Chelsea ready to leave Stamford Bridge

Chelsea are reportedly ‘in talks’ over a possible exit from Stamford Bridge for a new stadium at Earl’s Court.

The Guardian reports that the club has held discussions with Transport for London (TfL), a key partner managing the Earls Court site, about the possibility of a new stadium. However, the presentation by the Earl’s Court Development Committee (ECDC) for a mixed-use development, set to be revealed next week, does not include plans for a football stadium.

The London side has played at Stamford Bridge for over a century. However, with a capacity of just over 40,000, it ranks ninth in the Premier League, falling short compared to top teams. Efforts to expand the current site have so far been unsuccessful.

The Blues’ CEO, Jason Gannon, who previously managed SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles before joining the club in 2023, has held ‘productive’ talks with TfL, one of the partners overseeing the site, and Delancey.

Unnamed sources indicate the site could be worth up to £500 million. However, any move from the current location would also require an agreement with Chelsea Pitch Owners, who hold the freehold on Stamford Bridge, and addressing the preferences of supporters.

As Chelsea pursues the project, reports of internal conflicts between co-owners Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly could complicate negotiations and planning.

Vanguard