General view of Strasbourg fans during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 round of 16 second leg match between RC Strasbourg Alsace and HNK Rijeka
Photo by Sathire Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Omari Kellyman finally made his Strasbourg debut after completing a £5 million move from Chelsea this summer. The 21-year-old endured a difficult first outing, as Strasbourg suffered a heavy defeat to Rennes, with several Blues loanees also featuring.
Chelsea signed the youngster from Aston Villa for £19m in 2024, but he failed to make a single first-team appearance for the West London club. Some supporters may not even recognise Kellyman’s name, given that a hamstring injury disrupted much of his first season before he spent last term on loan at Cardiff City.
Kellyman enjoyed a more positive spell in Wales, helping Cardiff secure promotion to the Championship. Nevertheless, Chelsea decided to cut their losses this summer, accepting a £14m hit to sell the attacking midfielder to Strasbourg.
The Englishman’s debut marks a new chapter in France, where he will hope to put his injury troubles behind him and establish himself at senior level. Meanwhile, Chelsea will be watching the progress of their three remaining loanees at the Ligue 1 club.
Omari Kellyman makes Strasbourg debut as BlueCo’s loanees suffer 3-0 defeat
Chelsea sister club Strasbourg suffered a 3-0 defeat away to league leaders Rennes on Sunday, dropping to 16th in the Ligue 1 table. They have managed just seven points from their opening eight games and their defensive record is particularly dire.
Strasbourg have conceded a league-high 18 goals, which does not bode well for Filip Jorgensen. The goalkeeper joined the French club on loan from Chelsea this summer, wanting regular first-team football.
The situation is also far from ideal for 19-year-old right-back Genesis Antwi, who could still have a future in Chelsea’s first team. Meanwhile, Dario Essugo started in midfield, but the Portuguese midfielder has struggled to make a significant impact so far this season.
Omari Kellyman was handed his Strasbourg debut against Rennes, coming on in the 84th minute to replace USA international Giovani Reyna in the No. 10 position. It was only the second time the Englishman had been included in a Strasbourg matchday squad, having also been named among the substitutes for their 6-2 away win against Troyes in September.
Although Kellyman finally got his chance to play against Rennes, he did not have enough time to show what he could do. In seven minutes, he completed just three passes, made an interception and committed one foul, according to WhoScored.