But the intense scrutiny aimed at the billionaire in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine has forced Abramovich to hand over the day-to-day control of the Blues.
Now, with Boehly in the driving seat, Ratcliffe is very much the underdog as we approach the climax of this ultimate saga which is set to come to an end, Time which is now being used effectively to close the negotiations for the new ownership structure, whether it will be Boehly's consortium or Ratcliffe on his own remains to be seen.
SunSport understand the centre-back turned down a potential move to Germany and Spain just two years after being targeted by some of the Premier League's biggest clubs.