Brighton’s Head of Recruitment, Sam Jewell, is set to make a move to Chelsea after accepting an offer from the club. The 34-year-old, who is the son of former Wigan and Derby manager Paul Jewell, has resigned from his current position on the south coast and will be following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Paul Winstanley, to Stamford Bridge.
Jewell had also been the subject of speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to revamp the footballing operations at Old Trafford. However, Chelsea will be welcoming Jewell to the club after a period of gardening leave. It is understood that he will report to co-sporting directors Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, working under the multi-club model. Chelsea’s owners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, also hold a majority stake in the French club Strasbourg.
Brighton’s manager, Roberto De Zerbi, spoke highly of Jewell in an interview with The Athletic, describing him as a “top guy” and praising his work in the last transfer window. The club expressed their gratitude to Jewell for his long service, stating that with immediate effect, Mike Cave, the assistant technical director, supported by George Holmes, scouting and intelligence manager, will assume Jewell’s responsibilities.
The move of Jewell to Chelsea is expected to have an impact on both clubs’ recruitment strategies and operations. It is a significant development in the footballing world, particularly as Chelsea gears up for the upcoming season.
Overall, this transition reflects the ever-evolving landscape of football and the high value placed on talent and expertise in recruitment within the sport.
