Ornstein provides crucial update on Madueke's Chelsea future

Cameron Smith

• 18 Dec 2023 16:23 GMT
• 3 min read

Noni Madueke is extremely unlikely to leave Chelsea on loan during the January transfer window, according to David Ornstein.

The England U21 star joined the west London club for €30 million at the start of 2023, but he has struggled for game time since he left PSV Eindhoven for Stamford Bridge, and that issue has been even more prevalent under Mauricio Pochettino.

In total, Madueke has mustered 203 minutes of action in all competitions so far this season, while he has only started one Premier League game this term.

The 21-year-old’s only goal came in the 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup, and he only netted once in 12 league appearances last season too.

As a result, he is one of several Chelsea stars to have been touted for a mid-season exit as Pochettino looks to freshen up his squad.

Despite his underwhelming start to life at Chelsea, Madueke is unlikely to be granted a way out in January as the Blues aren’t willing to sanction a short-term exit of any established first-team player, according to David Ornstein.

In addition, they don’t have an international loan spot available right now, as Chelsea have already filled the allocated amount of seven. As a result, Madueke would only be able to join another English team on loan and the Blues aren’t willing to let him leave, despite his limited involvement.

Chelsea’s January outgoings

One player who could leave Chelsea on loan in January is Andrey Santos, however. The Brazilian has barely featured at all since his move to Nottingham Forest and that loan deal will be cut short in January in order to find him another club.

Furthermore, Ian Maatsen and Trevoh Chalobah could leave Stamford Bridge on permanent deals, while Conor Gallagher is another player who may be on his way out, as Chelsea are set to listen to offers for the England international.