adplus-dvertising
Sports

Chelsea to let go of two Super Eagles-eligible players amid summer clearout

NS Image Zoom Email Soccernet 35

English Premier League clubs, Chelsea FC, are reportedly set to part ways with two players eligible to represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.

This report comes on the heels of the London-based club accelerating its squad reshuffle ahead of the 2025/26 season campaign.

Following Armando Broja’s exit, Lesley Ugochukwu is set to join Burnley permanently. Everton have sealed a £25M deal (plus £4M add-ons) for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, while Carney Chukwuemeka is also likely to leave, with Borussia Dortmund showing strong interest.

Ugochukwu to Burnley

Per Sportsmole, Ugochukwu, who spent a season-long loan at Southampton last season, is on the verge of completing a permanent transfer to Burnley, after the Clarets and Chelsea reached an agreement in principle.

Southampton midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu. Photo by IMAGO

The 21-year-old midfielder, born in France but of Nigerian descent, joined the Blues from Rennes in 2023 but has struggled for consistent minutes at Stamford Bridge.

Burnley are expected to offer him a clearer path to first-team football under manager Scott Parker.

Dortmund Eye Permanent Move For Chukwuemeka

Also heading toward the exit door is another Nigeria-eligible player, Carney Chukwuemeka, with Borussia Dortmund reportedly in advanced talks to sign him on a permanent deal.

Morgan Gibbs-White  in possession whilst under pressure from Lesley Ugochukwu
Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest in possession whilst under pressure from Lesley Ugochukwu [Photo credit/Imago]

Chukwuemeka, who has represented England at youth level, remains eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents.

After spending time on loan, Dortmund are keen to secure his services permanently, and Chelsea are open to a sale if the financial package is right.

Nigerian Roots: Ugochukwu and Chukwuemeka

Ugochukwu was born in France to Nigerian parents and is eligible to play for the Super Eagles despite representing France at youth level.

William Troost-Ekong and Samuel Chukwueze during the Super Eagles of Nigeria training
William Troost-Ekong and Samuel Chukwueze during the Super Eagles of Nigeria training [Photo credit/IMAGO]

His Nigerian heritage, along with his uncle Onyekachi Apam featuring for the national team, keeps him linked to Nigeria, though no official switch has been made.

Meanwhile, Chukwuemeka, born in Austria to Nigerian parents and raised in England, has played for England’s youth teams.

He remains eligible for Nigeria but, like Ugochukwu, has not begun the process to switch allegiance, nor has he been approached by the NFF.