Laurence Stewart set to leave Chelsea by mutual consent, reports say

Laurence Stewart is set to leave his role as Chelsea’s co-sporting director by mutual consent, according to reports.

Standard Sport, via Yahoo, reports that Stewart will depart Stamford Bridge, bringing an end to his partnership with fellow co-sporting director Paul Winstanley.

BBC reporter Nizaar Kinsella and The Telegraph have also reported the planned departure.

Laurence Stewart departure would change Chelsea structure

According to We Ain’t Got No History’s account of those reports, Chelsea do not intend to appoint a direct replacement.

Winstanley would remain within a leadership group that also includes Joe Shields, Sam Jewell and Dave Fallows.

Stewart’s responsibilities have reportedly included budget planning, football philosophy and work with the club’s data department.

The departure is being described as part of changes to Chelsea’s football leadership structure. An exact leaving date has not been established in the reports reviewed.

Stewart joined from Monaco in 2023

Chelsea announced Stewart’s appointment in October 2022, before he arrived from Monaco in February 2023.

The club subsequently confirmed him and Winstanley as co-sporting directors, overseeing a department spanning scouting, recruitment, talent and data.

Chelsea’s original appointment announcement outlined Stewart’s previous experience with Red Bull Soccer International, Manchester City, Everton and England’s national team.

His expected exit would remove one of the senior figures involved in building Chelsea’s sporting structure following the 2022 ownership change.

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