Alonso Hails Chelsea Ambition After Boehly Exit

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has welcomed the change in the ownership structure of the Premier League club, saying its ambition remains clearly defined after Clearlake Capital took full control.

Clearlake, led by co-founders Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano, agreed to acquire the ownership interests of Todd Boehly and director Mark Walter, bringing an end to Boehly’s chairmanship.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League meeting with Brentford, Alonso described the development as an important day for the club and acknowledged the contribution of the previous owners.

Alonso, who began his Chelsea role on July 1, said he was not at the club during the previous ownership period but recognised the role Boehly and Walter played following the 2022 takeover.

He also highlighted his relationship with Eghbali, saying the Chelsea co-owner travelled to Madrid to explain the club’s project and convince him to take charge.

The former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen coach said Chelsea understands where it wants to be, although he acknowledged that achieving its long-term objectives will require time.

Chelsea said after the ownership change that its ambition was to compete at the highest level, win major trophies and build sustained success.

Clearlake had previously held a 61.5 per cent stake in the club, while Boehly and Walter controlled the remaining shares alongside Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss. Following the transaction, Clearlake will assume full control, while Wyss will remain an important stakeholder and partner in the ownership group.

The change comes as Chelsea continues to rebuild its squad and establish a new direction under Alonso.

The club finished fourth in the Premier League in the 2024/25 season and won the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup during that campaign. However, Chelsea ended last season in 10th place, leading to Alonso’s appointment.

The Blues have collected seven points from their opening four league matches this season and sit sixth in the standings.

Alonso will now prepare his team for Friday’s meeting with Brentford as Chelsea begins another phase under its revised ownership structure.

The Spaniard said the club’s objectives were clear and that everyone involved understood the direction, while stressing that sustained success would take time.