Chelsea signing sends clear message after transfer controversy

Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha sent a clear message to the club’s supporters after his match-winning impact against Paris FC on Sunday afternoon.

The Netherlands international was named on the substitutes bench by Liam Rosenior, but he was introduced in the second-half and he provided the assist for Guela Doue’s strike in the 78th minute, before scoring his fourth goal of the season to secure a 3-2 victory.

After poking home Ismael Doukoure’s cross, Emegha removed his shirt in celebration and held it aloft in the direction of the Strasbourg fans. It comes amid the immense criticism he has received following the announcement that he will join Chelsea for an undisclosed fee in 2026.

The Strasbourg captain has been slammed by supporters over the past week, and during their Ligue 1 clash against Le Havre on 14 September, supporters displayed a banner that read: “Emegha BlueCo pawn. After changing your shirt, give back your armband.”

Emegha has been defended by the aforementioned Rosenior on a number of occasions since confirmation of his imminent transfer to Chelsea, although Strasbourg fans remain furious that he will be moving to their sister club in 2026 and are yet to forgive him.

Emegha, 22, has now scored 27 goals in 65 appearances for Strasbourg and he is expected to challenge with Liam Delap and Joao Pedro for a starting berth as Chelsea’s first-choice centre forward when he moves to Stamford Bridge next year.

The Dutchman’s arrival is also likely to signal the end of Nicolas Jackson’s career at Chelsea. The Senegal star is on loan at Bayern Munich for the 2025-26 season and he is expected to depart west London on a permanent deal next summer after being deemed surplus to requirements by the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.

Emanuel Emegha defended by Strasbourg president

Emegha’s goal against Paris FC comes after Strasbourg president Marc Keller defended the 22-year-old during an emergency press conference on Thursday.

“Something happened that I couldn’t have imagined,” he said. “I saw a minority of people attacking the institution, the project and our captain. It’s unacceptable. These are not our values. Attacking our captain is not done.

“Since 2012, we’ve had a different relationship with the ultras in the Kop. Everyone was playing their part. The fans supported us. We used to talk a lot, even in the third division. But that’s changed in the last two years – it’s sad.

“What happened on Sunday no longer respects our club’s rules and we don’t accept it.”

Keller added: “We signed him [Emegha] two years ago thanks to BlueCo and many big clubs asked us about him this summer.

“Our priority was to keep our striker and our leader. We found the best balance with this agreement, which allows us to keep him and then let him go to Chelsea.”

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