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One of Chelsea’s projected signings for next year has been told to avoid joining the Blues and move to another club instead.
Chelsea will likely continue their transfer strategy of signing young, unproven talents in the hopes of selling them on for profit, with many joining the ‘BlueCo’ project via affiliate club Strasbourg.
Gessime Yasine is a player whose move to Chelsea is ‘practically done’ according to previous reports but a former Morocco international has warned the Strasbourg youngster to ignore the prestige of the club and instead look to see where he can develop the best.
“Choosing the right club can be more important than the transfer fee or the prestige of the jersey,” Salaheddine Bassir told Africa Foot. “The question isn’t just who wants to sign Gessime, but rather which club can provide the environment and tactical development he needs to reach his full potential.
“The Chelsea name alone doesn’t automatically make it the best choice. Competition for spots on the wings is particularly fierce there. At this stage of his career, Gessime needs consistency, confidence, and playing time to learn and grow.”
“In his place, I would not rule out Chelsea, but I would not sign simply because it is Chelsea. I would try to know my role, the players who play in my position and the plan for my integration into the first team.”
Gessime Yasine: Strasbourg wonderkid faces transfer decision ahead of Chelsea and Premier League interest
Yassine joined Strasbourg in January from Dunkerque and he has been an important figure for them this season, with only one outfielder playing more minutes for the club in Ligue 1, while he also scored for Morocco in the 2026 World Cup this summer.
The 20-year-old winger has two goals and two assists in eight games, which has led to a belief that Chelsea ‘fully intend’ to sign Yassine as the latest youngster to make the move from Strasbourg.
However, with plenty of clubs also rumoured to be interested, Bassir believes Yassine would benefit much more from joining one of the other options such as Newcastle or Brighton.
“If I had to compare Chelsea’s prestige to the opportunities for progression in a club like Brighton, I would seriously consider the second option,” Bassir said.
“A club that entrusts him with a precise offensive role and allows him to chain the matches can represent a better opportunity than a larger team that recruits him only for the future.
“If Newcastle foresees a role corresponding to his qualities, this destination could allow him to take a step forward,” he insisted.
“But if Gessime finds himself relegated to the offensive hierarchy, staying in Strasbourg for an additional season could be more beneficial. The best transfer for Gessime will be the one that will allow him to progress while playing regularly.
“Chelsea can be a gateway to a higher level, but another club can offer them a more direct path to Premier League confirmation. Great players are built not only thanks to the prestige of a jersey, but by work, confidence and good sports choices.”
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