Incoming Chelsea signing SUSPENDED by club as official statement released

View 2 Images

Chelsea’s incoming forward Emmanuel Emegha has been slapped with a ban just months after seeing his switch confirmed. The 22-year-old is set to join the Blues from French side Strasbourg next summer.

For the time being, he continues to represent Chelsea ’s sister side - albeit fans have not taken to that news well. They demanded for Emegha to give back his captain’s armband, while they also labelled him a ‘BlueCo pawn’ on a banner at their stadium.

And things appear to have gotten worse for the forward, with Strasbourg confirming he has been suspended ahead of this weekend’s clash with Ligue 1 side Toulouse. A club statement read: “Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace has decided to suspend Emmanuel Emegha for its next Ligue 1 match, this Saturday December 6 in Toulouse.

“This decision was taken following the player's recent failure to respect the club's values, expectations and rules. Racing reaffirms its commitment to the essential principles of exemplary conduct and respect for the collective framework.

“Emmanuel remains an important member of our team, who has always given his all for the club on the pitch. He will be reintegrated into the squad after this match. No further comments will be made.”

Emegha joined Strasbourg from Sturm Graz back in 2023 and he has gone on to make 71 appearances in all competitions since, scoring 30 goals - seven of which have come this season.

Explaining his move to Chelsea, he said: “It's the best thing for my career: I want to go as far as possible, play in the Champions League , the World Cup. I could have signed with clubs participating in the Champions League this summer, but the overall project of Strasbourg and Chelsea appealed to me.

“Now, I want to lead Racing in Europe. With this group, we've started something amazing, and I wanted to see it through. I'm going to give everything for the club this season. I also spoke to the coach, and his opinion was important to me."

View 2 Images

Are Chelsea contenders for the Premier League title? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Emegha will become just the latest in a long line of players to represent Chelsea and Strasbourg. Six players signed for the French side alone from Chelsea in the most recent summer transfer window including Mathis Amougou, Ben Chilwell , Mamadou Sarr, Kendry Páez and Mike Penders.

There was controversy surrounding Ishé Samuels-Smith, who joined Strasbourg permanently in July, only to return to Chelsea one month later ahead of a loan switch to Championship side Swansea City .

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.