Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira has emerged as a potential candidate for the vacant managerial role at Chelsea, according to Brazilian outlet UOL.
The Portuguese boss has enjoyed a trophy-laden stint in the Brazilian top flight and appears to be a shock option to succeed Graham Potter at Stamford Bridge.
Potter was sacked following a 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa at the weekend, leaving Chelsea in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
The 47-year-old struggled to justify his enormous salary, winning just seven of his 22 Premier League games (D7, L8) while the Blues scored and conceded 27 goals each under his stewardship.
Despite departing the club worse off than they were at the time of his appointment, Potter is still in line to bag a hefty compensation package for being sacked barely a year into his initial five-year deal.
Chelsea have since begun the search for his successor, and the new owners are keen to ensure they choose the right fit for the club this time around.
Several high-profile names have already been mentioned, including Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique, Luciano Spalletti and Mauricio Pochettino.
However, if reports are to be believed, Ferreira is the latest name on Chelsea’s managerial shortlist, proving the club’s determination to ensure they leave no stone unturned in their search for a permanent manager.
Ferreira has been at Palmeiras since November 2020 but has delivered enormous success for the Brazilian outfit, winning six trophies including last season’s league title.
Despite his exploits in South America, the 44-year-old is unlikely to be considered for the permanent Chelsea role, given his inexperience across Europe’s top five leagues.
Ferreira’s current contract with Palmieras runs until December 2024. The club is keen on retaining his services and will likely demand a termination fee should Chelsea act on their interest.
Former Bayern Munich manager Nagelsmann is considered the favourite for the job, but the Blues will face competition from local rivals Tottenham Hotspur who are also interested in the German.
