Strasbourg have opened negotiations with Chelsea for academy defender Genesis Antwi, sources confirm. The French club, part of the BlueCo network, is weighing up whether to take the 18-year-old on a loan deal or sign him permanently. Antwi and his family have already visited Strasbourg’s training ground, signalling serious intent.
Strasbourg eye Antwi to fill squad gaps
Liam Rosenior’s side lost key players this summer, including Habib Diarra to Sunderland, Andrey Santos back to Chelsea, and Djorde Petrovic to Bournemouth. Reinforcements are a priority, and Antwi has emerged as a strong candidate.
A Swedish youth international, the teenager has already tasted Conference League action and got an assist in a friendly versus Bayer Leverkusen. He is quick and versatile as a wing-back and should quite well fit the type of reboot that Strasbourg are undergoing.
Talks are ongoing, and Chelsea are open to both loan and sale options. Reports suggest that if a permanent move is agreed, a buy-back clause could be included. The club has used Strasbourg as a platform before, sending players like Ishe Samuels-Smith, Mike Penders, and Diego Moreira across the BlueCo pipeline.
🚨EXCL: RC Strasbourg are in talks with Chelsea for their star academy talent Genesis Antwi.
The player and his family have already visited the training ground in the last week and discussions are set to continue. pic.twitter.com/9M7fkddbqb
— The Chelsea Spot (@TheChelseaSpot) August 19, 2025
Chelsea’s stance on Antwi’s future
At Stamford Bridge, Antwi currently sits behind Reece James, Malo Gusto, and Josh Acheampong in the right-back pecking order. His route to consistent minutes looks blocked, which makes a temporary move a smart pathway. Chelsea want him playing senior football rather than spending the season stuck on the fringes of the first team.
The club sees Strasbourg as a valuable stepping stone, just as they’ve done with other prospects in the BlueCo model. If the move becomes permanent, Chelsea plan to include a buy-back clause to keep long-term control. That plan not only protects their investment, it also gives Antwi an opportunity to prove himself in Ligue 1.
Author’s View
The move looks logical for all parties. Strasbourg gain a promising defender, Antwi gains experience, and Chelsea keep control of his development. Whether on loan or permanent, this transfer has the hallmarks of another calculated BlueCo move.
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