In recent times, we have seen Chelsea sign a lot of players from sister club Strasbourg. In fact, they even swooped in for their manager earlier this year after Enzo Maresca was sacked. Naturally, the French club’s fans are not happy with the situation. At times, their team feels like a feeder system for the Blues.
That being said, one cannot deny that quite a few players have headed in the opposite direction as well. Whether that be on loan or on a permanent basis. And quite a few of them have been able to impress.
Chelsea have a habit of signing youngsters. Some of them are not successful in settling in at Stamford Bridge. For them, Strasbourg becomes a much easier place to find their feet.
Just ask Diego Moreira. Signed from Benfica, big things were expected of him. But during his time at Chelsea, he looked raw and nowhere near ready for the Blues. He would end up joining Strasbourg in the summer of 2024 and has developed into a quality Ligue 1 player since then, even breaking into the Belgium national team picture. Could a return to Stamford Bridge now be on the cards?
Chelsea have buy-back clause for Diego Moreira, also wanted by Borussia Dortmund
According to Florian Plettenberg, Borussia Dortmund are among the clubs to have Moreira on their shortlist for the summer. The 21-year-old is planning a move in the upcoming window, with a potential fee in the region of €30 million to €40 million. Chelsea are believed to hold a very favourable buy-back option.
The Belgian international is highly versatile and can operate in almost any role on the left flank. He is also currently under contract at Strasbourg until 2029. So, the French club hold most of the cards right now.
Would Diego Moreira fit in at Stamford Bridge the second time around?
There is no doubt that Moreira has developed as a player since leaving Chelsea. If brought back, he would be a lot more ready than he was the first time around. But do the Blues need him?
That is the question they should be asking themselves. Personally, I do not feel that Moreira is the type of player who will come in and move the needle for Chelsea.
At the same time, one cannot overlook the interest in him from top clubs like Borussia Dortmund. Chelsea have their own financial issues and will need to raise funds in order to make their own moves this summer. So, why not bring back someone like Moreira for what looks to be a low buyback clause and then move him on for a higher transfer fee in the future?
