Xabi Alonso Hails “Important Day” as Clearlake Takes Full Control of Chelsea

Chelsea have entered a new chapter in their modern history, and manager Xabi Alonso has welcomed the change with open arms. Todd Boehly and fellow shareholder Mark Walter — who each held a 12.83% stake — have officially sold their shares, handing Clearlake Capital complete control of the club.

What’s Changed at Stamford Bridge

The move consolidates power under Clearlake co-founders Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano, expanding their previous 61.5% majority stake into full ownership. Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss has joined the consortium to help acquire the remaining shares, bringing an end to Boehly’s four-year run as chairman in the post-Roman Abramovich era.

Alonso’s Reaction

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Brentford, Alonso addressed the boardroom shake-up directly: “I think it is an important day for the club when there is an important change in the structure of the club, new ownership.” Despite the sometimes turbulent nature of the Boehly era, Alonso was respectful of the groundwork laid since Chelsea’s 2022 takeover, adding: “Thanks to the former owners for what they have done.”

The Spaniard also highlighted his existing rapport with Eghbali, noting it was Eghbali who personally travelled to Madrid to convince him to take the Chelsea job, calling the ownership shift “phase one” of a broader project now moving forward together.

Joao Pedro Injury Concerns

Away from the ownership news, Alonso remained coy on Joao Pedro’s fitness after the forward withdrew from Brazil’s squad. Pedro has been in fine form this season, contributing three goals and three assists in Chelsea’s opening four Premier League matches, and Alonso confirmed the Brazilian has “moved on” from missing out on the World Cup squad and is focused on a strong campaign ahead.

Why It Matters

With Clearlake now firmly in sole charge, Chelsea’s off-field direction looks set for greater clarity — something Alonso appears keen to build on as he continues shaping his squad.

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