Chelsea ‘practically’ sign Strasbourg winger Gessime Yassine, says former coach

Chelsea have reportedly moved closer to signing Strasbourg winger Gessime Yassine, with the 20-year-old Moroccan international described as “practically” a Chelsea player by former Blues goalkeeping coach Christophe Lollichon. According to Get French Football News, Lollichon made the claim during an interview with French newspaper Ouest-France, suggesting that a move to Stamford Bridge could be imminent.

Yassine joined Strasbourg from Ligue 2 side Dunkerque earlier in 2026 in a reported €7 million deal. He has recorded two goals and three assists in 25 appearances for the Alsatian club. Lollichon, who joined Dunkerque as a goalkeeping coach in 2023, highlighted the club’s ability to identify and develop young talent while discussing several players who have progressed to higher levels.

“We’re meticulous about discovering talent and giving them the opportunity to express themselves. We don’t know how far they’ll go“, Lollichon says. “Today, Gessime Yassine plays for Strasbourg but he’s practically at Chelsea, Enzo Bardeli is at Levante, Alec Georgen, a brilliant player who came through PSG, is at Lorient.”

If completed, the transfer would continue the movement of Strasbourg players to Chelsea under their shared ownership group, BlueCo. Valentin Barco, Mamadou Sarr and Emmanuel Emegha are among those previously linked to or involved in moves between the clubs.