Freund explains his reasons for rejecting Chelsea director as €150million player makes Chelsea transfer decision
Red Bull Salzburg’s Football Director Christoph Freund has acknowledged that he declined the chance to join Chelsea FC.
The Blues and Freund reached a personal accord earlier this week, as Chelsea247 revealed, but Salzburg later stressed that they had not been consulted and swore that the director would remain in place.
The rejection of Chelsea’s advances have now been mutually confirmed by Salzburg and Freund, with the latter explaining, “As I have confirmed already, Chelsea were interested in me. When such a big club asks, it not only honours me and the work of FC Red Bull Salzburg, it is also of course a circumstance that entails personal consideration.
“But I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m in the best of hands with FC Red Bull Salzburg and that a change is out of the question for me.”
After learning on Tuesday, that Freund had changed his mind and was hesitant to break his new contract, Chelsea was hopeful that a deal for Freund would be finalised this week and has been taken aback by the decision.
€150million player makes Chelsea transfer decision
According to reports, Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing AC Milan Rafael Leao, with Premier League rivals Manchester City also interested in signing the AC Milan star.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via Tribal Football, Leao favours extending his AC Milan contract over leaving for Chelsea.
Leao, who has a release clause of €150million, is out of contract in the summer of 2024, which means he could leave for a lower fee next summer.
However, it appears Leao is happy with the Italian champions and wants to renew his deal. Leao currently earns €2million net per season, and will only renew for a significant wage rise.
He is reportedly demanding wages of around €7million per year to extend his contract with AC Milan.