Chelsea are in talks with Strasbourg over Omari Kellyman on a permanent deal. The 20-year-old is still highly rated at Stamford Bridge, but a move to France could give him the regular football he needs to continue his development after an injury-hit spell. The proposed deal could include a buy-back clause, allowing Chelsea to retain control over his future.
Chelsea discuss permanent Kellyman move
As reported by the BBC, Chelsea are discussing a permanent transfer with Strasbourg for Kellyman. He joined the Blues from Aston Villa for £19 million in 2024. The midfielder is yet to make a competitive first-team appearance for Chelsea and has spent much of his time dealing with injuries.
Kellyman played on loan at Cardiff City last season without suffering an injury, although his minutes were carefully managed because of previous hamstring problems. He impressed during his spell in Wales and attracted interest from several clubs.
As reported by football.london, Kellyman and his representatives are now in talks with Strasbourg over a permanent move. The player featured under new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso during pre-season but could now leave Stamford Bridge before the new campaign begins.
Strasbourg seen as ideal development option
Strasbourg could provide Kellyman with an opportunity to play regularly and rebuild his confidence after a difficult period. The Ligue 1 club is also owned by BlueCo, the parent company controlled by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. They also own Chelsea. The two clubs have completed more than a dozen player moves since BlueCo took control of Strasbourg in 2023. Kellyman’s potential transfer would therefore continue the close relationship between the clubs.
The former Aston Villa youngster has also attracted interest from clubs in England and abroad for a loan move. Cardiff were keen to bring him back after his impressive spell last season, but Kellyman reportedly prefers a move to Europe. A permanent switch to Strasbourg is the most likely outcome, although the deal is not fully advanced yet. His representatives are working with both clubs to find an agreement.
Omari Kellyman’s Cardiff City stats for the 2025/26 season, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Appearances Goals Assists Chances created
League One 36 11 2 15
EFL Trophy 3 0 0 1
FA Cup 1 0 0 –
EFL Cup 2 0 0 3
Chelsea Football Stadium - Stamford Bridge
Chelsea Football Stadium - Stamford Bridge
Chelsea face loan restrictions
Any move to Strasbourg could also be influenced by FIFA’s rules on loans between clubs. Chelsea are allowed to loan only one more player to Strasbourg during the current transfer window. Filip Jorgensen and Genesis Antwi have already joined the French club, meaning the Premier League side are close to reaching the limit for players they can send there on loan.
A permanent transfer for Kellyman would therefore avoid that restriction while giving the youngster a fresh opportunity in Ligue 1. It could also allow Chelsea to include a buy-back clause, protecting their long-term interest in the midfielder. For Kellyman, the move could provide the regular first-team football he needs. Strasbourg would also gain a talented young player with Premier League experience.
Chelsea, meanwhile, could continue monitoring his progress before deciding whether to bring him back in the future. The move could give Kellyman a chance to play in a strong European league. Regular game time would be key to his development. At Chelsea, the fight for places is tough, so proper first-team games may be hard to get.
Strasbourg could give him a clearer path to more minutes. It would also allow him to adapt to a new style of football. For Chelsea, the move would give them a chance to track Kellyman’s progress away from Stamford Bridge before making a long-term decision. If he does well in France, Chelsea could bring him back. They could also see his value rise if they later decide to sell him.
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