Chelsea’s owners, BlueCo, could soon add another club to their growing football empire as reports emerge linking them with Brazilian giants Santos FC.
Since Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali, and the rest of the BlueCo consortium took control of Chelsea, their long-term plan has been clear: build a global multi-club model similar to those operated by City Football Group (Manchester City) and Red Bull (RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg).
So far, the group’s portfolio consists of Chelsea as the flagship club and Strasbourg in France, but it looks like they’re ready to take the next step.
Talks Held with Santos
According to Brazilian reporter Lucas Musetti Perazolli, BlueCo representatives – including co-owner Behdad Eghbali – have already held meetings with Santos president Marcelo Teixeira earlier this summer. While no deal has been struck yet, talks are reportedly ongoing, suggesting Chelsea’s owners are serious about expanding their influence into South America.
Santos would represent a fascinating addition to BlueCo’s network. The club has a rich history of developing top-class talent, including legends like Pelé and Neymar. For Chelsea, who already have a strong track record of recruiting Brazilian players and recently signed teenage star Estêvão Willian, having a direct pipeline to Santos’ academy could be invaluable.
Why Santos Makes Sense for BlueCo
Owning a club like Santos could allow Chelsea to:
- Secure top Brazilian talent earlier, avoiding expensive bidding wars with European rivals.
- Develop players in a competitive environment before transitioning them to European football.
- Create commercial opportunities in one of football’s most passionate markets.
For Santos, partnering with a group like BlueCo could bring fresh investment, infrastructure improvements, and a clear development pathway for their top prospects.
Meanwhile at Stamford Bridge…
While BlueCo’s expansion plans dominate headlines, Chelsea fans are also watching the Nicolas Jackson saga drag on. After a Bayern Munich board member revealed that the striker’s loan obligation to buy is tied to him starting 40 matches this season – an unlikely scenario – Jackson’s agent hit back on Instagram, insisting that clarity will come soon.
Many Chelsea fans are frustrated with how long the situation is taking to resolve, but with the transfer window closing soon, a conclusion is expected in the coming days.
The Bigger Picture
If BlueCo are successful in acquiring Santos, Chelsea’s multi-club model will gain a new dimension. With Strasbourg already providing a European base for young talent and Santos potentially becoming a South American hub, Chelsea could be setting themselves up for long-term dominance in youth recruitment and player development.
