Chelsea head of international scouting Scott McLachlan departs the club after 11-year stint

Chelsea’s head of international scouting Scott McLachlan has left the club after 11 years.

McLachlan is departing for a new challenge and set to take on a high-level role elsewhere in football after a period of gardening leave.

He had decided to move on before Chelsea’s ownership issues and takeover though stayed on to help the club’s new owners through the initial transition period following their purchase and their first transfer window. The sanctions placed on Chelsea also delayed his exit.

The respected McLachlan is understood to be leaving with the blessing of the new owners and best wishes of those he will leave behind and after being a key figure in the club’s recruitment during a period when they have won every major honour, including some twice.

Before joining Chelsea in 2011, McLachlan had worked as a technical scout at Fulham and also been a performance analysis at Southampton.

McLachlan is the latest pivotal member of Chelsea’s recruitment process to leave since the club’s Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital after director Marina Granovskaia and technical performance advisor Petr Cech. McLachlan’s departure is understood to be his decision.

New blues owner Todd Boehly served as interim sporting director this summer, presiding over recruitment as Chelsea spent a Premier League record £270million  

Hands-on Boehly took charge of Chelsea’s recruitment as interim sporting director during the summer with manager Thomas Tuchel handed an increased say, the window closing with the Stamford Bridge club having embarked on a Premier League record spree of around £270m.

They have held talks with potential candidates for a new sporting director as they look to rebuild their department in charge of transfers…