Omari Kellyman leaves Chelsea for Strasbourg in €6m move

Strasbourg have completed a surprise deal for Chelsea forward Omari Kellyman, with the 20-year-old joining the French club for €6m and signing a contract until 2031.

The transfer, reported by L’Équipe, sees Kellyman move from one BlueCo-owned club to another as Strasbourg continue to reshape their squad during the summer transfer window. The agreement also includes a buy-back clause for Chelsea.

Kellyman arrived at Chelsea in 2024 from Aston Villa for a fee of more than €20m, but has been unable to establish himself in the Blues’ first-team plans. He spent last season on loan at Cardiff City before making the move to Strasbourg.

The versatile English forward now begins a new chapter in Alsace, where he has committed his future to the club until 2031.

His arrival is part of a significant rebuilding process at Strasbourg, who have undergone major changes to their squad during the current transfer window.

The French club have seen several important players depart during the summer, including Valentín Barco, Julio Enciso, Emmanuel Emegha and Diego Moreira.

With much of the group that featured prominently last season no longer at the club, Strasbourg have been forced to make extensive additions under new coach Hugo Oliveira.

Kellyman’s transfer provides another attacking option for Oliveira as he attempts to put together a new-look squad capable of competing after a difficult start to the campaign.

The Portuguese coach’s first competitive match ended in a heavy 4-0 defeat away to Marseille, leaving him with plenty of work to do as he attempts to establish his ideas and integrate Strasbourg’s new signings.

Kellyman’s move is also notable because it could be the first of several transfers involving players from Chelsea.

According to L’Équipe, Portuguese midfielder Dario Essugo and Brazilian forward Deivid Washington are among the other Chelsea players who could move to Strasbourg before the transfer window closes.

The possibility of further arrivals would underline the close relationship between the two clubs and give Oliveira additional options as he continues to rebuild his squad.

For Kellyman, the move represents an opportunity to gain greater playing experience after a difficult spell following his expensive transfer to Chelsea.

The 20-year-old will now look to make an immediate impression in France and justify Strasbourg’s decision to invest €6m in his services.

With a contract lasting until 2031 and a buy-back clause included in the agreement, Kellyman’s arrival could prove to be an important part of Strasbourg’s long-term plans.