Chelsea have officially completed permanent sales of midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu and striker Armando Broja to Burnley for a combined fee of approximately £45 million. The double transfer sees Broja move for £20 million while Ugochukwu joins for around £25 million, providing substantial funds for Chelsea’s ongoing squad restructuring.
Both players have completed their medical test and signed long-term contracts with Burnley as the Championship club bolster their squad following their promotion back to the Premier League. The deal is a major investment by the Clarets as they prepare for the challenges of top-flight competition.
Ugochukwu’s Permanent Move
Lesley Ugochukwu has signed a long-term contract with Burnley after completing his medical examination following Chelsea’s decision to cash in on the 21-year-old midfielder. The France Under-21 international moves for approximately £25 million, generating profit for Chelsea who paid Rennes around £23 million in 2023.
The defensive midfielder struggled to establish himself at Stamford Bridge during his time with the Blues, making limited Premier League appearances despite showing promise in cup competitions and youth football.
Ugochukwu’s versatility and technical ability convinced Burnley to make him one of their priority summer signings. His experience in French youth international football and adaptation to English football during his Chelsea tenure made him an attractive proposition for the newly-promoted side.
Broja’s Return from Everton Loan
Armando Broja joins Burnley on a permanent contract worth £20 million after his season-long loan spell at Everton during the 2024/25 campaign. The Albanian international was recalled from Goodison Park to facilitate this permanent transfer to Burnley.
The 23-year-old striker had joined Everton on loan in August 2024 with a £30 million option to buy, but the Toffees opted not to exercise this clause. His loan experience at Everton provided valuable Premier League minutes while maintaining his fitness levels.
For Chelsea, the sale is a pure profit as Broja is a product of their Cobham academy system. The striker’s development through Chelsea’s youth ranks means the entire £20 million fee counts as profit in their financial accounts under academy graduate regulations.
Broja’s Career Background
Throughout his career, Broja has gained extensive loan experience across multiple clubs. His most successful spell came during the 2020/21 season at Vitesse Arnhem, where he scored 11 goals in the Eredivisie, establishing himself as a promising striker.
He subsequently spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Southampton, scoring six goals in 32 Premier League appearances. More recently, he had a brief loan spell at Fulham during the second half of the 2023/24 season before his move to Everton.
These various loan spells provided Broja with diverse playing experiences across different leagues and tactical systems, helping develop his overall game while maintaining regular first-team football.
Strategic Context for Chelsea
The combined £45 million from both sales provides Chelsea with substantial funds to continue their summer transfer activity under Enzo Maresca. The Italian coach has prioritized squad trimming as part of his tactical overhaul at Stamford Bridge.
Both players found themselves surplus to requirements following Chelsea’s extensive summer recruitment and Maresca’s tactical preferences. The sales allow Chelsea to reduce their bloated squad while generating funds for positions deemed more crucial.
The timing of both transfers aligns with Chelsea’s need to balance their books while maintaining compliance with Financial Fair Play regulations. Moving academy products like Broja provide particularly valuable pure profit in accounting terms.
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Burnley’s Premier League Preparations
These signings show Burnley’s ambition to establish themselves in the Premier League following their promotion from the Championship. The combined investment of £45 million shows their determination to avoid immediate relegation battles.
The addition provides both proven quality and Premier League experience for the challenges ahead. Burnley’s recruitment strategy focuses on players familiar with English football’s demands who can contribute immediately.
Both players are expected to feature prominently in Burnley’s Premier League campaign, with their Premier League experience and technical abilities suited to the club’s tactical approach and survival objectives.
