Baibao invested 20 million euros this summer; Chelsea sold Amugu 12 million, resulting in losses

Hupu September 11th, French media team wrote a BlueCo column to analyze the relationship between Chelsea and Strasbourg. On July 9, a strong young man watched the training of a Strasbourg player. The fans present were curious about his identity. His enlarged photos quickly went viral on social media.

Chelsea fans who are now close to Strasbourg fans recognize him. He is Samuels Smith, one of the young players in the Blues. Strasbourg bought him for 7.5 million euros (plus 500,000 euros bonus). For a player who has never played a professional game, the deal is really high.

The 19-year-old versatile defender quickly showed his limitations after starting twice in a friendly match (for Stuttgart and Mainz for 150 minutes each). Just 34 days after he was sold, Chelsea launched his buyback clause, loaned him to Swansea, and terminated the contract with England International script Chilville, compensated him for a two-year contract (monthly salary of 850,000 euros!) and allowed him to join Strasbourg.

Strasbourg argued: "He was a potential star for Chelsea. But a few weeks later, Whiteburg's coaching staff thought he had too little playing time. For his development, we must find a more suitable player. We know how to deal with and correct mistakes."

And before again, other transfers were made between the two BlueCo clubs.

Last winter, the Blues bought midfielder Matis Amuku from Saint-Etienne for 15 million euros and eventually joined Strasbourg this summer.

"This transfer did not bring economic benefits to Chelsea, but also took into account the depreciation of the players," explained a source close to the transfer, who estimated the deal would be around €12 million.

"Basically, we have made every effort to ensure that neither club is adversely affected."

Similarly, for Diego Morera, there is a favorable clause, who moved from London to Strasbourg in the summer of 2024 for 8 million euros. The Portuguese international joined Joelger Petrovic, Andre Santos and Caleb Willy at the same time, both of whom were loaned from Chelsea.

This season, Mike Penders, Kendri Pass and Mamadu Saar (purchased from Strasbourg for 14 million euros on June 9) occupied three loan positions within UEFA rules.

"We are taking advantage of the possibilities allowed by the rules, and we have a very good relationship with BlueCo. We are working to develop our clubs in a wise way. Wouldn't the appeal of Ligue 1 benefit from what we did?"

Ligue 1 soon realized that Strasbourg should be regarded as a top club. Today, Strasbourg's budget is seventh in Ligue 1, and the recruitment intensity this summer is unmatched in France. A total of 18 players have been introduced, with a total cost of about 110 million euros.

But with Habib Diyala and Dirane Bakwa being sold, the price is in line with the management's asking price: 31.5 million euros (plus 5.5 million euros bonus) and 35 million euros respectively.

Ultimately, the club's net transfer expenses this summer were about 20 million euros (net investment of 110 million euros in three years). Is this enough to "distort" Ligue 1 as some people think?

"I won't say that, but we have to recognize their investment and economic strength, which is almost unparalleled in Ligue 1," one manager explained. "If you know the strength behind the club, you will find that they rank in the top three in this regard. Their economic strength is stronger than Marseille."

Marseille's net transfer investment has been 106 million euros in the past three years. This is almost the same as the Strasbourg Club, owned by BlueCo.