Chelsea have now completed 12 deals with Strasbourg just this season alone, raising a simple question: why?

A large number of those transfers have been loan moves from Stamford Bridge back to France, allowing players to gain minutes before either returning to Chelsea or being sold.

Last season, for example, midfielder Andrey Santos impressed at Stade de la Meinau and now looks ready for Chelsea's first team, while goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic was sold to Bournemouth for £25m, enabling Chelsea to double the fee they paid for him in 2023.

Chelsea have also sent unwanted players such as David Datro Fofana and Ben Chilwell in the opposite direction, which has benefited Strasbourg, who are now able to compete for European places.

They have also signed a number of Strasbourg's standout players, including Mamadou Sarr, who rejoined Chelsea on deadline day after being bought for £12m last January, and striker Emmanuel Emegha, who will arrive in the summer.

Current loanees, goalkeeper Mike Penders and defender Aaron Anselmino, will hope to follow in Andrey Santos's footsteps while gaining valuable first‑team experience.

In most cases, Chelsea's link with Strasbourg benefits both clubs as well...