Dutch-Nigerian forward Emmanuel Emegha vows full commitment at Strasbourg  

Dutch international of Nigerian descent Emmanuel Emegha has vowed to give his all to Strasbourg until the end of the season despite signing a pre-contract with Chelsea.

Emegha penned a seven-year contract with the reigning FIFA Club World Cup champions last week and is expected to join the Blues next summer.

The 22-year-old will officially become a full-fledged Chelsea player in 2026 as he is set to continue with French outfit Strasbourg until the end of the current campaign.

“Strasbourg gave me the opportunity to develop and to get to the level where I am today and I am not finished developing or growing, and I am really grateful to the club and the supporters for everything that they have done for me. I just want to focus on Strasbourg, 100% Strasbourg until the end of the season, and then I will leave,” said Emegha.

He then revealed the reason behind the timing of the announcement. “I don’t want there to be rumours or things that can distract my team or me, so I think this is the best decision to bring it out right now. Everyone knows my personality. It is not because everyone knows that I am leaving that I will change my behaviour or my work ethic. I am a guy who gives 100% every day for the team and for the club, and I will continue doing this until the end,” he said.

The fast-rising attacker is a product of Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam, from where he moved to Belgian side Antwerp in 2022 for €2 million.

After his stint with Antwerp, the young goal poacher joined Austrian club Sturm Graz. In the summer of 2023, Emegha became a Strasbourg player for €13 million.

He quickly established himself as a key figure in Strasbourg’s attack, playing 64 matches, scoring 26 goals, providing 5 assists, and even earning the captain’s armband.

Despite featuring for the Dutch at the youth level, the attacker has yet to make an appearances for the senior level, making him available for a possible Nigeria switch.