Chelsea backed to move new winger on before he’s even debuted, as European football expert highlights multiple issues
A European football expert reckons a new Chelsea winger could be loaned out before even debuting, and despite labelling the player the “real deal”, highlighted a pair of immediate concerns.
The Blues are on the cusp of adding yet another winger to their ranks. Mykhaylo Mudryk swelled Chelsea’s options in the final third to ten last weekend. The Ukraine ace is set to be joined by PSV Eindhoven’s Noni Madueke on Friday.
Indeed, both Fabrizio Romano and the Athletic reported a verbal agreement to sign the 20-year-old has been struck.
Right winger Madueke will move to Stamford Bridge for a fee of around €35m’ (approx. £30.6m). Ben Jacobs and Matt Law of the Telegraph both reported the total cost will be £35m, presumably through future add-ons.
Romano subsequently added Madueke will fly to London on Thursday night ahead of undertaking a medical.
PSV have accepted ‘all conditions of the deal’, and given Madueke is on the move, personal terms are seemingly set in stone too.
Finding the right balance will be an almighty task for Graham Potter who’s already seen two high profile forwards arrive this month. Aside from Mudryk, Joao Felix joined on loan from Atletico Madrid.
However, according to European football expert, Andy Brassell, Potter may be spared another headache with Madueke.
£30m+ Madueke could be loaned out?
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Transfer Show, Brassell stressed Chelsea fans shouldn’t expect too much from Madueke in the immediate future.
Explaining why, Madueke’s recent poor injury record, combined with his lacklustre form this season were highlighted.
What’s more, Brassell – who is a regular on talkSPORT’s acclaimed Trans Europe Express – wouldn’t be surprised if Madueke is sent straight out on loan.
“I don’t think Chelsea supporters can expect too much immediately from him because he’s had a quiet time this season,” said Brassell.
“If you go back to the season before last, you saw all of his potential. He started that season brilliantly, scored goals in Champions League qualifiers – in some really tough matches.
“At that point, you felt he would end up in the Premier League within a year. But it’s been tougher for him. He’s had a lot of little injuries since then that have held him up.
“With the offer, they’re not really losing anything from their first team right now PSV. The potential is obvious, the ability is obvious.
“It wouldn’t shock me if he were to go out on loan immediately given the number of forward players that Chelsea have got, and dribblers.
“If you’re looking at Chelsea building a sustainable future. I have sympathy with the point of view they’re buying everyone this window, but on the other hand they’re getting a player who looks like he can be the real deal at below market value.
“Everyone was looking at him after his form a couple of years ago and at that point, £30m would’ve seemed an absolute bargain – and of course, he’s another English player to go into that squad.”
Madueke bagged nine goals in each of the previous two campaigns while still a teenager. However, he’s been limited to just nine appearances this season.
In the event Madueke is retained at Stamford Bridge for the remainder of the season, David Ornstein insisted he’ll be deployed on the right wing.
Madueke is left-footed and played predominantly on the right side for PSV. Mudryk, meanwhile, is right-footed and has made his name on the left.
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