Chelsea Set To Offload Two Nigeria Eligible Players in Major Squad Clearout at Stamford Bridge
- Chelsea is prepared to offload Lesley Ugochukwu and Carney Chukwuemeka in a major summer squad reshuffle
- Ugochukwu is set for a permanent transfer to Burnley, while Dortmund target Chukwuemeka for a permanent move
- Both players remain eligible to represent the Super Eagles, despite representing England and France at youth levels
Chelsea are reportedly set to part ways with Lesley Ugochukwu and Carney Chukwuemeka as part of a major summer squad clearout at Stamford Bridge.
The decision comes as the newly crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions continue to reshape their squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
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Chelsea’s management is keen to trim their squad and free up space for new signings that align with the club’s long-term vision.
Ugochukwu close to Burnley switch
The two players are eligible to represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Ugochukwu is on the verge of completing a permanent transfer to Burnley after spending last season on loan at Southampton.
The French-born midfielder, who is of Nigerian descent, joined Chelsea from Rennes in 2023 but has found consistent playing time hard to come by at Stamford Bridge.
According to Sportsmole, Chelsea and Burnley have reached an agreement in principle, and the move is expected to offer Ugochukwu a clearer path to regular Premier League football.
Burnley view the 21-year-old midfielder as a long-term option capable of developing under their current project.
Ugochukwu’s exit follows the recent departure of Armando Broja, as Chelsea continues their squad trimming strategy to balance the books and create a team capable of challenging for multiple trophies next season.
Dortmund target Chukwuemeka
The second Nigeria-eligible star likely to leave is Carney Chukwuemeka, who is attracting serious interest from Borussia Dortmund.
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The Bundesliga club have reportedly agreed a deal to sign the 20-year-old midfielder on a permanent transfer after being impressed with his loan spell last season, Metro UK reports.
Chukwuemeka, who has represented England at youth level, remains eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents.
His departure would be part of Chelsea’s plan to raise funds and reduce the size of their midfield, which has been overcrowded in recent seasons.
For Dortmund, signing Chukwuemeka aligns with their plan of grooming young talents who can succeed in the German league.
A permanent move would also offer the Nigeria-eligible midfielder consistent game time, something that he has not enjoyed since he joined Chelsea from Aston Villa.
With the Blues pushing for a more competitive squad, the summer exit of these two Nigeria-eligible players signals the club’s commitment to a strategic rebuild under title-winning coach Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea defender decides to play for Nigeria
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Tosin Adarabioyo has decided which country he will represent at the international level after years of deliberating between England and Nigeria.
The defender, who was born in England to Nigerian parents, has chosen to represent Nigeria after visiting the country last month, and unless there is a last-minute change of heart, he will wear the green jersey soon.
Source: Legit.ng
