Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Emanuel Emegha from their sister club Strasbourg in 2026.

Both clubs are under the ownership of BlueCo, the consortium led by Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly, which has been investing heavily in creating a multi-club football model.

Emegha, 22, enjoyed an impressive campaign in Ligue 1 last season, scoring 14 goals and providing three assists in 27 matches. The Dutch-born striker began his career at Jong Sparta, before spells at Sparta Rotterdam, Antwerp, and Sturm Graz, eventually joining Strasbourg in 2023.

This move mirrors the pathway of Paraguayan midfielder Julio Enciso, who was signed from Brighton earlier this summer. Enciso will play for Strasbourg before eventually making the switch to Stamford Bridge.

Opinion: Chelsea’s Multi-Club Vision – Smart Strategy or Risky Gamble?

Chelsea’s agreement to bring Emegha to Stamford Bridge in 2026 is another signal of Todd Boehly’s long-term strategy of nurturing talent within the multi-club model. On paper, it makes sense: Strasbourg provides young players with regular first-team football in a competitive league, before they make the leap to Chelsea.

For Emegha, the move could be life-changing. At 22, he’s already shown he can score consistently in France, and a couple more strong seasons in Ligue 1 will prepare him for the physicality and intensity of the Premier League.

However, the model also raises questions. Will these players eventually flourish at Chelsea, or will they get lost in the shuffle like so many promising signings before them? Fans have seen this movie play out with talented youngsters who never quite made the transition from “project signings” to Stamford Bridge mainstays.

If Emegha lives up to expectations, though, Chelsea might have unearthed a striker who can add depth and dynamism to their frontline—a position that has troubled the club since the departure of Didier Drogba and Diego Costa.

Ultimately, Chelsea’s gamble is clear: build the future now, even if it means waiting. Whether that patience pays off will be closely watched, not just by Blues fans, but by clubs across Europe considering similar models.