Granovskaia set to join Chelsea exodus, putting extra heat on new owner Boehly

THE future of Marina Granovskaia was one of the biggest questions surrounding the change of ownership at Chelsea.

- Giuseppe Muro

Dubbed the most powerful women in football, she has effectively run the club for Roman Abramovich for almost a decade.

If, as expected, she becomes the next big-name exit at Stamford Bridge, then her departure represents a significant loss and leaves a massive gap to be filled.

Granovskaia has been considered the most powerful person at Chelsea after Abramovich. Many people assumed she would leave after the Russian billionaire put Chelsea up for sale, but interested buyers were aware of how highly rated she is within the game.

With Chelsea facing a tough summer and playing catch-up in the transfer market, Thomas Tuchel's preference was for Granovskaia to stay on as a director for the rest of the window. He wanted her to oversee transfers for at least the summer to ensure some continuity during any hand-over process, following the Todd Boehly takeover.

But, after Chelsea announced yesterday that Bruce Buck will leave his post as chairman, Granovskaia is also set to be the next high-profile exit, as the new regime takes shape.

A statement from Chelsea regarding the timing of her departure is expected soon, but it is anticipated she will leave before the transfer window closes.