Marina Granovskia has been at the head of much speculation over the past few weeks since Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned, will she stay? How is she feeling? What role would she have if she did stay? Chelsea’s powerful director is considered one of the best negotiators in Europe.
Granovskia was reportedly unlikely to stay according to a report from Matt Law just a few weeks ago, however perhaps the tides are turning as David Ornstein reports today that ALL 4 shortlisted bidders have reached out to Granovskia about potentially staying.
Sources believe that whichever group comes through will make Granovskaia an offer to continue spearheading day-to-day activities. That would present her with something of a dilemma.
Granovskaia has been close to Abramovich throughout her career; working for the oil company Sibneft from 1997, at Chelsea from 2003 and as a senior advisor to him across the past 18 years.
None of the parties competing to acquire Chelsea are thought to have received a commitment from her one way or the other so far and it is expected that stance will be maintained until the conclusion, at which point both the new owner and Granovskaia will have to reach a decision.
David Ornstein – The Athletic
It’s understood the current front runners are consortiums headed by Tom Ricketts and Todd Boehly, both American businessmen and owners of clubs in America, Chicago Cubs and LA Dodgers.
