Strasbourg President Confirms Samuels‑Smith Move From Chelsea Was Scrapped Over Playing Time
Keller says the cancellation complied with FIFA loan rules to protect Ishé Samuels‑Smith’s minutes.
Overview
- Marc Keller said the proposed transfer was canceled after staff from both clubs, the player and his family concluded he would not play immediately for Strasbourg.
- He stressed that no money moved between Chelsea and Strasbourg in relation to the aborted deal.
- Samuels‑Smith returned to Chelsea and was sent on loan to Swansea City as what Keller called an intermediate step to secure game time.
- Keller emphasized that Strasbourg followed FIFA regulations on loans in handling the situation.
- The explanation comes as sections of Strasbourg’s support question BlueCo’s influence and the club’s autonomy.