Chelsea are exploring the possibility of sending Mathis Amougou and Kendry Paez on loan to Strasbourg for the 2025–26 season. While no formal agreement is in place, internal discussions point to the Ligue 1 club as a logical development platform within the shared ownership model. According to The Sun and The Hard Tackle, Chelsea have already outlined a loan plan for Amougou, with Strasbourg expected to be the preferred destination.
The move would align with Chelsea’s long-term development strategy, aiming to provide structured, first-team experience in a competitive but aligned footballing environment.
Amougou: Adaptable midfielder with high-level youth pedigree
Mathis Amougou, 19, joined Chelsea from Saint-Étienne in January. A versatile central midfielder, he is known for his composure on the ball, positional intelligence, and short-passing consistency. Amougou was awarded the Bronze Ball at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he helped France reach the semi-finals. His limited senior action at Chelsea — just 22 minutes over two matches — has prompted a search for regular top-flight exposure. Get French Football News has reported that Chelsea see Strasbourg as a fitting development route, following the model used for Andrey Santos.
Paez: Ecuador’s breakout talent awaiting European launch
Kendry Paez, 17, is regarded as one of the most technically gifted midfielders of his age group. A left-footed playmaker with exceptional vision and one-on-one ability, he made his senior debut for Ecuador at 16 and has since earned 17 caps, scoring twice. Paez gained international recognition as the youngest South American to score in a World Cup qualifier. While Evening Standard and Chelsea News reported that Paez has been training with Strasbourg, Goal.com noted that Chelsea may ultimately keep him for the Club World Cup squad instead. His eligibility for European football will begin after his 18th birthday in May 2025.
Model shaped by the Santos precedent
Andrey Santos’ successful loan to Strasbourg in 2024–25 has provided a clear model. The Brazilian midfielder adapted well in Ligue 1 and is now expected to return to Chelsea’s first-team squad ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. The experience demonstrated the value of consistent tactical environments across club affiliates.
Chelsea believe that both Amougou and Paez can benefit from gaining consistent first-team experience at Strasbourg, where tactical alignment and playing time are more controllable than in the Premier League environment.
UEFA ownership rules a separate consideration
Regardless of any loan arrangements, UEFA regulations surrounding multi-club ownership will apply if both Chelsea and Strasbourg qualify for European competitions in the same season. These rules prohibit two clubs under shared ownership from entering the same UEFA tournament — a matter of club eligibility, not player movement. The resolution of this issue will be handled separately from any individual player development plans.
