Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca Faces First Big Test as Manager as Star Winger Edges Closer to Exit
Published 11:46 26 Jul 2024 GMT+1
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea tenure has gotten off to a promising start, with the Italian manager overseeing the signing of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester. However, the Blues’ new boss may soon face his first major test as a manager, with reports suggesting that star winger Noni Madueke is on the verge of leaving Stamford Bridge.
According to Football Insider, Madueke has agreed personal terms with Newcastle United and is "most likely" to join the Magpies. The 22-year-old has impressed Maresca in training and started the opening 45 minutes of Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Wrexham on Wednesday as a right winger.
Madueke’s potential departure would be a significant blow to Maresca, who has been building a squad that he believes can challenge for the Premier League title. The winger’s sale could also raise questions about the Blues’ transfer strategy, particularly if they are unable to replace him with a player of similar quality.
Chelsea signed Madueke from PSV in January 2023 for a fee of £29 million, and it’s claimed that they would consider selling him if they could receive a profit on the deal. Newcastle, meanwhile, see the winger as a "significant improvement" on other options they have in the position, and there is doubt over the future of Miguel Almiron.
The Magpies’ only significant transfer dealing this summer so far was with Chelsea, as left-back Lewis Hall joined the club for £28 million after an option in his loan contract from last season was triggered.
It’s clear that Maresca has a tough decision on his hands, but it’s also an opportunity for him to prove his mettle as a manager. If he can navigate this situation successfully, it could be a major boost to his reputation and set the tone for the rest of his tenure at Chelsea.
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