Freund out of the running for Chelsea role

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Red Bull Salzburg’s Christoph Freund has rejected the chance to be Chelsea’s sporting director.

The two clubs held discussions over Freund but he will be staying at the Austrian club, where he has been credited with the signings of the likes of Erling Haaland, Sadio Mané, Naby Keïta and Dayot Upamecano.

Blues co-owner Todd Boehly appointed himself as interim sporting director in June, following his consortium’s takeover at Stamford Bridge.


Freund, who has been Salzburg’s sporting director since 2015, has built a reputation for talent-spotting and the use of data, with a number of top European clubs having previously shown an interest in appointing him.

Boehly has made significant behind-the-scenes changes at the Bridge and the appointment of a sporting director has been a priority, with director Marina Granovskaia – who oversaw the club’s transfer dealings – and technical director Petr Cech having left their positions.