Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich made news recently when he announced his intention to sell the club. The billionaire announced his resignation as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in sanctions against Russian enterprises.
Since taking ownership in 2003, Abramovich has helped the team win 19 major titles. During the Russian’s tenure, the Blues have won five Premier League crowns, two Champions League trophies, five FA Cups, and two Europa League trophies.
The FIFA Club World Cup, which the Blues won in February, was the most recent trophy they have won. Earlier in the season, Chelsea also won the UEFA Super Cup. The Russian billionaire purchased the Blues in 2003 for $185 million and has been a fantastic owner. He has invested not just money but also his time and energy in ensuring that the club is well-run and capable of competing at the top levels.
Abramovich reluctantly put his Stamford Bridge enterprise up for sale after an unsuccessful attempt to transfer over the club to its charitable foundation. Abramovich has enlisted the help of Raine Group, a US-based finance firm, to locate a buyer for the Blues. According to reports, the deal will be worth between $4 and $5.2 billion (£3 to £4 billion).
The following are five prospective buyers who could succeed Roman Abramovich:
Conor McGregor: $180 million
MMA prodigy Conor McGregor is without a doubt the most surprising candidate on the list. He did, however, state that he was interested in making an offer for Chelsea. McGregor sent out a startling tweet in which he expressed his desire to “explore this” possibility.
The Irishman also shared a screenshot of a message he received on Whatsapp, which read: “Chelsea for sale, £3bn. Let’s buy it.” It’s unclear whether this was merely a PR stunt or a genuine interest in purchasing Chelsea.
McGregor’s whiskey brand, Proper 12, was sold for roughly $200 million, which is essentially why he is in the running. In a few years, he predicts, the brand will be worth $900 million.
McGregor has expressed his admiration for Manchester United and expressed interest in purchasing the club last year. According to Forbes, the UFC fighter is worth roughly $180 million, which is significantly less than the other bidders. With his reach and stature, though, obtaining funds is always a possibility.
Muhsin Bayrak: $11 billion
Muhsin Bayrak, a Turkish millionaire, has disclosed that he has made an offer to acquire Chelsea. Bayrak likewise appears to be confident in his ability to close the deal. He recently stated that this was a major win for Turkey and that he plans to “fly the Turkish flag in London soon.”
Bayrak is the chairman of AB Grup Holding, a construction, tourist, and cryptocurrency company. His lawyers have been in frequent communication with Abramovich since the deal was announced, according to media reports.
The Turk’s net worth has yet to be verified, although according to certain sources, he is worth $11 billion. The billionaire even went so far as to say that the talks had come to a close. The bank in charge of the sale, Raine Group, has claimed that Abramovich will not hasten the sale and has remained tight-lipped about Bayrak’s bid.
Hansjorg Wyss and Todd Boehly: $11.25 billion
Hansjörg Wyss, a Swiss philanthropist, has teamed up with Todd Boehly, an American millionaire, to launch a bid for Chelsea. Synthes, a maker of bone fracture implants and surgical power equipment, was founded by Wyss. The 86-year-old made his fortune when he sold the company to Johnson & Johnson in 2012.
Todd Boehly is the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Eldridge Industries, a holding corporation based in the United States. The American also owns 20% of the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball. In 2019, Boehly offered $2.9 billion to buy Chelsea, but Abramovich rejected the deal.
As per Forbes, Wyss’ net worth in 2022 will be $5 billion. On the other side, Boehly is said to be worth $6.25 billion. They’ll be part of a consortium that has a good chance of winning the contract. Given the gravity of the issue, it is expected that Abramovich will not haggle excessively.
Sir James Ratcliffe: $15.3 billion
Chemical engineer turned entrepreneur James Ratcliffe is Britain’s richest man and the founder, chairman, and main owner of the Ineos Group. The Ineos Group specializes in the development of synthetic oils and polymers for medicinal applications. Ratcliffe grew up as a Manchester United supporter but now buys a Chelsea season ticket.
Ratcliffe already owns two football clubs in Switzerland and France: FC Lausanne-Sport and OGC Nice. The 69-year-old has also made significant investments in rugby and Formula One. Ratcliffe has a net worth of $15.3 billion, according to Forbes.
Ratcliffe’s spokeswoman previously stated that the rumors have “no basis.” The purchase is unlikely to go through because Ratcliffe already has two teams. There is, nevertheless, a potential that things will turn out differently.
Prince Alwaleed bin Talal: $18.7 billion
Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a Saudi billionaire, is said to be one of the Blues’ potential owners. Bin Talal is the founder of Kingdom Holding Company, a firm that invests in stocks, hotels, and real estate.
The 66-year-old also owns shares in Citigroup and 21st Century Fox, which has enabled him to amass a sizable fortune. The Saudi prince has indicated an interest in buying a football club in Europe, according to sports media source Al Jazira Sports. Chelsea, owned by Abramovich, appears to be an excellent investment.
Prince Alwaleed’s net worth is approximately $18.7 billion, as per Forbes. While money will not be an issue for the billionaire, his lack of experience dealing with sports teams may play a significant factor in the transaction.
Read: Chelsea may go out of business if Roman Abramovich is sanctioned
