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Chelsea have confirmed buyback clause in £12m midfielder transfer

Originally posted on Chelsea News | Last updated Sep 11, 2025 11:16 AM ET

After an insane summer of 2024 featuring a new manager and lots of buying and selling, Chelsea had a relatively restrained January in 2025.

It was more to do with shuffling players they already owned – the likes of Joao Felix, Renato Veiga and Aaron Anselmino – around, rather than buying anyone new.

Strange transfer already in the rear view mirror

There was one significant signing made however – Mathis Amougou came in from St Etienne for around £12m. It was a curious move because there was no obvious immediate need for him, plus he was not even one of the most highly rated young players in that position.

It seemed a little redundant given Lesley Ugochukwu (a more highly rated prospect) had been signed in the same position a year before and then loaned out.

As it turned out, we were right to all be scratching our heads. Amougou came in, played a handful of minutes, and was then sold to our sister club Strasbourg this summer. A curious deal all around, although L’Equipe in France have added some more details today.

Amougou deal has crucial buy back clause

They claim that the deal was arranged for the same value as Chelsea paid, meaning neither side makes or loses any money on it. The Blues effectively pass him on to their sister club for a net zero cost.

There is another detail in there – Chelsea have a buyback clause in there. We can’t imagine they’re really expecting to use it given Amougou has yet to show he’s Premier League standard, let alone Chelsea standard, but it does protect them and give them a chance to benefit if he really explodes in the future.

He could theoretically be bought back and sold on without playing for Chelsea in between, Real Madrid style.

This article first appeared on Chelsea News and was syndicated with permission.

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