Chelsea have secured the signing of Rennes right-back Guela Doue, beating out competition from Roma. This move will make Doue the seventh new recruit for Chelsea in the summer transfer window. The club has been active in the market, aiming to kick-start the Enzo Maresca era. Alongside Doue, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Caleb Wiley, Renato Veiga, Omari Kellyman, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have all joined Stamford Bridge.
In addition to Doue, Chelsea is also closing in on a deal for Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen. Jorgensen is expected to provide competition for current goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. The signing of Doue and the potential arrival of Jorgensen highlight Chelsea’s commitment to strengthening their squad.
Doue’s move to Chelsea has flown under the radar until now, with a fee of around €7 million (£5.9 million) plus €2 million (£1.7 million) in bonuses being reported. However, the 21-year-old will be immediately sent on loan to Strasbourg for the upcoming season. This loan move is aimed at securing regular first-team football for Doue.
Doue is a versatile player who can operate at right-back, centre-back, and as a defensive midfielder. His ability to play in multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for Chelsea. It’s worth noting that Doue had also attracted interest from Roma after rejecting a new contract offer from Rennes. With just one year remaining on his current deal, Rennes has decided to cash in on their academy product to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year.
Doue’s journey to this point has seen him rise through the ranks at Rennes after joining the club at the age of eight. He made his senior debut in February 2023 and has since made 35 appearances in Ligue 1. Doue has also earned two caps for the Ivory Coast national team. His family has a strong connection to football, with his older brother, Desire, also playing for Rennes, and his cousins Yann Gboho and Marc-Olivier Doue representing Toulouse and Eldense respectively.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, has expressed his openness to further signings in the transfer market. He emphasized that anything is possible with over a month remaining until the deadline. When asked about the potential signing of Jorgensen, Maresca remained coy but praised the performances of current goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Maresca highlighted the importance of the goalkeeper position in their style of play.
Overall, Chelsea’s acquisition of Guela Doue and their pursuit of Filip Jorgensen demonstrate their ambition to strengthen their squad and compete at the highest level. Doue’s versatility and potential, combined with his loan move to Strasbourg, will provide him with valuable experience and development opportunities. With Maresca’s openness to further signings, Chelsea fans can expect more activity in the transfer market before the deadline.