BlueCo Replicates Brighton Model with €315 Million Investment

06 January 2026at15:20

Since the summer of 2022, BlueCo, the ownership group of Chelsea FC, has adopted an intensive strategy to acquire players and staff from Brighton & Hove Albion. This move stems from the group's admiration for Brighton's operational model, with the aim of replicating its success. This strategy has involved a total of 19 transfers, with an investment approaching €315 million.

Early transfers began with the acquisition of young players such as Shumaira Mheuka for €1.17 million and Zak Sturge, followed by the signing of defender Marc Cucurella in a deal worth €65 million. In September 2022, manager Graham Potter and his core staff joined Chelsea in a move estimated at around €24 million, marking a significant shift in the London club's technical setup.

BlueCo continued to attract talent from Brighton, with Paul Winstanley, Brighton's former head of recruitment, taking on the role of co-sporting director at Chelsea in November 2022. The club also signed goalkeeper Robert Sanchez for €23 million and midfielder Moisés Caicedo in a massive €116 million deal in August 2023. With the integration of Strasbourg into the BlueCo group, Sam Jewell, Brighton's former head of recruitment, joined BlueCo in February 2024 to oversee affairs for both Chelsea and Strasbourg.

For the 2025-2026 season, transfers saw João Pedro and Facundo Buonanotte move to Chelsea, while Valentín Barco and Julio Enciso joined Strasbourg from Brighton, alongside David Weir's transfer to Strasbourg. Most recently, Liam Rosenior, previously signed by Winstanley at Brighton, returned to join Chelsea, further underscoring BlueCo's ongoing strategy of accumulating talent from Brighton to achieve its sporting objectives.

Q&A

Why has BlueCo invested nearly €315 million in Brighton's players and staff?

BlueCo, Chelsea's ownership group, aims to replicate Brighton's successful operational model. This significant investment reflects their strategy to integrate proven talent and expertise across their clubs, including Chelsea and Strasbourg.

Which key players and staff have joined BlueCo's clubs from Brighton since 2022?

BlueCo has acquired numerous talents, including players like Marc Cucurella, Moisés Caicedo, Robert Sanchez, and staff such as manager Graham Potter, Paul Winstanley, and Sam Jewell, distributing them across Chelsea and Strasbourg.

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