RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has confirmed Noni Madueke is joining Chelsea.
That’s after admitting PSV Eindhoven had no choice but to accept the Blues’ “solid” offer.
Madueke, 20, is set to become Chelsea’s SIXTH signing of the January window after flying to London for a medical yesterday.
The exciting winger is set to cost £30million, just days after the Blues signed Mykhailo Mudryk for £88m from Shakhtar Donetsk.
And like the Ukrainian, Madueke will also sign a long-term deal, this time worth seven-and-a-half years with the option for another season.
Confirming the transfer, PSV boss Van Nistelrooy admitted while he’s sad to see Madueke go, Chelsea’s offer ultimately made sense for all parties.
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The ex-Manchester United striker said: “It’s a mix of emotions.
“We are losing a good player because of his departure. There was no turning back and there was solid financial compensation.
“I can empathise with the importance of the club. Given the circumstances, with the financial compensation, we have decided to sell.”
Madueke is the second star to leave PSV for England this month, with fellow forward Cody Gakpo joining Liverpool for £37m.
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The ex-Crystal Palace and Tottenham starlet had been with the Dutch giants since 2019 after snubbing a move to Manchester United.
And it’s reckoned Madueke’s desire to return to London played a huge role in PSV’s ultimate decision to accept Chelsea’s offer.
Todd Boehly has not held back in his support of under-pressure boss Graham Potter, breaking out the chequebook for a number of new faces.
As well as Mudryk, Chelsea have also signed Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana and Andrey Santos while loaning Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.
Right-sided left-footer Madueke is likely to come up against Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic for a spot in Potter’s XI.
But it remains to be seen if a deal can be done before Chelsea’s crunch clash at Liverpool tomorrow.
With Madueke’s signing, Boehly will have spent almost £450m on transfers since taking charge from Roman Abramovich.
And the expectation will be on Potter to drive Chelsea back up the table into European contention while also battling bravely in the Champions League.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
