The 2022 summer transfer window was a mess. There's not really much doubt as far as that is concerned.
Chelsea went for so many different targets, but on a lot of their pursuits, they were either told "no", or another team – usually Barcelona – won the race. The Blues were determined to sign Raphinha from Leeds United and despite the deal looking to be advanced at one point, the Brazil international ended up moving to the Nou Camp.
The same sort of thing happened with long-term target Jules Kounde, who chose the Catalan side over Stamford Bridge. Matthijs de Ligt was another target Chelsea missed out on, although this time Bayern Munich trumped Chelsea.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly's 2023 Chelsea vision is clear after Christopher Vivell joins new-look recruitment team
There was no clear strategy from the west Londoners. However, it was an unusual situation and one Chelsea hope to never be in again – at least for a long time.
Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital completed their joint takeover of Chelsea back in May and that led to some high-profile departures from the club's board. Transfer chief Marina Granovskaia left the club, so did chairman Bruce Buck and technical advisor Petr Cech.
However, now we're about seven months into Boehly's time at Chelsea, things look a lot different now. The club have put together a new-look recruitment team behind the scenes, with Christopher Vivell the latest to make the switch to west London.
Vivell joins Chelsea from RB Leipzig as the club's new technical director. The German arrives from Leipzig after being responsible for the club's recruitment and scouting across all age groups. He also helped co-ordinate the strategy for squad building and recruitment for Red Bull's football group.
"Chelsea are building the most exciting project in global football and I'm extremely proud to be joining the club," Vivell said to the club's official website. "There is so much potential for the club to grow.
"Under the new ownership, Graham Potter and the broader sporting team, there is a clear and sustainable philosophy underpinned by performance analysis, data and innovation. I am looking forward to playing a part in that."
football.london has been told following Vivell's appointment that the German is someone who very much looks towards the future when it comes to football and a man who loves watching young talent progress through the ranks wherever he goes.
Vivell is someone who arrives with a big reputation and a really impressive CV to match. He has helped Leipzig, and RB Salzburg before that, sign some hugely talented players.
At Salzburg, notable Vivell signings include: Patson Daka, Amadou Haidara, Dominik Szoboszlai, Karim Adeyemi, Erling Haaland and Benjamin Sesko.
For Leizpig: Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexander Sorloth, Brian Bobbey, Andre Silva, Josko Gvardiol, Angelino, Ilaix Moriba, Mohamed Simakan, Timo Werner and Benjamin Sesko.
Leipzig and Salzburg have been pioneers when it comes to discovering untapped talent around Europe and other continents over recent years. It's a completely different model to what Vivell will be facing at Chelsea.
The Red Bull Group like to sign players who are unproven for low prices and then sell them for huge profit on after one, two, three or more seasons when they have established themselves for one of its clubs. It's something we could see more at Chelsea, but the Blues, if they are to compete with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal, will need to spend big on marquee players also.
Vivell is a man who is used to getting the players he wants. This slightly jokey comment – see below – from the German after the 2021 summer transfer window with Leipzig shows that he is a man who is well organised when it comes to recruitment and a proven winner in the field.
When asked by SportBuzzer how often he gets his 'Plan A' when it comes to transfer targets, Vivell laughed and replied: "Always".
It's a one-word response Chelsea supporters will certainly welcome. If he continues with such a mentality at Stamford Bridge and is able to back it up with his actions, then the future transfer windows are expected to be a lot more enjoyable for Blues supporters all around the world.
Vivell will have the help of his new-look team behind the scenes, including Paul Winstanley, director of global talent and transfers, Joe Shields, co-director of recruitment and talent and Kyle Macaulay, Graham Potter's recruitment specialist.
READ NEXT:
Wesley Fofana suffers knee injury in Chelsea vs Brentford friendly
Wesley Fofana breaks silence after Chelsea injury in Brentford friendly amid Reece James message
Chelsea set to announce major new 'signing' next week as Todd Boehly's 2023 plan comes together
Jorginho laughs about Chelsea contract talks as Todd Boehly faces Marina Granovskaia repeat
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
