‘Maybe I’ll Go as Striker!’ – Todd Boehly Jokes Amid Chelsea Ownership Rumblings

Boehly Shrugs Off ‘Increased Role’ Talk as Chelsea Ownership Tensions Bubble Under

Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, but in a rare moment of levity this week, the American businessman batted away suggestions that he might be seeking an even greater role at the club by quipping, “Maybe I’ll go as striker!”

The comment came amid growing speculation surrounding his standing at Stamford Bridge and the reported power struggle between his camp and Clearlake Capital, the private equity firm that owns the majority share in Chelsea Football Club. While Boehly may have joked his way past the question, the tension behind the scenes is no laughing matter.

Since acquiring the club alongside Clearlake in 2022, Boehly’s time as one of the faces of Chelsea’s ownership group has been marked by heavy investment, boardroom upheaval, and relentless scrutiny from a fan base desperate for success. But as the Blues prepare for a defining end to their 2024–25 season, questions are once again swirling around who truly holds the reins at Stamford Bridge—and what Boehly’s long-term vision really looks like.

Power Dynamics at Chelsea: Boehly’s Influence Waning?

Boehly, who initially arrived at Chelsea as the public-facing figure of the post-Abramovich era, has reportedly seen his influence reduced in recent months. According to several sources close to the club, Boehly currently owns just 12.8% of Chelsea’s total stake—compared to Clearlake Capital’s commanding 61.5% majority.

That imbalance in ownership has become a growing source of tension, with reports suggesting Boehly has considered buying out Clearlake co-founder Behdad Eghbali in an effort to reclaim greater control of the club’s future. However, the cost of such a move could be astronomical—potentially requiring an investment in the region of £2–3 billion.

It’s the sort of financial play that even a billionaire might think twice about, particularly when it comes amid fan discontent, performance inconsistencies on the pitch, and an uncertain long-term strategy.

When asked this week whether he would like to take on a more central role at Chelsea, Boehly deflected the question with humour. “Maybe I’ll go as striker!” he laughed—a line that, while tongue-in-cheek, underscored the awkwardness of the situation.

Supporter Frustration Mounts Over Big Spending, Little Reward

Boehly Vision: Still Clear, Still Controversial

Humour aside, Boehly and the ownership consortium find themselves under pressure from Chelsea supporters. Since the takeover, the club has spent lavishly in the transfer market—shelling out well over £1 billion on a mix of young talent and high-profile names. Yet the returns have been modest at best.

The 2023–24 campaign was a turbulent one, and while the current season under new head coach Enzo Maresca has seen signs of progress, the trophy cabinet remains bare. Fans have voiced their frustrations through protests and social media campaigns, criticising both Boehly and Clearlake for a perceived lack of sporting direction and an overly aggressive recruitment strategy.

With no major silverware since the 2021 Champions League triumph, supporters are desperate for a return to glory—and some feel the boardroom battles are getting in the way.

Chelsea’s Big Finish: Conference League Final and Champions League on the Line

Despite the noise off the pitch, Chelsea’s players and coaching staff are still in the hunt for a memorable end to the season. A win against Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday, May 28, would deliver the club its first European title since 2021—and give Maresca a fitting reward for his impressive debut campaign.

The Blues are also still fighting for a place in next season’s Champions League. Their final Premier League fixture sees them face Nottingham Forest on Sunday, May 25. Victory there could lock in a top-five finish and all the financial and prestige benefits that come with it.

For Boehly and Clearlake, lifting a trophy and securing Champions League qualification would serve as a much-needed validation of their project. It might not silence the critics entirely, but it would at least buy them some goodwill.

A Summer of Change?

Regardless of how the final week plays out, there’s a sense that Chelsea could be heading into another summer of significant change. The ownership structure is under increasing scrutiny, and whether or not Boehly moves to consolidate more power—or steps further back—could shape the club’s medium-term future.

Maresca’s position appears secure, but the squad may yet undergo further surgery. With the Club World Cup also on the horizon in the United States, fixture congestion will be a concern, as will squad depth and player fatigue. Boehly and the board will need to ensure their ambitious plans align with the practicalities of elite-level competition.

Boehly Vision: Still Clear, Still Controversial

When Boehly and Clearlake bought Chelsea from Roman Abramovich, they promised to modernise the club’s structure, invest in youth, and bring a sustainable long-term model to one of football’s biggest institutions. Those ideals remain, but the journey has been bumpier than anyone expected.

From the appointment and sacking of multiple managers to the scattergun transfer approach and now the rumoured internal rift, the Boehly era has been anything but smooth. Yet, for all the turbulence, Chelsea are still in a position to end the season on a high.

Whether Boehly ultimately decides to go “as striker” or remain in his current position, what matters most now is unity. If the ownership group, coaching staff, and players can find a shared purpose over the next few weeks, Chelsea could lift a European trophy, return to Europe’s top table, and begin a new chapter with genuine optimism.

That would be the best response of all—for Boehly, for Clearlake, and most importantly, for the fans.