Sam Jewell previously signed ‘unplayable’ striker wanted by Chelsea, he’s now got £85m release clause

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The news emerged this week that recruitment chief Sam Jewell will become the latest individual to make the move from Brighton to Chelsea.

Therefore, it’s very interesting to hear he once had a big hand in signing current Blues transfer target Viktor Gyokeres.

Brighton confirmed via their official website on Tuesday that Sam Jewell, 34, has accepted a position at Chelsea. They explain he’ll complete a period of gardening leave before switching to Stamford Bridge.

The Guardian detailed that Jewell resigned as Brighton’s head of recruitment and has agreed a senior position in Chelsea’s recruitment team. He won’t be starting his new role in west London and joining up with some familiar faces until November, though.

Well-respected journalist Simon Phillips has expanded on his Substack today that Chelsea’s co-sporting director Paul Winstanley already has a great working relationship with Jewell from their time at Brighton.

Phillips has shared that Jewell was actually involved in sourcing and signing Gyokeres for Brighton several years ago. The centre-forward’s since gone on to carve out a very exciting career for himself away from the Amex Stadium.

It is understood that Jewell will not be involved in final transfer negotiations for new signings once he starts working at Chelsea, but he’ll have a say in targets and earlier talks.

We’re certainly intrigued to hear that a soon-to-be member of Chelsea’s hierarchy has a history involving Gyokeres.

Chelsea rumours they want Viktor Gyokeres

Gyokeres, who impressed in the Championship last season with Coventry City, completed a permanent transfer to Portugal last summer. It’s an understatement to say his first year with Sporting Lisbon is going well.

The Swedish striker has a phenomenal 28 goals in 31 games for Sporting so far this campaign.

Journalist Simon Phillips recently claimed via Substack that Gyokeres remains high on Chelsea’s striker shortlist ahead of the summer. Sporting’s star centre-forward also has a release clause worth €100m (£85m), as relayed by Fabrizio Romano on X.

Described as “unplayable” by Maxime Biamou via X in 2022, Gyokeres is developing into a top frontman that’s on course for 40-plus goals this season.

We’re intrigued to see if Jewell’s impending arrival coincides with Chelsea stepping up interest in him.