Liam Rosenior Eyes Four Strasbourg Stars for Potential Chelsea Raid

Chelsea's ownership group are evidently seeking to maximize their influence over their Ligue 1 affiliate Strasbourg.

The Blues are searching for a new head coach after Enzo Maresca's unexpected exit and are reportedly considering Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior as a potential replacement, having been impressed by the former Hull City boss during his stint in France.

Should Rosenior make the switch, Chelsea might target several other recognizable names from Strasbourg, despite potentially angering a supporter base that already voices strong opposition to being viewed as a "feeder club" for Chelsea.

Below are some players Chelsea could potentially target to facilitate Rosenior's proposed appointment.

Already Confirmed: Emmanuel Emegha

In the opening months of the campaign, reports emerged that Chelsea were negotiating a deal to acquire forward Emmanuel Emegha in summer 2026, with that transfer officially announced in September.

Emegha's future arrival contributes to an already crowded forward line at Chelsea that features João Pedro and Liam Delap, making it highly improbable that Strasbourg's other prominent striker, the coveted Joaquín Panichelli, will join at Stamford Bridge.

Reportedly Agreed: Julio Enciso

Julio Enciso secured a permanent transfer to Strasbourg from Brighton & Hove Albion during the summer transfer period, though the arrangement seems more complex than initially apparent.

Sources suggest Enciso's plan involves one campaign in Ligue 1 before linking up with Chelsea for the 2026–27 season. The exact details of this arrangement remain unclear with no official confirmation provided yet, but it's evidently being developed.

Loan Returns: Mike Penders, Kendry Páez, Mamadou Sarr

Strasbourg will say goodbye to three more squad players at season's end as Mike Penders, Kendry Páez and Mamadou Sarr will rejoin Chelsea when their temporary deals conclude.

Penders has established himself as a regular under Rosenior and Sarr has also secured significant playing time, though the same cannot be said for 18-year-old Páez, who has struggled to impress the manager and enters 2026 with only four Ligue 1 starts recorded.

With those arrangements covered, let's examine four additional players who might interest Chelsea.

Valentín Barco

Chelsea pursued Valentín Barco in 2023 when his departure from Boca Juniors became inevitable. The Argentina international, primarily recognized as a left-back then, eventually joined Brighton & Hove Albion, but struggled to establish himself at the AMEX and an disappointing loan spell at Sevilla nearly ended his European aspirations.

Strasbourg acquired Barco on loan in early 2025 and witnessed him display the promise that was visible earlier in his career, securing a permanent deal months later as Barco transformed into a central midfielder.

At just 21 and brimming with self-belief, Barco serves as a vital component in Rosenior's setup and would have attracted Chelsea's attention regardless of his connection to their sister club. It seems almost inevitable that Barco will get his opportunity to shine at Stamford Bridge.

Diego Moreira

'Diegzy' has become something of a fan favorite at Chelsea. The 21-year-old left winger arrived at the Blues as a free agent from Benfica in 2023 and created more buzz on social platforms than on the field before securing a permanent switch to Strasbourg a year later.

Rosenior has deployed Moreira as his left wing-back to excellent results and, considering Chelsea lack depth in that particular position after Maresca cleared out all natural full-backs, there might be an opening for someone with his abilities.

Versatile across both flanks and eager to blend defensive duties with his obvious understanding of Rosenior's offensive philosophy, Moreira represents the type of acquisition that could ease the manager's potential adjustment to Stamford Bridge.

Guela Doué

Strasbourg boasts numerous transfer successes under BlueCo ownership, with defender Guela Doué's development ranking among the most remarkable.

Acquired for a fee reaching €8 million (£7 million, $9.4 million), Doué started his Strasbourg journey as a relatively obscure right-back but has evolved into an essential figure on the right side of Rosenior's three-man defensive line.

Doué, elder sibling of Paris Saint-Germain talent Desiré, has drawn attention from several major clubs, including AC Milan, after effortlessly adapting to the demands of Rosenior's tactical approach. Another player who could simplify the transition at Chelsea.

Ismaël Doukouré

A potential move for Ismaël Doukouré presents several angles to consider - the 22-year-old center-back who can operate in defensive midfield is a fascinating prospect long regarded as having significant potential.

His abilities come with last summer's contract dispute baggage. With Doukouré pushing for a major transfer while entering his final contract year, he was sidelined and told he would remain unused for 12 months unless he renewed. Eventually, a three-year extension was signed and Doukouré returned to Rosenior's plans.

The prospect of a Chelsea move to satisfy Doukouré's aspirations isn't novel, but it could gather momentum should Rosenior relocate to west London.