Graham Potter has been appointed as the new manager of Chelsea FC. The 47-year-old has signed a five-year contract at the Bridge.
The Londoners have bought out the Englishman’s contract with Brighton. The Blues have paid a fee worth a reported £16 million (€18.4m). To buy out Potter’s contract with the Seagulls, which was set to run until 2025.
This sum makes him the second most expensive coach. Only behind Bayern Munich’s Julian Nagelsmann.
The Blues announced: “Chelsea Football Club is delighted to welcome Graham Potter as our new Head Coach, joining us on a five-year contract to bring his progressive football and innovative coaching to the Club.”
On making the move to Stamford Bridge, Potter said: “I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea FC, this fantastic football club. I am very excited to partner with Chelsea’s new ownership group and look forward to meeting and working with the exciting group of players and to develop a team and culture that our amazing fans can be proud of. I would also like to place my sincere thanks to Brighton & Hove Albion for allowing me this opportunity and in particular Tony Bloom and all the players, staff and supporters for their continued support during my time at the club.”
Todd Boehly, chairman, said: “We are thrilled to bring Graham to Chelsea. He is a proven coach and an innovator in the Premier League who fits our vision for the Club. Not only is he extremely talented on the pitch, he has skills and capabilities that extend beyond the pitch which will make Chelsea a more successful Club. We look forward to supporting him, his coaching team and the squad in realising their full potential in the coming months and years.”
