Woody Johnson has reportedly submitted an offer to acquire Chelsea without the financial leg-up of any investors.
According to the Telegraph, the New York Jets owner presented his solo proposal to the Raine Group before or on last Friday’s deadline.
Who is Woody Johnson?
Johnson entered into the mix of candidates to become Roman Abramovich’s successor quite late on in the process.
The 74-year-old certainly possesses the wealth to buy a football club, with Bloomberg valuing him at £5b.
He is also the billionaire heir to the Johnson & Johnson fortune, so it’s safe to say his pockets are not dry.
It highlights the American businessman’s wealth that he can apparently move to buy Chelsea using only his own cash reserves.
Even the wealthiest of individuals hoping to land Abramovich’s empire have needed help from outside parties.
Billionaire duo Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss teamed up with Clearlake Capital, whilst property developer Nick Candy sourced support from C&P Sports and Hana Financial.
Elsewhere, Sir Martin Broughton’s attempts could be hindered if it comes to light that Crystal Palace shareholders Joshua Harris and David Blitzer have financed him.
Time is not on Chelsea’s side
All of the interested suitors will have to wait and see which of the plans the Raine Group hand over to the Premier League and the UK government.
Their projects should be dissected by a fine tooth and comb, sussing out any potential red flags that would make them unruly owners.
Unfortunately for Johnson, his past adventures might raise a few eyebrows.
He was part of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, but then become the treasure for rival runner Jeb Bush.
Anybody with connections to Trump should be approached with caution.
Nick Candy, meanwhile would be welcomed by some Chelsea supporters, due to him being a fan of Thomas Tuchel’s team himself.
Hopefully, we will know the name of the new owner soon, because the past few weeks have been torturous.
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