Strasbourg have held surprise discussions with Chelsea over a permanent deal for the teenage left-back Ishe Samuels‑Smith, with the 18-year-old turning up to train at the Ligue 1 club’s training ground this week.
Samuels‑Smith Nears BlueCo Switch
Samuels‑Smith, a £4million summer signing from Everton, has since become the focus of an in-house BlueCo shuffle. The French club, owned by Chelsea’s parent company, is negotiating a deal worth up to £8 million (€9m). According to French outlet L’Équipe, the two clubs are discussing a €6 million fee, with Chelsea planning to include a buy-back clause to retain future control.
Although he hasn’t made a senior appearance yet, the England youth international continues to earn recognition as one of the hottest prospects. The utility man has delivered two goals and seven assists in 44 outings for Chelsea’s U21s across all youth competitions. He is also an option at centre-back in theory, so he’s good depth and versatility.
Chelsea consider the prospective transfer to be part of broader squad planning. With the loan system and loan spots tightly regulated by the Premier League, particularly regarding internationals, a sale would relieve Chelsea’s current logjam of young talent while leaving a door ajar for future returns.
Other Clubs Interested, But Strasbourg Lead
Clubs including Rangers, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Stoke City had previously been interested in a loan deal over the summer but Chelsea now seem to favour offloading him permanently. The transfer would open an international loan slot, which would acclimate with BlueCo’s mentality of shuttling young develops between its properties.
This move would mark another internal transfer, following Chelsea’s recent signing of Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg earlier this summer. The financial arrangement leaves Chelsea in a position to adhere to Premier League rules while forging long-term connections with key prospects.
Strasbourg feel Samuels‑Smith has the upside to become a first-team player in Ligue 1, with his technical profile and ability to play at left-back.
Talks are continuing and the two clubs will complete the deal when they agree personal terms and the player gives the go-ahead. If it come to fruition, Samuels‑Smith may be the next promising youngster to profit from the multi-club model underpinning Chelsea’s youth-development philosophy.
As featured on Chelseanews.com
