Nils Koppen alternative and Brighton Head of Recruitment Sam Jewell agrees to join Chelsea four months after being “formally approached” by Rangers.
The 34-year-old has been placed on gardening leave whilst the particulars of the deal are worked out, with the transfer guru expected to move to Stamford Bridge in November.
Sam Jewell becomes the latest behind-the-scenes staffer to swap Brighton for Chelsea too, the West Londoners poaching a quite remarkable eight non-playing staff from the Seagulls.
The Blues are hoping that this early investment in the club’s recruitment, Chelsea’s approach to transfers being overhauled since a takeover from American billionaire Todd Boehly.
Brighton have led the way in date-driven analytical recruitment and it’s clearly something that Chelsea’s moneyspinners appreciate.
Chelsea-bound Sam Jewell “approached” by Rangers
Interestingly, Rangers reportedly “formally approached” Sam Jewell before Chelsea were mentioned as suitors in the Brighton staffer.
Fabrizio Romano claimed back October last year that the Ibrox side wanted to make Jewell their new “Technical Director” to replace the outgoing Ross Wilson.
There was some confusion surrounding the links at the time, with local reports in Brighton appearing to rebuff suggestions of Rangers’ interest.
Interestingly, the move to Chelsea comes just one week out from when Sam Jewell was being linked with a similar switch to Manchester United.
With the Red Devils set to poach Newcastle United’s Sporting Director Dan Ashworth in similar circumstances, it was claimed the Englishman wanted to add Jewell to his team.
Nils Koppen making his mark at Ibrox
Whilst Chelsea’s move for Sam Jewell makes big headlines, Rangers watch on having moved for Belgian alternative Nils Koppen.
The former PSV Eindhoven scout and recruitment guru has had a big hang in building the Dutch side’s current squad, which is flying high in the Eredivisie and Champions League.
In the club’s latest round of accounts, Chairman John Bennett was clear that improved player trading – the so-called “fourth pillar” of the club’s business model – was top of the Ibrox agenda.
As part of this, the club formed a new Board of Recruitment which contains key players in the club’s transfer dealings who will work together to identify and secure targets.
And it’s been so far, so good for Rangers and Nils Koppen, with the club’s January window being heralded as a success to date.
Rangers signed Wolves striker Fabio Silva on loan until the end of the season, whilst young talents Mohamed Diomande (FC Nordsjælland) and Oscar Cortes (RC Lens) struck loan-to-buy deals.
