INCOMING Chelsea star Emanuel Emegha has been called up to the Dutch national team to replace former Man Utd striker Wout Weghorst.
The national team released a statement confirming the decision on X.
It read: “Ronald Koeman has added Emmanuel Emegha to the squad in Zeist. The striker‘s call-up is due to Wout Weghorst‘s physical condition.
“The Ajax player is not fully fit, and the coming days will determine his availability for Poland vs Netherlands.”
It’s the first time that Emegha, 22, has been asked to join the senior side, having only previously played for the u21’s.
Weghorst, who he is replacing, has had a mixed season with Ajax.
WELL I TREVOH
Marc Guehi’s set to be replaced in England squad by Chelsea star
The tall forward has seven goals in 14 games in all competitions, but has been dismal in the Champions League with a horror show against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and then against Galatasaray in the previous round.
Emegha, on the other hand, has been in fine form this season in Ligue 1, with four goals and two assists in five matches, in a season that has been shrouded by controversy over his upcoming move to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues swooped to sign him, knowing that a host of Champions League and Premier League outfits were also keen on bringing him in.
Emegha, who will sign a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge, had been linked with an exit last summer but was reportedly keen to stay at Strasbourg and lead them into European competition.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
He is the captain of Strasbourg at 22 years old, the youngest team in Europe‘s top five leagues, and his call-up follows a brace in a crucial 2-0 win at home to Lille.
Despite this, he has been somewhat outshone this season by fellow striker Joaquin Panichelli, who has a league-high number of goals with nine, followed by Mason Greenwood on eight.
Strasbourg are currently fourth in the league and will look to be competing in the Champions League next season, which could bring multi-club ownership complications with Chelsea to the fore.
If the two teams qualify for the same competition, Chelsea will not be allowed to do ANY transfer deals with Strasbourg next summer, meaning they cannot use the French side as a hot house nursery for their emerging talents.
They have already reaped the rewards this season of sending Andrey Santos and Djordje Petrovic out to Eastern France, and are hoping to do the same next season with Mamadou Sarr and Kendry Paez.
