Abramovich sale pushes Rice to Man Utd instead of Chelsea
Martin Macdonald
- 3 Mar 2022 11:48 GMT
- 3 min read
Shockwaves have been sent through the football world this week at the news that Roman Abramovich is set to sell Chelsea.
The billionaire has been under intense political pressure and threatened by the UK government due to his alleged connection to Russian president Vladimir Putin's regime.
''I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC," Abramovich said in a released statement.
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"As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart. In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the Club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club’s sponsors and partners."
The 55-year-old bought Chelsea in 2003 and has transformed the club into one of the world's biggest clubs.
Chelsea won 21 trophies during his 19 years at the club, including two Champions League titles and five Premier Leagues.
The departure of Abramovich will obviously have a major financial impact on the club as, when it is eventually sold, there are no guarantees that any new owner will splash the cash in the same fashion.
Chelsea's time as a free-spending transfer market juggernaut may be over.
And, that puts major summer transfer plans in jeopardy.
No Declan Rice for Chelsea
Declan Rice has emerged as one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League over the last couple of seasons and starred at Euro 2020 for the Three Lions.
West Ham are fighting for their first-ever spot in the Premier League top four, but the general feeling is that Rice will eventually be moved on for a huge fee, possibly in excess of £100m
Rice was previously at Chelsea as a youth player but was released as a 14-year-old.
He has been linked strongly with a return to Stamford Bridge, with Man Utd also eager to bring the player to Old Trafford.
Chelsea are desperate to bring Rice back to the club, but Man Utd may now be the favourites to land his signature due to the financial uncertainty now at the Blues.
It would not have been a massive cause of concern for Abramovich to land over £100m on one player, but any change of ownership may take months to happen.
Therefore, any massive expenditure cannot be guaranteed by the club, especially considering that debts will need to be paid to the Russian before the sale is agreed.
