Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge plans: Most likely outcome revealed as Boehly-Clearlake outline options

Chelsea’s decision on what they will do over their plans for their stadium project are nearing, according to reports, with their future at Stamford Bridge in the balance.

As part of the £4.25 billion takeover of Chelsea last May, the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership committed to redeveloping the stadium, whether that was at Stamford Bridge or on another site in the capital.

The new owners are ‘adamant that Chelsea must have one of the best stadiums in England and in Europe by the time the project comes to an end’, according to Matt Law, with 2030 regarded as the ‘earliest possible move-in date’.

Chelsea have many options on the table over where their future could be, with more talks scheduled. It was previously reported by The Times that they hoped to have a final decision by the summer.

As reported by Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, there are four options for Chelsea in regards to Stamford Bridge.

• Knock down and rebuild Stamford Bridge
• Redevelop Stamford Bridge
• Move away from Stamford Bridge
• Do nothing

It’s claimed that knocking down Stamford Bridge and building on the existing site is the most likely option for Chelsea currently, however no final decision has been made.

Talks have been held with the Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO), who own the Stamford Bridge freehold, turnstiles, pitch and Chelsea FC name, and they are also waiting to find out whether they have been successful in buying the £50 million plot of land next to Stamford Bridge – the 1.2 acre site which belongs to Stoll, a housing association.

None of Chelsea’s options will be problem free, something the owners have recognised. They have reportedly ensured the CPO that they would only seriously consider moving away from Stamford Bridge with their backing.

If Chelsea did move away from Stamford Bridge while the site was demolished and rebuilt, then alternative grounds could include Wembley, a ground Spurs spent while their new state-of-the-art stadium was being built.

Neighbours Fulham are undergoing an extension to Craven Cottage, but with a capacity of just under 30,000, it’s unlikely Chelsea would consider it as an option for several years.

It’s set to be a big couple of months as talks continue between all of the parties before coming to a final decision on where Chelsea’s future will be.