Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has acknowledged that while Noni Madueke remains a valued member of his squad, the possibility of the Super Eagles hopeful leaving Stamford Bridge before the end of the summer transfer window cannot be ruled out.
Madueke, who joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven, had a mixed start to life in West London last season, struggling for consistent game time due to the impressive form of Cole Palmer. Despite his promising displays during pre-season, the 22-year-old has found minutes hard to come by in a star-studded squad that now includes the likes of Pedro Neto and João Félix.
Newcastle United has shown interest in Madueke, but any potential deal hinges on the Magpies offloading Paraguayan winger Miguel Almirón. With the transfer window nearing its end, the clock is ticking for any movement.
Maresca handed Madueke his first appearance of the season during Chelsea’s UEFA Europa Conference League play-off against Servette, where the winger came off the bench to score and help seal a 2-0 victory for the Blues.
Maresca fails to rule out a potential exit for Noni Madueke
When asked about Madueke’s future after the win over Servette, Maresca expressed his admiration for the young forward but admitted the situation could change before the window shuts.
“Yeah, absolutely. The reality is until the transfer window is open, anything can happen,” Maresca said. “But for sure, Noni is the type of player I like.”
He added: “The important thing for Noni is that he keeps working hard every day. If he does that, he will get minutes for sure.”
As the transfer deadline approaches, all eyes will be on whether Chelsea can retain one of their brightest young talents or if Noni Madueke will be heading for pastures new.
