Chelsea’s relations with Strasbourg have worked out very well for the Blues so far this summer, although one player sold to them this summer could already be about to leave.
The success stories with the fellow BlueCo club have so far revolved around young players making the move to the Ligue 1 side on loan to help further their development.
Andrey Santos is now competing for regular minutes at Stamford Bridge as a result of his exceptional 18 months on loan in France, and they will be hoping that the same will be the case this season for Mike Penders, Kendry Paez and Mamadou Sarr.
The Blues have also sent players to Strasbourg on a permanent basis, with Ishe Samuels-Smith and Mathis Amougou moving there this summer.
Ishe Samuels-Smith set for loan move weeks after leaving Chelsea permanently
Chelsea changed their mind from loaning Samuels-Smith, with it clear that they could record pure profit on the books from the sale of their academy asset.
Now though, the young full-back looks as if he will be returning to England. Sky journalist Anthony Joseph has stated that the left-back is now poised to move on loan to Swansea City for the rest of the season.
He said: “Swansea City are closing in on the signing of Strasbourg left-back Ishe Samuels-Smith. It’s understood the clubs have agreed a season-long loan deal for the 19-year-old. Samuels-Smith joined Strasbourg last month from Chelsea.”
He was already facing significant competition from former Chelsea man Diego Moreira in the position of left wing-back, and a loan could end up being his best chance at regular minutes.
Samuels-Smith was tipped for big things at Chelsea
After months of impressive performances with the youth squads at Cobham, there was real excitement over what the left-back could do if he was given the chance in the first team.
Josh Acheampong tipped Samuels-Smith to break through soon, although it did not take long for the Blues to find a replacement for him.
Jorrel Hato has joined the club from Ajax for big money, with the initial aim being for him to provide cover and competition for Marc Cucurella at the back.
The Blues can always keep an eye on the youngster’s progress at Strasbourg, however it looks as if his journey there will not get going for at least another season.
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