New owner Todd Boehly sees Portugal as ideal option for satellite club
English club Chelsea’s new owners are reportedly engaged in talks to buy Algarve club Portimonense as part of a plan to set up a multi-club network, akin to Manchester City.
The news is being reported today by the UK’s Evening Standard, which says co-controlling owner Todd Boehly is looking at Portugal (and Portimonense specifically) as the ideal option for a satellite club.
The UK’s Daily Mail also reports that the American businessman made contact with Portuguese ‘superagent’ Jorge Mendes and Chelsea’s academy manager Neil Bath over the idea of purchasing a side in Portugal, having spoken of his desire to emulate a network of clubs similar to those established by Manchester City and the Red Bull football group.
The paper adds that the Chelsea ownership is exploring the possibility of buying a club in Belgium, but has failed in its attempts to acquire French outfit Sochaux and Brazilian giants Santos.
Portimonense was formed in 1914 and is one of the Algarve’s most successful clubs, having played in Portugal’s top flight for 20 seasons. The club currently sits in fourth place in Liga Portugal bwin, with four wins and two losses.
