Chelsea has appointed Christopher Vivell as its new technical director in advance of the start of the Premier League season.
When Todd Boehly, the club's new owner, took over from Roman Abramovich, Petr Cech quit as technical director.
After spending two years with RB Leipzig as a scout and recruiter, Vivell has joined the group.
The Bundesliga team released him from his contract on October 7th owing to "different, opposing viewpoints."
“Chelsea is building the most exciting project in global football, and I’m extremely proud to be joining the club,” Vivell stated.
“There is so much potential for the club to continue to succeed, develop and grow. Under the new ownership of Graham Potter and the broader sporting team, a clear and sustainable philosophy is underpinned by performance analysis, data and innovation. I am looking forward to playing a part in that.”
Vivell has worked as a scout and recruiter for Hoffenheim and Leipzig’s Austrian sister club, RB Salzburg, for ten years.
The 36-year-old will work with Potter and recruitment expert Kyle Macaulay on scouting and data.
The news breaks only days after Christopher Nkunku officially joined Chelsea, and the Blues are also reportedly in the running to capture defender Josko Gvardiol.
In his first transfer window since replacing Thomas Tuchel in September, Potter might add to Chelsea’s busy summer of signings.
According to Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, Vivell will be pivotal to realising Chelsea’s long-term goals.
“We are delighted that Christopher is taking up this important leadership role at the club. His work in Germany and Austria speaks for itself,” they said.
“We are confident he will continue on his impressive trajectory here at Chelsea. He will support Graham and the ownership group and play a vital part in advancing our overall vision for the club.”
December 27th sees Chelsea’s return to Premier League play as they host Bournemouth.