Chelsea confirm Jorgensen, Samuels-Smith loan moves for 2026/27 season

Chelsea have confirmed the temporary departures of goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and defender Ishe Samuels-Smith as the Premier League club continues to manage its squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Jorgensen has joined French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg on a season-long loan, while Samuels-Smith will spend the 2026/27 season with English Football League side Notts County.

Jorgensen joins Strasbourg

The 24-year-old Jorgensen joined Chelsea in the summer of 2024 and has made 36 appearances for the club across the past two seasons.

The Danish goalkeeper’s move to Strasbourg will give him an opportunity to secure regular playing time in France as he continues his development.

Confirming the deal, Chelsea said it would continue to monitor and support the goalkeeper during his spell away from Stamford Bridge.

“We look forward to supporting Filip throughout his time in France,” the club said.

Jorgensen’s departure temporarily reduces the competition for places in Chelsea’s goalkeeping department, while the loan arrangement is expected to provide the player with further senior experience.

Samuels-Smith heads to Notts County

Chelsea also confirmed that 20-year-old defender Ishe Samuels-Smith has joined Notts County on loan for the entire 2026/27 season.

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Samuels-Smith moved to Chelsea from Everton in 2023 and has since been regarded as one of the young players developing within the club’s system.

The defender spent the previous campaign on loan at Championship side Swansea City, where he made eight appearances.

His move to Notts County will provide another opportunity to gain regular first-team experience and continue his development away from the pressure of competing for a place in Chelsea’s senior squad.

Chelsea continue player development strategy

The two loan deals form part of Chelsea’s broader approach of sending young or developing players to clubs where they can gain competitive senior football.

For Jorgensen, the move to Strasbourg offers experience in Ligue 1, while Samuels-Smith will have the opportunity to establish himself more consistently in senior football with Notts County.

Both players are expected to return to Chelsea at the conclusion of their respective loan spells, unless further agreements are reached between the clubs.

The departures also underline the scale of squad management required at Chelsea, with the West London club continuing to balance its immediate first-team needs with the development of players who remain part of its longer-term plans.