Strasbourg president Marc Keller clarifies Ishé Samuels-Smith’s aborted move from Chelsea | OneFootball

Strasbourg president Marc Keller has explained the unusual transfer saga involving Chelsea youngster Ishé Samuels-Smith, who was initially announced as joining the Alsace club this summer before instead moving on loan to Swansea City. The 18-year-old defender, an England youth international, was expected to strengthen Racing’s options on the left side of defence as part of the BlueCo link-up with Chelsea. However, the deal was quietly cancelled, leaving many fans puzzled.Speaking at Thursday’s press conference, Keller aimed to provide an explanation transcribed by RMC Sport. “Ishe belonged to Chelsea. We were looking for someone to play on the left or as a left centre-back. I didn’t know him at the start, but the sporting director and Liam [Rosenior] did. ““After a few weeks, with the player, the staff, and Chelsea, we felt it would be difficult for him to play right away. Together with the player and his family, we decided that an intermediate step was better. The transfer was cancelled, no money moved between Chelsea and Strasbourg. We prioritised the player’s well-being and his playing time.”Keller insisted that Strasbourg fully respected FIFA’s loan regulations and emphasised that the decision was made with Samuels-Smith’s development in mind. “We respect FIFA’s rules on loans. We use them, and we assume it.”The clarification comes amid heightened tension between Strasbourg’s hierarchy and parts of their support, who accuse Keller of acting as a spokesperson for BlueCo rather than the club’s independent president. While Keller continues to argue for the benefits of the partnership, many ultras remain opposed to what they view as the erosion of RCSA’s autonomy and club identity. GFFN | George Boxall