Chelsea sack Graham Potter as Todd Boehly rips up £50m deal after dire Aston Villa loss

Chelsea have sacked Graham Potter after Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge became the latest low in a torrid season. And Todd Boehly has reportedly been left with a significant fee to pay by dismissing Potter less than seven months after he replaced Thomas Tuchel.

A club statement reads: "Chelsea FC has announced that Graham Potter has departed the club.

"Graham has agreed to collaborate with the Club to facilitate a smooth transition.

"In his time with the club, Graham has taken us to the quarter-final of the Champions League, where we will face Real Madrid.

"Chelsea would like to thank Graham for all his efforts and contribution and wish him well for the future."

The Blues have also confirmed that Brighton and Hove Albion legend Bruno Saltor, who moved with Potter from the Amex Stadium, will take interim charge as the search for a successor begins.

As pressure ramped up on the 47-year-old, reports claimed that he signed a contract worth £50m until 2027.

Boehly will have seen him as a long-term appointment, but he would have bought out the remainder of Potter's deal to confirm his sacking.

That decision could have cost Chelsea nearly £50m, given he had four-and-a-half years of his contract to run. However, the Athletic claim a deal has been struck that will see the club pay a regular severance package that isn't determined by how long is left on the contract.

The American chief and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali have shared their disappointment about the decision and insisted they were determined to end the campaign strongly.

"On behalf of everyone at the club, we want to thank Graham sincerely for his contribution to Chelsea," they told the club website.