"Most Strasbourg fans thought they had it good from the deal which tied them together with Chelsea. After all, the BlueCo investment has given the French side a team competitive in Ligue 1 and finished top of the Uefa Conference League table last month. There has been a 157m revamp of their Stade de la Meinau home, improving facilities and increasing capacity."
"Then there is their activity in the transfer market. Before Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital-owned BlueCo took control in 2023 the club's total transfer fees paid out per season were 6.1m, 3.9m and 9.5m. In the following three seasons Strasbourg have spent 52.6m, 53.6m and 96.5m. They were the biggest-spending club in France last summer, outgunning even Paris St-Germain (89.2m)."
"Success on the pitch was underpinned by the attacking and exciting football under Liam Rosenior. Until now. Last week the Englishman left to take charge of Chelsea. Those who were happy to accept success over a loss of autonomy in a multi-club ownership (MCO) structure now know the trade-off. There is evidence that opinion appears to be changing as fans find out what it means to be the perceived subservient partner. Strasbourg-based L'Equipe journalist Cyril Olives-Berthet says BlueCo have "shot themselves in the foot"."
BlueCo's investment transformed Strasbourg's finances, squad and stadium. A €157m revamp of the Stade de la Meinau improved facilities and increased capacity. Annual transfer spending rose from €6.1m, €3.9m and €9.5m before 2023 to €52.6m, €53.6m and €96.5m in the three seasons after takeover. Strasbourg became France's biggest spender last summer, outgunning Paris St-Germain's €89.2m. On-field progress included a competitive Ligue 1 campaign and topping the UEFA Conference League table. Manager Liam Rosenior left for Chelsea, prompting fan backlash and concerns about loss of autonomy under multi-club ownership; Gary O'Neil was appointed amid scepticism.
Read at www.bbc.com
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