Billionaire Todd Boehly will not splash the cash on transfers at Chelsea like Roman Abramovich, according to a sports business expert.
The American businessman is set to takeover from Abramovich at Stamford Bridge after he was selected as the preferred bidder by the investment firm handling the sale of the club. Boehly is said to have impressed with his track record with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have seen their value double since he purchased a 20% stake.
He was in the stands on Saturday to watch Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers after discovering his £4.25billion offer is set to be accepted.
Speaking to The Sun, sports business analyst Darren Rovell explained: “Look, everyone is a downgrade from Roman. Boehly is not the billionaire that Roman was so I think if Chelsea fans got used to literally going after everyone and money not being any object - I don't expect that to be the case with the Boehly team.
“You got a Russian oligarch who could spend as much as he wanted. I think money is going to be more strained because against the background of what Roman Abramovich could spend, they are not going to be spending as much.
“I think everyone is a downgrade from Roman. It's difficult to upgrade from Roman Abramovich because the cash is there.”
Since purchasing the club in 2003, Russian billionaire Abramovich has continuously pumped large funds into Chelsea to be spent on new signings.
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That investment has seen the club become one of England and Europe's biggest clubs, winning five league titles and two Champions Leagues in the last 19 years.
While Abramovich has a net worth of around £6.7billion, Boehly's is slightly lower £3.6billion, perhaps limiting his ability to invest heavily during the transfer window.
Regardless, though, Rovell still thinks Chelsea fans have good reason to be optimistic, adding: “Fans should expect someone the quieter side that has the wherewithal to spend, that has shown a record to win, has shown a record to delegate to the right people. I think overall it is a net positive.”
Boehly, who had tried to buy Chelsea in the past, has been given the opportunity to become the club's new owner after Abramovich chose to cut ties after being sanctioned in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
