Chelsea Set to Part Ways with Sporting Director

Chelsea are set to part ways with co-sporting director Laurence Stewart by mutual consent in the near future, according to the BBC and The Telegraph. The 40-year-old is leaving Stamford Bridge after nearly four years at the club, with the decision coming as part of a restructuring of the Blues' sporting hierarchy. Stewart joined Chelsea from Monaco in 2022 and subsequently operated as co-sporting director alongside Paul Winstanley. His primary responsibilities included budget planning, football philosophy, style of play, and overseeing the data and analytics department. Reports suggest his departure is the result of a "natural evolution" of the club's operational model, with no rift between him and fellow executives.

Following Stewart's departure, Winstanley will assume a lead role in the day-to-day operations of the sporting department, working in closer collaboration with Sam Jewell and Joe Shields. The club does not plan to appoint a direct successor, with Stewart's duties to be absorbed by the existing leadership team. The shake-up comes amid co-owner Behdad Eghbali's desire to "fine-tune" the operational structure, while new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has also been granted a greater say in squad decisions.