TalkSPORT pundit Danny Mills has criticised Todd Boehly’s decision to not immediately hire a sporting director at Chelsea.
The American has taken control of the majority of the club’s transfer negotiations this summer, following Marina Granovskaia’s decision to step down from her role.
While he has proved influential in securing deals for Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly, the club have seen a number of deals slip through their fingers at the final moments.
Some have believed the lack of recognised sporting director has contributed to the missed opportunities, with Mills claiming it is what’s causing Thomas Tuchel’s frustrations.
He said: “I think he’s just trying to say to the owners, look because of what happened last year, they lost a few very good players, and they haven’t really replaced them yet. All he’s said is we need some more players in, and I want them in as soon as possible so I can get working with them.
“You’ve gotta have somebody who knows how football works, knows what they’re talking about. Be able to pick the phone up to managers, to scouts and to other directors of football. I’m not sure he has that relationship with those people yet to get those honest deals done.
“I found it very, very strange that he took control of the club and didn’t put a sporting director in charge immediately.”
Mills criticises Boehly’s decision
Raphinha and Matthijs de Ligt are two targets who have already joined other sides, despite originally being tipped for moves to Stamford Bridge.
Jules Kounde looks set to join the growing list of missed targets, with Barcelona reportedly agreeing personal terms with the Frenchman to bring him to the Nou Camp.
Blues fans will be hoping the owner helps back Tuchel to the best of his ability for the rest of this window, with the German stating concern ahead of the new season.
Defenders are the biggest targets for the club before the fixture against Everton, with Koulibaly currently not enough to replace their already departed stars.