Just 33 days after selling defender, Chelsea re-sign him in surprise deal

Chelsea have re-signed left-back Ishe Samuels-Smith just 33 days after selling him. They have also sent him on a season-long loan at Swansea City.

Samuels-Smith joined the Blues' academy from Everton's academy in the summer of 2023. He has yet to make a senior appearance for them, but has made 44 for the U21 side. He has also captained the U21 team and registered two goals and seven assists.

Chelsea had announced the sale of Samuels-Smith to sister club Strasbourg on July 30, 2025, for an undisclosed fee. Both clubs are notably owned by BlueCo group, a consortium led by Todd Boehly. However, on September 2, 2025, both clubs announced Samuels-Smith's return to Stamford Bridge.

The defender was also sent on loan to Championship club Swansea City for the 2025-26 season. As per FIFA's rules on player registration (via The Athletic):

“Players may be registered with a maximum of three clubs during one season. During this period, a player is only eligible to play official matches for two clubs.”

Notably, Chelsea have sold three players to Strasbourg this summer in Ben Chilwell, Mathis Amougou, and Samuels-Smith, who has now returned. Meanwhile, they have sent Mamadou Sarr, Kendry Paez, and Mike Penders on loan to the Ligue 1 club.

Manchester United legend names Chelsea star as best value for money signing in PL this summer

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has named Joao Pedro as the Premier League's best value for money signing this summer. He heaped praise on the Brazilian, highlighting his versatility in the forward positions.

Ferdinand said:

“I think Joao Pedro is going to be the best value [for money signing in the Premier League this summer.] He’s a great addition to the Chelsea squad because he can play centre-forward, can play as a 10. A very good addition.”

The west London side signed Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer for a reported fee of £60 million. He scored 30 goals and provided 10 assists in 70 games for the Seagulls.

The 23-year-old has also had an excellent start for the Blues, scoring two goals and registering two assists in three games. He has played as a No. 9 and also behind the striker following Cole Palmer's injury and has been effective in both positions.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have won two and drawn one of their first three games this season. They will next face Brentford away on September 13.

About the author

Aditya has been working as a European football journalist and editor for Sportskeeda for close to 4 years. He boasts a total experience of over 7 years, and always aims to inculcate proper context in his articles, making the most of his prior stints in writing and marketing across a number of different industries over the years. He has also played football at college level for 2 years.

A B.Tech. graduate, Aditya's journey as an ardent football fan began after watching the elegant maestro Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the final. He has been a fan of Tottenham Hotspur's front foot and creative football since 2008 and connect's with the club's underdog status.

Aditya, who is a Sportskeeda 'Long-form Editor of the Month' award winner, is a big admirer of Luka Modric's elegant and hard-working style of play. His favorite manager is Carlo Ancelotti because the Italian allows his players enough freedom in an age where micromanagement is the established norm.

Aditya feels Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala could replicate the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry due to their incredible collective potential. In his free time, he likes to read classical fiction, travel to places, and explore a variety of foods.

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Edited by Aditya Singh