Chelsea in conversation with Championship club as search for new director continues

Chelsea in talks with Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber

Chelsea and Todd Boehly continue their hunt for a sporting director. They are now said to be in talks with Norwich City director Stuart Webber for the role as per The Athletic (subscription required).

The American owner was previously looking to bring in RB Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell. But that move could not work out and now Boehly has turned his attention towards the Championship.

Boehly has made several changes in the backroom staff since taking over the west London club in May, earlier this year. Lots of appointments have been made, although the role of a sporting director is still vacant, with the American acting as the interim.

He led the club, along with former manager Thomas Tuchel, in the summer transfer market. The club bought in many players including the likes of Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being some of the few.

Webber has been working at the Championship club as their sporting director since 2017. The 38-year-old began his career at Wrexham in 2002, before joining Liverpool in 2009.

Three years later he moved to Queens Park Rangers and then in 2013 to Wolverhampton Wanderers. In 2015, he joined Huddersfield Town and played a key role in helping the west Yorkshire club reach the Premier League.

Webber has seen overseen two promotions to the Premier League with the Canaries in his five years at the club. He has also been involved in two relegations, including last year’s disastrous campaign in which the club finished last with only 22 points.

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But the director is a very experienced one. Boehly will have to act fast if he wants the club to do some business in January. Appointing a sporting director now would give him/her the time needed to understand the requirements of the club and shortlist targets accordingly.