So, it’s official. After 19 years in charge of Chelsea, Roman Abramovich is selling the Blues due to the “current situation” involving Russia and Ukraine.
The Russian billionaire said just that in his statement confirming the news, where he also – incredibly – revealed that he would not be asking Chelsea for his £1.5bn loan back.
Now, the 55-year-old’s advisers at The Raine Group are seeking bids, having already turned down a £2.5bn offer – Abramovich wants £3bn for Chelsea (Sky News).
Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss has been offered the chance to buy the Blues, but who is the 86-year-old? Let’s take a look…
Who is Hansjörg Wyss?
Wyss made his fortune through Synthes, a medical device manufacturer he founded and sold to Johnson & Johnson for $20.2bn (£15bn) in 2012 (Forbes).
Interestingly, he has admitted to having an interest in buying Chelsea, although with the help of a consortium.
Wyss told Swiss news outlet Blick: “I can well imagine starting at Chelsea with partners, but I have to examine the general conditions first.
“But what I can already say: I’m definitely not doing something like this alone. If I buy Chelsea, then with a consortium consisting of six to seven investors.”
Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly has joined Wyss’ consortium, having worked with the 86-year-old in the past.
Abramovich is said to have set a Friday deadline to sell Chelsea, as the value of the west Londoners drops with each passing day (Goal).
Hansjörg Wyss net worth
According to Forbes, Wyss has a net worth of $5.1bn (£3.8bn), which he amassed in the healthcare industry.
As of 2021, his net worth was $6bn (£4.5bn), which saw him ranked No.451 on Forbes‘ list of billionaires last year.
Forbes describe him as one of the most philanthropic people in the world, and mention that he has charitable foundations with assets of over $2bn (£1.5bn).
By the sounds of it, Wyss is more than interested in buying Chelsea, although he cannot do it alone.
Keep an eye on this situation, as Abramovich is seemingly desperate to sell the Blues as soon as possible.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
