Strasbourg's response to Chelsea buy-out attempt

Stuart Telford

• 25 Feb 2023 14:23 GMT
• 3 min read

Todd Boehly has been linked with a move for Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, eight months on from adding Chelsea to his sporting portfolio.

American billionaire Boehly has splashed the cash since succeeding Roman Abramovich as Chelsea owner last May, dropping more than €600 million on new players in the two transfer windows since.

And recent reports from France suggest he has no intention of stopping there, with l'Equipe highlighting on Friday that Boehly had held a meeting with Strasbourg president Marc Keller with a view to buying the French side.

READ: Chelsea owner Todd Boehly wants to buy Ligue 1 club

Chelsea are famous for their "loan army" and le Racing could be an ideal destination for the likes of Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana next season, as well as operating as a feeder team.

However, Strasbourg don't appear overly keen to sell, at least according to local news network BMF Alsace.

Keller 'is taking his time'

"It is a non-event," they were told by a Strasbourg executive. "If there was a lunch, there hasn't been a follow-up since. Marc Keller is taking his time to find investors."

READ: Neymar to Chelsea: The truth behind Boehly’s PSG talks

Strasbourg, who were re-founded in 2011 after going bankrupt, have recovered in recent seasons and won the Coupe de la Ligue in 2019. But their desire for investment is well-known.

"President since 2012, Marc Keller and the 10 other shareholders began several years ago 'a reflection on the best way to sustain the club and strengthen its ambitions,'" l'Equipe wrote.

"According to our information, the latter are very interested in the Strasbourg, a financially healthy club that they could help to grow, in particular via player loans."

Strasbourg's statement to local media could just be a ploy to make Boehly feel he isn't the only possible bidder, thus driving up the price they might sell for.

Boehly also owns part of MLB franchise the Los Angeles Dodgers and WNBA side the Los Angeles Sparks.