‘He doesn’t deserve it’ – Strasbourg chief defends Dutch-Nigerian forward Emanuel Emegha amid Chelsea move backlash
Strasbourg president Marc Keller has come out in strong support of club captain Emanuel Emegha after the forward was booed by sections of the home crowd during last weekend’s win over Le Havre.
The 22-year-old, who has already agreed a transfer to Chelsea for the 2026 season, was jeered when his name was read out before kick-off, despite leading the team to victory on the pitch.
Emegha, born in the Netherlands to Nigerian parents, has been a pivotal figure for Strasbourg since his arrival under the club’s BlueCo ownership structure.
Keller told L’Équipe that the striker had been “pursued by all the big clubs in England and Germany” before signing for the French side, and said the club had worked hard to keep him this summer.
“He wanted to stay; he turned down ten offers this summer. I don’t want him to be booed: he doesn’t deserve it,” Keller said.
The Strasbourg president described Emegha as “a striker, a leader” who “carries everyone along with him” and stressed that the forward had been central to the club’s plans for the current campaign.
Keller added that the decision to finalise Emegha’s Chelsea deal was taken in consultation with the player, his agent, and the owners, emphasising that the move should not overshadow his contribution to the team.
Keller also clarified the situation regarding Ishe Samuels-Smith, whose expected loan from Chelsea fell through before the window closed.
He said Strasbourg had targeted a player capable of operating at left-back or left centre-back, but after discussions with Samuels-Smith, his family and Chelsea, “we felt it would be difficult for him to play right away.”
Keller explained that an “intermediate step” was chosen instead, leading to Samuels-Smith’s switch to Swansea City and the cancellation of any financial arrangements between Chelsea and Strasbourg.
He said the decision was made to prioritise the teenager’s “well-being and his playing time” over forcing through a move.
