'Big talent and big passion': Chelsea return to Brighton for a man Roberto De Zerbi absolutely loves

Chelsea have hired Brighton's head of recruitment Sam Jewell with the 34-year-old now the latest to move from Sussex to west London. The 34-year-old is the son of former Wigan and Derby manager Paul Jewell. 

Jewell will now follow in the footsteps of Paul Winstanley who left the Seagulls and headed to Stamford Bridge. Manchester United had also been interested in highly-sought after head of recruitment but it is Chelsea who have secured his service in the latest move to improve the club. 

He is now set to go on gardening leave after which he will move to west London to begin his new role in an exciting period for the club. He is likely to report to co-sporting directors Winstanley and Laurence Stewart working under the multi-club model. 

Chelsea’s owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital also own a majority stake in French club Strasbourg where Jewell might have to keep an eye out for also with his role yet to be fully defined. 

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi recently described Jewell as a big talent in an interview with the Athletic: “He’s a top guy, my friend. He worked very well in the last transfer market (window). He’s very young, but he has a big talent, big passion. He knows all the players in the world… like me!”

Brighton also confirmed his departure via a club statement: "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.”

On the pitch Chelsea are preparing for their first Cup final under Mauricio Pochettino against a Liverpool side whose manager Jurgen Klopp will leave the club after this season.