Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel admitted that Roman Abramovich’s decision to sell the club will affect the ongoing contract negotiations with several players.
As it stands, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, and Cesar Azpilcueta are the three Chelsea players in the final months of their contract at the club.
It remains unclear whether the Blues are still in talks with all three and their representatives, but based on Tuchel’s admission last month, the club is working on it “behind-closed-doors”.
Then there are also the likes of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho whose contracts expire in 2023. Chelsea reportedly had plans to begin contract talks with the midfield duo (via the Evening Standard).
Tuchel, however, admitted that the uncertainty that comes with the expected change of ownership might influence players’ decisions over contracts.
“Yeah, of course, that’s the situation and maybe the bottom line is that we cannot help it,” the Chelsea manager said in Friday’s press conference on whether the club’s being up for sale will have an impact on player contract talks.
“It’s what it is. You never know, maybe it has a positive effect on the negotiations, maybe it has a negative effect.
“We cannot predict and I [prefer] not to start predicting all the scenarios because we just lose focus on it.
“But of course, everybody has a different situation, feels different about it. Still, I hope for the best outcome.
“Still, I think we have something to offer [as a club], and still, I think Chelsea are a strong club and will stay a strong club.
“Our owner decided to sell the club, but he sells a strong, solid, very well-organised club at the highest level.”
Marina Granovskaia’s immediate future at the club, in particular, will play a crucial part since she is usually in charge of negotiations.
Tuchel also said that he has an excellent relationship with the club director and wishes that she would stay.
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