Chelsea have been dealt a major blow after they decided not to include a buy-back clause in the deal for Diego Moreira, who has been dubbed the "new Marcelo" amid a strong run of form. Moreira’s latest masterclass came in Strasbourg’s electrifying 3-3 draw with Paris Saint-Germain, where he notched both a goal and an assist against the reigning European champions.
Getty ImagesFrom Chelsea prospect to Ligue 1 sensation
When Chelsea sold Moreira to Strasbourg in 2024, the move was viewed as part of the club’s broader development network strategy under the BlueCo ownership. They used their French affiliate to give promising young players more playing time. But now, that decision looks increasingly short-sighted. Unlike other similar transfers, such as Mathis Amougou’s move to Strasbourg, which included a buy-back clause, Moreira’s deal came with no such safeguard. That means the Blues have no direct route to re-sign him, even as his market value and reputation soar, as reported by Moreira’s versatility has only strengthened his appeal. He’s been deployed everywhere from left wing-back to right-sided forward, even operating as a support striker against PSG. That ability to adapt and excel in multiple positions is precisely what Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been trying to cultivate within his current squad. Hence, the lack of a buy-back clause is even more baffling.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportHato yet to break into Maresca's starting XI
Chelsea do have other young talents pushing for recognition, notably Jorrel Hato, the 19-year-old defender signed from Ajax in a £37 million ($49.35m) summer deal. Yet despite his promise, Hato has been restricted to cameo appearances so far, as Maresca continues to balance youth integration with the demands of a top-four Premier League push. It is understood that Chelsea’s hierarchy still believes their best long-term solutions lie within the current setup. Strasbourg, meanwhile, are reaping the rewards. Alongside Moreira, they boast another emerging star in Valentin Barco, the Argentine former Brighton man who has impressed with his technical brilliance. He has flourished under Strasbourg’s system, often operating as a central or attacking midfielder rather than his traditional left-sided role.
Injury boost for Maresca before Ajax visit
While Chelsea ponder the one that slipped away, manager Enzo Maresca has another issue closer to home, the prolonged absence of striker Liam Delap. The 22-year-old joined the Blues from Ipswich Town in June after a breakout season and immediately made an impression, helping Chelsea lift the Club World Cup during the summer. But his momentum came to a halt when he limped off early in the 2-0 win over Fulham on August 30, just his third Premier League match of the campaign. However, speaking on Tuesday, Maresca provided a positive update on the forward’s recovery: "Liam is very close. He is not working with us yet, he is still out but hopefully he can start in the next days to take part in the session with us."
With Delap sidelined and Nicolas Jackson now on loan at Bayern Munich, Joao Pedro has been Chelsea’s lone recognised striker in recent weeks. The Brazilian has impressed in flashes, bagging two goals and three assists in his first eight league appearances. But with Pedro now suspended for Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Ajax, Maresca faces another tactical puzzle. However, the Italian manager remains unfazed, as he added: "We have him [Guiu], we have also Tyrique [George] who has played games as a nine in the past. He did well. He played I think against Benfica as a nine. We have different options. We have one more session this afternoon and then we decide. We trust Marc. We trust already last year, he was always playing in the Conference [League]. We also gave him some Premier League games so we show in the past that we trust Marc. Now he is again with us and he is going to play games for sure."
Moreover, Maresca will be relieved with the return of Enzo Fernandez after the Argentine missed the fixture against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Getty Images SportMaresca keen to build on the momentum
Chelsea have stitched together a three-game winning streak, which started with a 1-0 win over Jose Mourinho's Benfica in the Champions League before the international break. They beat Liverpool next and followed it up with another neat display against Nottingham Forest last Saturday. Maresca has three more games in October, and he will look to win each of them, starting with the continental battle against Ajax at the Bridge. Next up will be Sunderland on Saturday, and then the Blues have a trip to Molineux slated for a League Cup fourth-round tie against Wolves.