The former Brighton boss quickly emerged as the leading target after the Boehly-Clearlake ownership took the shock decision to sack Tuchel, who won the Champions League as recently as 2021, on Wednesday.
Potter’s attractive brand of football and ability to improve players has impressed decision-makers at Stamford Bridge, moving the 47-year-old ahead of the out-of-work Mauricio Pochettino in their thinking.
Potter said: “I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea, 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.”
Chelsea hold a positive relationship with Brighton after doing business with them on three separate occasions over the course of the summer transfer window and were granted permission to speak to the former Swansea coach just hours after confirmation of Tuchel’s removal.
Todd Boehly, chairman, said: “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. We look forward to supporting him, his coaching team and the squad in realising their full potential in the coming months and years.”
Potter’s appointment marks the highest point of his career thus far. After retiring as a player in 2005, the former Stoke and West Brom defender took charge of Swedish club Ostersund in 2011 before leaving for Swansea in 2018.
An impressive year in Wales saw him move to Brighton in 2019, where he embarked on a rapid-fire rebuild of the club’s playing style, leading them to ninth in the Premier League last season.
