Chelsea and Enzo Maresca Agree on Contract Length

Chelsea and Enzo Maresca Agree on Contract Length

Chelsea have reportedly finalized the contract length for Leicester City head coach Enzo Maresca.

Following their decision to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino a week ago, Chelsea’s management has been actively seeking his replacement.

Initially, four candidates were in contention, including Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, and former Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi. However, it has now emerged that Maresca is the preferred choice of co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, as well as co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.

Winstanley and Stewart reportedly traveled to Marbella, where Maresca is on holiday, to hold formal discussions with the 44-year-old after Leicester granted permission for Chelsea to proceed with negotiations, indicating their willingness to pay a release clause exceeding £8 million.

Chelsea and Maresca Finalize Contract Details

According to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea and Maresca have agreed on the contract’s length. Initially, a two-year deal with an option for a third year was considered, similar to Pochettino’s contract. However, Romano reports that Chelsea is offering Maresca a contract running until 2029, with an option for a 12-month extension.

This development suggests an official announcement is imminent, as Chelsea aims to resolve the matter by the end of the week.

A Quick Deal Benefits All Parties

Chelsea’s business model allows for player transfers to occur without Maresca’s involvement, but securing a deal provides much-needed stability.

Chelsea is reportedly close to signing Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer and may sell several players if suitable offers are received.

From Leicester City’s perspective, they are already looking for Maresca’s replacement as they aim to build a squad capable of staying in the Premier League, despite potential challenges such as a points deduction for breaching financial rules.

The compensation from Chelsea for Maresca’s departure can help Leicester avoid future financial breaches.