Chelsea Football Club has reportedly identified Sonia Bompastor as their preferred candidate to succeed Emma Hayes, with the Lyon boss being offered a contract amid the search for a new head coach.
Following Emma Hayes’ announcement of her departure from Chelsea at the end of the season to assume the role of head coach for the United States women’s national team, Chelsea has been actively seeking her successor since November. While contenders like Casey Stoney and Laura Harvey were considered for the position, The Athletic reports that Chelsea has chosen to extend an offer to Bompastor. Negotiations are said to be underway, although no formal agreement has been reached yet.
Sonia Bompastor, who took over as head coach of Lyon in April 2021 following the dismissal of Jean-Luc Vasseur, has enjoyed significant success during her tenure. In her inaugural full season, she guided Lyon to their eighth Champions League title, defeating Barcelona 3-1 in Turin. Bompastor’s impressive track record includes six trophies, comprising two league titles, a French Cup triumph, and two Super Cup victories, in addition to the prestigious Champions League triumph.
Notably, Bompastor made history by becoming the first individual to win the Women’s Champions League both as a player and as a manager. Her contributions to Lyon’s success as a player, winning the title in 2011 and 2012, are matched by her achievements from the sidelines.
As negotiations continue between Chelsea and Bompastor, Emma Hayes’ focus remains on guiding her Chelsea side through a crucial top-of-the-table clash against Manchester City. With aspirations of securing a fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title before her departure for the United States, Hayes is determined to conclude her tenure at Chelsea on a high note.