"‘It’s No Longer a Laughing Matter’ – Chelsea Owners Announce Premier League Star’s Move from Brighton"

Table of Contents

• Arrival of David Weir
• Strasbourg's Ownership
• Fans' Reaction
• Protests Against Ownership
• Club President's Statement

CHELSEA's owners, BlueCo, have confirmed the acquisition of yet another talent from Brighton.

David Weir, aged 55, has been appointed as the new sporting director of Strasbourg and will assume this role starting November 1.

David Weir has joined BlueCo-owned Strasbourg after departing BrightonCredit: PA Todd Boehly’s group has now signed an astonishing 16 players and staff from BrightonCredit: Getty

The French club Strasbourg is owned by BlueCo, which also owns Chelsea.

Weir, a former England and Premier League star, had served as the technical director at Brighton since May 2022, before his surprising exit from the Seagulls was announced in September.

A statement from the chairman of the south coast club read: “David has contributed significantly to our club, but we now wish to refresh our technical area with new leadership and direction.

“I would like to thank David for all his contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

However, less than two months after the announcement, David has now finalized his move to work under BlueCo.

His arrival marks him as the 16TH player or staff member to transition from Brighton to work with the Chelsea owners since their takeover in 2022.

Fans took to social media, expressing disbelief at yet another individual being recruited from Brighton by BlueCo.

One frustrated fan remarked: “Aren't you embarrassed? You seem to wait for someone to leave or excel at Brighton and just hire them.

“It's not even amusing anymore; it’s genuinely sad that clubs of your stature and wealth want to mimic little old Brighton.”

Another fan commented: “Do you not feel even a hint of shame?”

A third added: “This is becoming increasingly humorous; we have officially become a feeder club for Chelsea and Chelsbourg.”

Another commented: “Utterly embarrassing. Boehly and BlueCo continue to be obsessed with Brighton! Strasbourg fans, what are they doing to your club? I feel for you.”

BlueCo’s most recent acquisition from Brighton prior to Weir was the transfer of a player, with the Paraguayan initially moving to the club before an anticipated switch to Chelsea in the future.

This player was the first to transition to Chelsea from Brighton back in 2022, followed by the manager and five of his staff members joining months later.

Players like Robert Sanchez and Moises Caicedo – who transferred for a then British record fee of £115 million – also went on to join Chelsea.

Strasbourg fans have protested against their club's ownership by BlueCo, criticizing their use as a so-called “farm club” for Chelsea.

In September, it was announced that the club’s four main fan groups – Ultra Boys 90, Kop Ciel & Blanc, la Fédération des supporters du Racing, and Pariser Section – would be going on an indefinite strike against the ownership group.

This strike would involve fans remaining silent at games, starting with what would typically be a high-profile match against Marseille.

A statement from the fans read: “We favor appeasement and will comply with the measures imposed for the Marseille home game, while contesting their unfair and damaging nature.

“Under these circumstances, there will be no vocal demonstrations.”

On the other hand, Marc Keller, the president of Strasbourg, insists that BlueCo's investment has propelled the club forward.

He told the Telegraph : “Our dream was to elevate Strasbourg into Europe.

“For that, you need a larger stadium, increased revenue, and a strong ownership willing to take risks … with BlueCo, we can compete for top league positions and for European spots.”