In his latest Caught Offside briefing, Fabrizio Romano issued an update on Christoph Freund. The reporter details the “incredible situation” that saw Chelsea miss out on a man who was considered as good as theirs just 24 hours earlier.
Romano notes his surprise as he states: “the deal between Freund and Chelsea was 100% agreed”. This “changed in 24 hours” as Red Bull Salzburg made it clear that they wanted to keep hold of their man as a big part of their project.
Fabrizio Romano Reveals Details on Christoph Freund U-Turn
🚨 EXCLUSVE 🚨
🔵 Chelsea were "very surprised" to see Freund deal fall through
🔵 "Incredible" situation changed in just 24 hours
🔵 #CFC already in talks with multiple alternative candidates
Thoughts, Chelsea fans? 🤔
Full story 👇👇
— CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) September 21, 2022
Mastermind
It comes as no surprise that Red Bull Salzburg and the Red bull group want to keep the Austrian as his track record of signings is second to none. He is credited with having a role in discovering players like Erling Haaland, Sadio Mane, and Naby Keita. The group has major ambitions and scouting out the next generation of talent to make profit is a big part of their strategy.
Read More: Premier League Predictions
Todd Boehly is interested in bringing long-term planning to The Blues which Freund would have been at the centre of. Until now, the American has been operating as the interim sporting director for the reigning Austrian Bundesliga champions.
A Setback
Ultimately, Freund’s contract with Salzburg means Chelsea will have to move on to other targets. Romano notes that he believed the 45-year-old would have been a great match for new team manager Graham Potter. This is the second setback the London side have faced in their search for a Sporting Director after Michael Edwards rejected them.
Read More: Chelsea Transfers Graded – Was A Record Spend Enough?
Despite missing out on their man, The Blues are already in contact with other targets. However, it is safe to say the race has been blown wide open by this latest twist in the tale.
Christoph Freund: “Yes, it’s true that Chelsea wanted me — and we had talks, I was thinking about Chelsea director job as I’ve been proud of the interest of such a top club” 🔵 #CFC
Reiter: “Freund informed me about Chelsea but at the end he will stay here at Red Bull Salzburg”. pic.twitter.com/S7Fm3Qoyvs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 20, 2022
