Valencia CF, under new football CEO Ron Gourlay, are actively seeking a defensive midfielder reminiscent of Enzo Barrenechea for the upcoming season. Among the names being considered are Chelseaโs Lesley Ugochukwu and Brentfordโs Frank Onyeka.
The club has reportedly made an offer for Onyeka, who is reportedly keen on a move to secure more playing time. However, Brentford prefer a permanent sale rather than a loan deal. Meanwhile, Lesley Ugochukwuโs potential loan move from Chelsea appears unlikely, as the Blues are currently holding firm on recouping their investment and are not open to temporary exits.
Corberรกn, Valenciaโs coach, is prioritising a midfield presence with youthful energy, strong character, and high stamina qualities exemplified by Barrenechea during his time at Mestalla. Both Ugochukwu and Onyeka fit the bill, yet their transfer conditions differ significantly: Onyeka may be attainable via a permanent deal, while Ugochukwu remains out of reach unless Chelsea agree to sell.
Editorial
We believe Valenciaโs strategy aligns perfectly with modern midfield needs. The team must prioritise dynamic, combative pivots players who defend stoutly while initiating offensive transitions. In this light, Onyeka stands out: experienced in Premier League and European competition, with the added advantage of international PSG exposure during AFCON 2023. His signing could immediately elevate midfield competitiveness and squad depth.
The pursuit of Lesley Ugochukwu reflects ambition, but pragmatism is essential. While his profile tall, tactically aware, and defensively solid fits the brief, Chelsea’s reluctance to loan or sell cheaply means negotiations will be tough. If Valencia invest in Onyeka now, they could secure a proven asset rather than await Ugochukwuโs uncertain availability.
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Our stance is clear Valencia should act decisively. Concrete bids for Onyeka, paired with continued talks for Ugochukwu, offer the best path forward. Sealing Onyekaโs signature would immediately strengthen midfield resilience. Concurrently pursuing a long-term target like Ugochukwu ensures future planning. That balanced approach could reshape Valenciaโs midfield for both present and future seasons.
Did You Know?
- Lesley Ugochukwu stands 1.90โฏm tall and signed a seven-year deal with Chelsea in August 2023 for a fee of approximately ยฃ23.1โฏmillion on the same day he made his debut in a 1โ1 draw against Liverpool.
- On loan at Southampton during the 2024โ25 season, Ugochukwu made 26 Premier League appearances and scored his first top-flight goal in April 2025.
- Ugochukwu is of Igbo Nigerian descent and is the nephew of former Nigerian international centre-back Onyekachi Apam.
- Frank Onyeka began his career in Denmark with FC Midtjylland, winning the Danish Superliga twice (2017โ18, 2019โ20) and the Danish Cup in 2018โ19 before moving to Brentford in July 2021.
- Onyeka scored his first goal for Nigeria on 16 October 2023 in a 3โ2 win over Mozambique and was a key starter as Nigeria were runnersโup at AFCON 2023.