Chukwunonso Madueke agrees to join Newcastle United in deal worth excess of ₦59 billion

Chukwunonso ‘Noni’ Madueke is on the verge of leaving London giants Chelsea and joining Newcastle United, Soccernet.ng reports.

Noni Madueke arrived at Chelsea in a permanent move from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in January 2023.

After a slow start in West London, Madueke showed glimpses of his best qualities last season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in 29 appearances.

However, the 23-year-old winger would have craved more time on the pitch as he only started 17 of those games, playing second fiddle to Cole Palmer.

It is an arrangement that will not likely change even under new manager Enzo Maresca, with Palmer almost guaranteed a starting shirt for the Blues.

According to Football Insider, Madueke has chosen the exit door and has agreed to a deal with Newcastle United where he will look to thrive under the management of Eddie Howe.

The 22-year-old attacker is currently with Chelsea on their pre-season tour of the USA and featured in their 2-2 draw with Wrexham on Thursday, July 25.

Newcastle are expected to at least match the £29 million (₦59.6 billion) that Chelsea paid Dutch giants PSV to acquire his services last year.

International prospects
Born in Barnet, London, to parents of Nigerian descent, Madueke is eligible to represent the former African champions and his country of birth.

He has already featured for England from U16 to U21 level and was a key member of the squad that won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship last year.

However, his path to the Three Lions squad is increasingly complicated following the meteoric rise of Palmer, who was even an understudy to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka at Euro 2024.

With Nigeria, though, Madueke can find a smooth route to the Super Eagles squad where there are no strong contenders with AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze on the right wing.