According to sources, Chelsea Football Club has reportedly identified Sonia Bompastor, currently with Lyon, as their preferred candidate to replace the outgoing Emma Hayes as the head coach. While Bompastor is under contract with Lyon until 2025, Chelsea would need to negotiate a substantial compensation fee to secure her release.
With Emma Hayes set to leave her post at the end of the season to take up the position of head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team, Chelsea is eager to find a suitable replacement. Hayes has made a significant impact on the club since taking charge in 2012, guiding the team to six Women Super League titles and five FA Cups.
Sonia Bompastor stands at the top of Chelsea's wish list due to her impressive resume. The former French international player, with 156 national team caps, enjoyed a successful playing career at Lyon, winning both the 2011 and 2012 Champions League titles. After retiring, Bompastor joined Lyon's backroom staff in 2013 and took over as the first-team coach in 2021 following Jean-Luc Vasseur's departure.
Under Bompastor's guidance, Lyon achieved remarkable success during the 2021-22 season, securing both the league title and the Champions League trophy. The following season, Bompastor continued Lyon's dominance by clinching their second consecutive league title.
Despite Chelsea's interest, securing Bompastor's services is not expected to be a straightforward task. With another 16 months remaining on her current contract, Lyon's recent acquisition by American businesswoman Michele Kang adds another layer of complexity. Kang has already expressed her commitment to restoring Lyon's dominance in European football.
If Chelsea manages to finalize a deal for Bompastor, they would be gaining a highly qualified coach with a proven track record both as a player and as a manager. Bompastor's experience at Lyon, a club renowned for its success in women's football, would bring invaluable knowledge and expertise to Chelsea's coaching staff.
Only time will tell if Chelsea can successfully negotiate Bompastor's release and secure her as Hayes' successor. The club will surely be eager to ensure a smooth transition and maintain their winning tradition under the new leadership.
