Chelsea weigh up Ugochukwu and Chukwuemeka departures: Three reasons behind the decision

Chelsea are open to offloading young midfielders Lesley Ugochukwu and Carney Chukwuemeka this summer as part of a wider squad restructuring under manager Enzo Maresca, according to BBC Sport football news reporter Nizaar Kinsella.

As the Blues prepare for a season under fresh leadership, three main factors are driving the potential exit of the two 21-year-olds.

1. Fierce Midfield Competition

With Chelsea’s midfield brimming with established stars and promising additions, opportunities for Ugochukwu and Chukwuemeka are limited. 

The arrival of new talents such as Estevao Willian and Renato Veiga has only added to the congestion. 

Despite their potential, both players now find themselves down the pecking order, making regular first-team minutes a difficult prospect. 

Maresca is likely to favour a leaner, more competitive squad, and fringe players face an uphill task to earn a role.

2. Underwhelming Loan Spells

Both Ugochukwu and Chukwuemeka spent the 2024-25 season out on loan but failed to make a decisive impact.

Ugochukwu featured for Southampton, making 26 appearances in total. While he showed flashes of promise—especially in games against top opposition—his limited game time and Southampton’s struggles to stay competitive in the Premier League left doubts about his readiness for Chelsea’s first team.

Meanwhile, Chukwuemeka endured a disappointing stint at Borussia Dortmund due to fitness issues .

Dortmund’s early interest in extending the loan deal has since cooled, indicating he didn’t meet expectations.

3. Financial Fair Play and Squad Balance

Chelsea’s continued investment in the transfer market—highlighted by their pursuit of Benfica’s £67 million-rated Tomas Araujo—means player sales are essential to balance the books and comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

Offloading underused assets like Ugochukwu and Chukwuemeka helps free up wages and create room for incoming players without breaching financial limits.

While no concrete offers have yet materialized, Chelsea may consider loan deals with options to buy, allowing both players a chance to regain form and value. 

Whether they will be reintegrated or moved on permanently remains to be seen, but their futures at Stamford Bridge look increasingly uncertain.

Wale Adejumo

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