of this month but are without a buyer as the deadline for official bids passes.
Roman Abramovich ended up desperate to cut ties and cash in on the club after he faced sanctions from the UK Government due to his ties with Russia President Vladimir Putin in the wake of his country's invasion of Ukraine.
The oligarch failed to find a buyer before the sanctions came into play and as a result the sale of the club is being led by the US merchant bank Raine group alongside the British government.
Given the fact that money made from the club's sale would no longer go to Abramovich, it is thought that the size of the offer is not the main priority for the Raine group.
Instead, they will focus on which potential owner would be the best fit for the club and urge each bidder to explain what they can bring to the table.
HereMirror Footballtakes a look at the main figures in the frame.
Key members and background:The owners of the Chicago Cubs have teamed up with billionaire hedge fund owner Ken Griffin
Their sporting background:Owner of the Chicago Cubs, led the iconic baseball team to the World Series and oversaw an £800m redevelopment of Wrigley Field
Chelsea credentials:Want to join the likes of the Glazers, JW Henry and Kroenkes to become the latest US sports owners to buy a major Prem club
Vision for the club:Redevelopment of Stamford Bridge likely to be central to their plan, having done the same at Wrigley Field.
Quote:Ricketts Family and their partners understand the importance of investing for success on the pitch, while respecting the traditions of the club, the fans and the community.
HAVE YOUR SAY!Who would be the most responsible owner of Chelsea Football Club? Comment below
Key members and background:British businessman Candy is a billionaire property developer who has recruited some heavy financiers
Their sporting background:Candy is a lifelong Chelsea fan
Chelsea credentials:Has got former Chelsea boss and player Gianluca Vialli on board to back his campaign with Vialli’s company Tifosy Capital & Advisory
Vision for the club:Candy has spelt out a vision to redevelop Stamford Bridge as well as having meetings with chairman Bruce Buck to underline his ambition to keep Thomas Tuchel and the team moving forward
Quote: Vialli said:“I have met Nick Candy on a number of occasions over the last few weeks and I am fully behind his visions and commitment to make Chelsea the most globally recognised and supported club in the world, as well as maintaining the ongoing success on the pitch.”
Key members and background:Mohamed Alkhereiji is the CEO of SRMG’s parent company Engineer Holding Group, which was founded by his father Abdulelah Alkhereiji
Their sporting background:Alkhereiji was behind the construction of the new, state-of-the-art 25,000 seater stadium in Mrsool Park for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr
Chelsea credentials:Chelsea fan, proudly boasts selfies taken at Stamford Bridge
Vision for the club:They are keen to distance themselves from Saudi regime, want to continue to bankroll the club and develop Stamford Bridge
Quote:Sources say they are “very serious”
Key members:Ghanian gold mine owner Boasiako is worth £3billion
Their sporting background:Big football fan
Chelsea credentials:Is playing on the fact that Chelsea have huge links with Africa with its current former players like Didier Drogba and Edouard Mendy and this would be great time for an African owner to take charge at a Premier League giant
Vision for the club:Has the personal wealth to invest heavily
Quote:“The opportunity to enhance the club's reputation in Africa is a very tempting prospect.”
Key members and background:Woody Johnson is the billionaire heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical fortune
Their sporting background:New York Jets owner. Johnson has had mixed fortunes at the Jets and is not universally popular with fans
Chelsea credentials:Has been based in London for past four years and says he is passionate about a deal and English football
Vision for the club:US bankers Raine are brokering the deal and say redevelopment is key part of any deal and Johnson says he is determined to build on Stamford Bridge’s foundations on and off the pitch. Has
Quote:Sources close to Johnson say he can offer “stability and longevity”
Key members and background:Global private equity firm whose executive is Portuguese tycoon Ricardo Silva
Chelsea credentials:They want to redevelop Stamford Bridge which is a key part of any successful bid
Vision for the club:Will immediately pledge to put in £50m to keep the club ticking over and will back Thomas Tuchel
Quote:Insiders say they have made a £2billion offer
Key members and background:Bayrak is worth £6billion and has been looking for extra backers
Their sporting background:Huge football fan based in Istanbul
Chelsea credentials:Claims to know Roman Abramovich and would need his blessing
Vision for the club:Has a background in construction, tourism and energy and believes he has the right knowledge to take the club forward
Quote:“We will fly the Turkish flag in London,” said Bayrak.
Key members:Todd Boehly, Swiss tycoon Hansjorg Wyss and Jonathan Goldstein
Their sporting background:Boelhy is part owner of LA Dodgers. They have also appointed a PR executive and Times journalist Daniel Finkelstein who is a Chelsea fan
Chelsea credentials:London property tycoon Goldstein is a lifelong Spurs fan which will not please Chelsea fans
Vision for the club:Boelhy and Wyss both have huge individual wealth to take the club forward and Boelhy tried to buy Chelsea in 2019 and Tottenham in 2018. They are determined to tap into the success of the Premier League.
Quote:Finkelstein: “This bid knows who we are. It’s proper Chels.”
Key members and background:Chelsea fan Seb Coe, Creative Artists Agency and Evolution Media Capital, investment banker Michael Klein
Their sporting background:Coe masterminded the London 2012 Olympics and has huge sporting knowledge and contacts at Chelsea. Broughton is a former Liverpool chairman.
Chelsea credentials:Coe and Broughton are both long standing Chelsea fans
Vision for the club:Seen as a safe pair of hands, they can steer the club through troubled waters while also providing cash for the club
Quote:Coe said: “I am certain Sir Martin is the right man to lead Chelsea Football Club into its next chapter.”
Key members:John Terry and Claire Rafferty
Their sporting background:Former Chelsea and England stars
Chelsea credentials:Little needs to be said about Terry’s links with Chelsea, widely regarded and acknowledged as the club’s greatest ever captain, he lifted the Premier League five times. Rafferty spent more than 10 years with Chelsea, winning the WSL on two occasions.
Vision for the club:Aiming to implement ‘high tech’ practices, including the ability for players, fans and former members of staff to effectively hold shares. Are hoping to purchase a 10 per cent share and join a fellow bidder in acquiring the club.
Quote:True Blue have yet to go public but have reportedly shared their plans with prominent fans.
Read More
Read More
