‘I spoke to someone’: Journalist says Chelsea have a ‘huge problem’ as Abramovich tries to sell

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Duncan Castle has detailed one major issue that is preventing Roman Abramovich from getting his preferred price for the sale of Chelsea.

Speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast, Castle explained that Stamford Bridge could actually hinder Abramovich’s attempts to obtain the amount he believes the club costs.

The saga of Stamford Bridge

The Russian ruler reportedly wants £4 billion (Telegraph) to hand over the combination to Chelsea’s treasure chest.

However, he will more likely receive offers in the region of around £2 billion, partly due to the team’s ground.

Stamford Bridge had been promised a significant renovation by the now-former owner back in 2018.

These plans included increasing the capacity size to 61,000, with a billing of £1 billion (Telegraph).

However, Abramovich scrapped this idea after his UK investor visa expired and was not renewed by the government.

Grounding Abramovich’s expectations

It is this uncertainty over the stadium’s redecoration that has seemingly lowered the value of Chelsea.

“I spoke to someone who is involved in transactions and actually was involved in valuing Chelsea when Abramovich had placed in softly on the market after he had his UK visa taken back from several years ago,” said Castle.

“His assessment was that Chelsea is probably worth £2b, given that you have a huge problem over the stadium.

“Given that, for example, Tottenham Hotspur recently received a proposal from an American-based SPAC which valued their club at £3b, including £700m of debts, so £2.3b for the equity.

“So, the idea he can get £4b in this market, which according to Vice is what he is asking for, seems extremely optimistic.”

Chelsea supporters only have to look across the city to see what could’ve been theirs in terms of a freshly developed arena.

Tottenham spent £1 billion (BBC) on their new home, an admittedly wonderful piece of architecture and design.

Not-so sadly for the Spurs, the players haven’t been able to match the beautiful settings around them.

Meanwhile, the Blues continue to achieve success in their much smaller, older clothes.

Whoever replaces Abramovich may want to place this change at the top of the agenda.

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