Chelsea's new ownership has done more than just change hands since Todd Boehly has arrived at Stamford Bridge. The American has flung himself head first into transfer negotiations, watching matches and making himself familiar with the players.
It has been a baptism of fire for Boehly and Clearlake as they look to oversee a squad reshuffle this summer, attempting to re-establish the Blues' place amongst the world class elite. Like nothing that fans have ever seen before, the LA Dodgers co-owner has taken on his role as owner and expanded it to interim sporting director in a bid to start the club transformation as soon as possible.
This makes it timely that Thomas Tuchel and his team have embarked on a pre-season tour of the States earlier this week. The marketing strategy originally planned to make the use of the warm weather and parading Christian Pulisic to his national fans has nicely coincided with Boehly's takeover.
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The first match of pre-season isn't until Sunday, July 17, but excitement around the squad has remained high with a host of returning loan players taken over the pond in a bid to impress Tuchel and earn a first team spot for next season.
Someone who won't need to make much of a name for himself is Reece James. The right-back is firmly in Tuchel's plans as offers for a new contract are drawn up, tying James to his boyhood club. Although James isn't the same expressive figure off the pitch as he is on it, the Englishman is still absolutely key to the foundations of the squad Tuchel is trying to build.
It would appear that James' stature within the club, not only as vital first team player but also as a potential captain, has travelled up to Boehly, as he looks to create an image of a new Chelsea. Though James insists that the owner wants things to stay the same. "He's definitely spoken to everyone individually," James said to Sky Sports at the UCLA training centre in Las Vegas. "The camp feels stable, everyone is looking forward to the new season and the new ownership."
The feeling of unknown has been exciting for Chelsea so far this summer, though with no new signings through the door with under one month until the 2022/23 season there is anxiousness in the fanbase. With Boehly being as public as he is with his appearances and comments, it's hard not to see the movements of the club in a different light, but James has been told that the ambitions are the same.
"[We were told that] not much is changing. He's [Boehly] here to win trophies and nothing changes from the club perspective."
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