Marina Granovskaia to leave Chelsea as influential director follows Buck out the door

Marina Granovskaia will reportedly become the next big name to head for the Chelsea exit after Bruce Buck agreed to step down as chairman. Granovskaia joined the Blues in 2013 but will depart following the club’s takeover by Todd Boehly.

Chelsea were thrust into chaos earlier this year after their previous Russian oligarch owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned in the wake of his country’s invasion of Ukraine. The Blues were slapped with a whole host of restrictions before Boehly eventually negotiated a deal for his consortium to take the club off Abramovich’s hands.

According to The Telegraph, Granovskaia had effectively run Chelsea for Abramovich in recent years. But she is now set to relinquish her position at the club, with sources claiming she will depart before the end of this summer’s transfer window.

That means Boehly, who will succeed Buck as the club’s chairman, could also take over transfer negotiations, an area which had been overseen by Granovskaia. Boehly has been responsible for leading discussions with Inter Milan about Romelu Lukaku’s prospective return and has also handed more power to manager Thomas Tuchel with regards to transfers and contracts.

READ MORE: Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has five defenders on transfer shortlist

There could now be wholesale changes on the operational side of the club. And following the announcement of his departure, Buck said: “I am proud to have helped Chelsea realise great success on the pitch and make a positive impact in the community. Now is the right time to step down and let new ownership build on the strong foundations we have in place.

“The owners have a compelling vision for Chelsea’s future, and I look forward to helping them achieve it in this new role alongside our incredible staff, players, coaches and supporters.”

Meanwhile, Boehly said: “Bruce has led Chelsea Football Club to the highest levels of international and domestic football, while also developing one of the most active social responsibility projects in sport. We thank Bruce for his service and his commitment to the club.”

Express Sport giveaway – win a 55″ OLED LG TV here