We have already seen plenty of Chelsea players leave in this ongoing summer window but there could be plenty more to come. The likes of Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga and more are believed to be on the transfer list as well. And considering how well the Blues usually do when it comes to finding exit routes, one would imagine that at least a few of them will be on their way out soon enough.
There is one name that is flying under the radar, who could also be on his way out this summer. It is a midfielder that a lot of fans seem to have already forgotten about, and that just goes to show his lack of importance in Enzo Maresca's squad.
The player we are talking about is none other than Lesley Ugochukwu. He was signed from Rennes in 2023 for a transfer fee north of £23 million. But the move just has not worked out.
He spent the previous season out on loan at Southampton. And now, while speaking on the London is Blue podcast, Matt Law said that there is an expectation that Uguchukwu will leave permanently. The club expect to transfer him rather than loan him. That suggests that they are already in talks with clubs, although the journalist does not have the names of those.
Chelsea expect £23m midfielder to leave permanently this summer
If Chelsea can bring in a decent transfer fee for Ugochukwu's move, then it might be smart to part ways permanently. The Blues are absolutely stacked in the middle of the park right now.
They have the likes of Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Andrey Santos and more, competing for two spots in midfield. So, it is hard to imagine that Ugochukwu would be able to make his mark in the team anytime soon.
Yes, the club did make a big-money move for him. But it has not worked out and there is little point in trying to make something out of it. Instead, it would be best for all parties if a permanent transfer materialised this summer.