Chelsea secures the signing of Emmanuel Emegha, striker expected to arrive in 2026
Chelsea confirmed the signing of Emmanuel Emegha on Friday (12), with the Dutch-Nigerian striker set to officially join Enzo Maresca’s squad in 2026. For now, the forward will remain on loan at Strasbourg, the French club where he stood out last season.
Strasbourg loan before Stamford Bridge debut
Emegha scored 14 goals and three assists in 29 matches during the 2024/25 campaign and has already netted three goals in four games this season. Born in the Netherlands and also eligible for Nigeria, the striker is regarded as one of the top attacking prospects in Ligue 1.
Before his rise in France, the 21-year-old developed at Sparta Rotterdam and had stints with Royal Antwerp (Belgium) and Sturm Graz (Austria). Chelsea intends to give him more development time before integrating him into the Premier League.
Chelsea’s attacking urgency
The transfer comes amid a period of reshuffling in Chelsea’s forward line. The Blues added João Pedro in the last window but loaned out Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich) and Marc Guiu (Sunderland).
A setback came early this season when Liam Delap suffered an injury, forcing the club to recall Marc Guiu. The signing of Emegha, although set for the future, highlights Chelsea’s intent to secure long-term attacking options.
