Following speculation in the media and public in recent days, we wish to issue the following statement: Christoph Freund is to remain sporting director of FC Red Bull Salzburg and will not be moving to Chelsea!

Our general manager Stephan Reiter and sporting director Christoph Freund have said the following:

Christoph Freund has been performing wonderful work for us for many years, and only recently extended his contract to 2026. I can hereby confirm that he will remain FC Red Bull Salzburg sporting director. He informed me about the interest of Chelsea, of course, and we have spoken about it on a personal level with some good discussions.

The fact is that he will remain our sporting director! He has not made a request with us to leave.

Stephan Reiter

As I have already confirmed in interviews, Chelsea have been interested in hiring me. When a big club like that shows interest, it is an honour not only for me and the work of FC Red Bull Salzburg, it is also a situation that requires a number of personal considerations. I came to the conclusion that I am in the best place at FC Red Bull Salzburg, and a move was out of the question for me.

We are in the middle of a really intensive phase, and we have big challenges ahead in the Austrian Bundesliga, Cup and Champions League – my full focus and concentration are directed on those now.

Christoph Freund

Christoph Freund to remain our sporting director