Alonso says Chelsea ambition ‘very clear’ after Boehly era ends with Clearlake takeover

LONDON, Sept 18 — Xabi Alonso declared Chelsea's ambition to be "very clear" following the Clearlake Capital takeover, which concludes Todd Boehly's tenure as club chairman. Chelsea confirmed that Clearlake, managed by Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano, will assume Boehly's and director Mark Walter's shares. US billionaires Boehly and Walter had previously teamed up with Clearlake to purchase the club from Roman Abramovich in May 2022, with Boehly and Walter split the remaining shares with investor Hansjorg Wyss.

Wyss is expected to keep a significant stake in Chelsea. Boehly and Walter also own the Los Angeles Dodgers and recently sold the Los Angeles Lakers for $12.5 billion. Reports suggest the duo would receive £950 million (approximately $1.27 billion) for their combined Chelsea stakes, valuing the club at around £5 billion including debt.

Alonso, who assumed his role on July 1, emphasized the club's determination to compete at the highest level and win major trophies. He expressed good relations with Clearlake's Behdad Eghbali, who facilitated his introduction to the project. Alonso also highlighted the club's ambition, stating it is unmistakable. Chelsea's performance in the Premier League has fluctuated since the takeover, with a recent fourth-place finish in the 2024/25 season and a 10th-place finish last year.

Alonso's task is to rejuvenate the underperforming squad, which has started the new campaign with seven points from four games, currently sitting sixth in the table. Boehly, Walter, and Clearlake have since sold their shares in Chelsea's Ligue 1 partner, Strasbourg, granting Clearlake complete control of the club.