Chelsea push Madueke towards the exit with interest in ex-academy star
Willem Leijgraf
- 22 Nov 2023 10:46 CST
- 3 min read
Chelsea are once again interested in Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, claims journalist Simon Phillips.
The possible arrival of the 21-year-old attacker spells bad news for Noni Madueke. The exciting winger exchanged PSV for Chelsea in January, with the latter paying a whopping €35 million to the Eindhoven team. Madueke's contract runs until 2030.
Madueke has now been employed as a Chelsea player for ten months, but the 21-year-old winger's stay has so far been anything but successful.
In his first half-season, Madueke played 645 minutes spread over 12 matches and managed to score once. This season, the English youth international has not played more than 116 minutes across five matches.
Chelsea already wanted to strengthen themselves last summer with Olise, who previously played in the Blues' youth academy between 2009 and 2016.
The Londoners were prepared to activate the buyout clause that was in the French international's contract at the time, but a transfer fell through. Olise instead decided to extend his contract with Crystal Palace in August and is now contracted until 2027.
'I can see him being loaned out'
Chelsea's renewed interest in Olise fuels rumours about Madueke's departure. Although people are convinced of the talent of the skilful dribbler, which he showcases for England's youth team, it is expected that the chances of playing time will shrink when Chelsea buy another attacker.
One of his former coaches at PSV, Boudewijn Zenden, said in October: "He developed extremely well, but I have my doubts about the switch [to Chelsea]. Wasn't it too soon? Noni had good games at PSV but was not an undisputed starter."
"I understand why Chelsea bought him, also because he is a homegrown player. But he will have to play more minutes to develop further. If that doesn't work out at Chelsea, I can see him being loaned out."
