Graham Potter has agreed a five-year deal to replace Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea manager.
Chelsea moved quickly to replace the German after making the call to axe their first manager 100 days into the new ownership.
Brighton didn’t hesitate in allowing the Blues to speak to their manager and opening talks were held between Potter and Stamford Bridge chiefs on Wednesday, just hours after Champions League winning manager Tuchel was axed.
After positive discussions with co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, Potter agreed to take the role on Wednesday night.
He said: “I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea FC, this fantastic football club.
“I am very excited to partner with Chelsea’s new ownership group and look forward to meeting and working with the exciting group of players and to develop a team and culture that our amazing fans can be proud of.
“I would also like to place my sincere thanks to Brighton & Hove Albion for allowing me this opportunity and in particular Tony Bloom and all the players, staff and supporters for their continued support during my time at the club.”
Boehly added: “We are thrilled to bring Graham to Chelsea.
“He is a proven coach and an innovator in the Premier League who fits our vision for the Club.
“Not only is he extremely talented on the pitch, he has skills and capabilities that extend beyond the pitch which will make Chelsea a more successful Club.
“He has had a major impact at his previous Clubs and we look forward to his positive impact at Chelsea.Advertisement
“We look forward to supporting him, his coaching team and the squad in realising their full potential in the coming months and years.”
Other managers, including Zinedine Zidane, had been under consideration, but Potter was always viewed as the first choice.