“Major issue” – Strasbourg president lifts the lid on selling Emanuel Emegha to Chelsea | OneFootball

Strasbourg president Marc Keller has admitted it was a “major issue” selling striker Emanuel Emegha to Chelsea.

The Blues announced the signing of Emegha last month, and the 22-year-old has signed a seven year contract at Stamford Bridge.

The plan is for Emegha to spend this season at Strasbourg, before linking up with his new team-mates next summer.

Strasbourg president on selling Emanuel Emegha to Chelsea

Strasbourg are part of the mutli-club model under BluCo, and the Ligue 1 outfit have benefitted from having a number of talented Chelsea youngsters.

Andrey Santos and Djordje Petrovic excelled for the French side last season as they qualified for the Conference League.

Emegha will join Chelsea next summer.

Mamadou Sarr, Mike Penders and Kendry Paez are all spending the season at Strasbourg, whilst Chelsea have sold Ben Chilwell to the French side.

The Blues benefit by being able to develop their young talents, whilst they are also in pole position to sign the best players Strasbourg have to offer.

Chelsea have already signed Sarr, whilst their latest recruit is Emegha, although Keller admitted the deal was a “major issue.”

“It was a major issue,” he told The Telegraph.

“The only way to keep him was to say, ‘You will go in one year’. He was ready to do that, and to be captain and a big leader for us in Europe [they are one of the favourites in the Europa Conference League].”

Chelsea sign Nicolas Jackson replacement

Emegha is viewed as the Nicolas Jackson replacement, and whatever happens at Bayern Munich the Senegal international is set to be sold next summer.

Chelsea believe Emegha has greater potential than Jackson, and the 22-year-old scored 14 goals in Ligue 1 last season.

More Stories / Latest News

“Major issue” – Strasbourg president lifts the lid on selling Emanuel Emegha to Chelsea

12th Oct 2025, 01:30pm

Journalist speaks out on Chelsea’s January plans for defensive target

12th Oct 2025, 01:00pm

Report: Chelsea contacted over move for Ligue 1 star, Blues prefer two other attackers

12th Oct 2025, 12:30pm

Emegha is a unique profile given his 6ft 5′ frame, whilst he was also the fastest player in Ligue 1 last season, and he offers another totally different option in attack.

The Dutch under-21 international is likely to go straight into the first team squad and compete with Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.