Michael Edwards rejects role as Chelsea sporting director as Blues begin Armando Broja contract talks
Michael Edwards has reportedly turned down the role of sporting director at Chelsea as the club begin contract talks with Armando Broja.
Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s takeover of the Blues at the end of May has brought a summer of change to the west London club.
The likes of Bruce Buck, Marina Granovskaia and Petr Cech all left their roles on the board, and Boehly proclaimed himself chairman.
He is also their interim sporting director, with Chelsea keen to find permanent employment for the position.
It was revealed earlier in the summer that they were interested in Edwards, who was formerly a sporting director at Liverpool.
However, the Blues have been dealt a blow in their pursuit as the new board at Stamford Bridge begins to take shape.
According to The Athletic, Edwards “turned down” the opportunity to take on the role at Chelsea.
It is believed that he would like to take some time off from football and he is therefore not looking at such a date for the time being.
As a result, Chelsea will have to look for alternative targets, but there’s a chance they won’t be able to hire someone for the role before the end of August.
Some of their potential options may already be employed at other clubs and will already be working on their respective businesses elsewhere while the transfer window is still open.
While the board structure is being worked on, the Blues are still working on the situations of some of their players.
Broja has attracted a lot of attention this summer, with the 20-year-old impressing while on loan at Southampton last season.
The likes of West Ham and Everton are keen to sign the striker, although it remains to be seen whether a departure would be permanent or another loan deal.
However, the above report has revealed that the club want him to sign a new deal and talks are already underway to discuss an improved deal.
Broja made his Chelsea debut in the 4-0 win against Everton under Frank Lampard in 2020 and Thomas Tuchel has now included him in his squad to open the current season.
The Albania international has come off the bench against the Toffees and Tottenham Hotspur so far, with the latter game proving controversial.
Chelsea drew 2-2 with their London rivals, with Anthony Taylor’s refereeing decisions a big talking point after the clash.