‘With Immediate Effect’: Chelsea Set to Steal Another Member of Brighton’s Recruitment Team

Chelsea have appointed Brighton and Hove Albion’s head of recruitment Sam Jewell to a senior position as they poach yet another of the Seagulls’ prized assets.

Brighton’s Head Of Recruitment Sam Jewell To Join Chelsea

Brighton’s Highly-Sought Backroom Staff

Jewell becomes the eleventh member of Brighton’s staff to join Chelsea since Todd Boehly’s takeover in May 2022. This includes Paul Winstanley, whom the 34-year-old took over from as Brighton’s head of recruitment.

The Englishman will take on a global role at the club monitoring both Chelsea and their affiliate clubs. He will contribute to the focus on data-driven recruitment, as was successfully done at Brighton.

The Seagulls announced the move on Tuesday despite interest from Manchester United, who have made an offer for Brighton’s former technical director Dan Ashworth as they look to restructure their scouting department.

Ashworth left Brighton in February 2022 to join Newcastle United as sporting director and was the man who brought Jewell to the Amex in 2016.

Chelsea’s Business With Brighton

Graham Potter departed the Seagulls in September 2022 as he took over as manager of Chelsea, bringing many of his backroom staff with him. Part of this team was goalkeeper coach Ben Roberts who remains at the club despite Potter being fired in April of last year.

Brighton have profited from their business with the Blues in recent seasons selling Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, and Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for a combined £203 million.

Jewell played a role in the Seagulls signing Caicedo for £4.5 million in 2021 before he was bought by the Blues in August 2023 for £115 million making it a British transfer record.

Brighton’s Statement On Jewell

Brighton said in a statement: “Sam Jewell has accepted a new position at Chelsea FC. Sam has now commenced a period of gardening leave. We thank him for his long service to our club.”

“With immediate effect, Mike Cave, assistant technical director, supported by George Holmes, scouting and intelligence manager, will assume Sam’s responsibilities.”