Vivell comes to Chelsea from a previous role with RB Leipzig in his native Germany where he was responsible for recruitment and scouting across all age groups. During his time there he also co-ordinated the overall strategy for squad building and recruitment among Red Bull’s wider football group.

Vivell previously spent five years with Leipzig’s sister club RB Salzburg in Austria as head of scouting and recruitment and prior to that was first team scout at Hoffenheim.

Following his appointment, Vivell said: ‘Chelsea are building the most exciting project in global football and I’m extremely proud to be joining the club. There is so much potential for the club to continue to succeed, develop and grow. Under the new ownership, Graham Potter and the broader sporting team, there is a clear and sustainable philosophy underpinned by performance analysis, data and innovation, and I am looking forward to playing a part in that.’

Todd Boehly, Chelsea chairman, and Behdad Eghbali, co-controlling owner, said: ‘We are delighted that Christopher is taking up this important leadership role at the club. His work in Germany and Austria speaks for itself. We are confident he will continue on his impressive trajectory here at Chelsea. He will provide important support to Graham and the ownership group and play a vital part in advancing our overall vision for the club.’