Christopher Vivell has been named as Chelsea’s new technical director.
German Vivell, 36, orchestrated the 2019 acquisition of Erling Haaland while serving as head of scouting and recruitment at RB Salzburg in Austria.
His most recent post involved recruiting for all age groups for German Bundesliga team RB Leipzig.
Petr Cech, a former Blues goalkeeper who left in the summer after three years in the position, is replaced by Vivell.
Graham Potter’s manager, Vivell would offer support, according to Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly.
Boehly added, “We are thrilled that Christopher is assuming this crucial leadership role at the club.”
His achievements in Germany and Austria “speak for themselves. We have faith that he will carry on with Chelsea’s remarkable trajectory. He will be a key support for Graham and the ownership group and help us realize our overall goals for the club.
Chelsea’s transfer goals may benefit from Vivell’s connections to RB Leipzig because the club has been connected with both defender Josko Gvardiol and midfielder Christopher Nkunku of that team.
“Chelsea are developing the most exciting project in global football, and I’m really proud to be joining the club,” Vivell said of his move to Stamford Bridge.
There is a lot of opportunity for the club to succeed, advance, and expand.
“Under the new ownership, Graham Potter and the broader sporting team, there is a clear and sustainable philosophy underpinned by performance analysis, data and innovation, and I am looking forward to playing a part in that.”
Chelsea resume their Premier League campaign following the World Cup with a home fixture against Bournemouth on 27 December.