Ike Ugbo of Chelsea was at Cercle Brugge on loan last season. (imago Images)
According to news from Het Belang van Limburg (h/t Football.london via Hammers News), Chelsea youngster Ike Ugbo has emerged as a transfer target for London rivals West Ham United.
The 22-year-old striker has been with the Chelsea academy since 2007 and has risen through the ranks, impressing for the Under-18s as well as the Under-23s. In 15 games for the Chelsea U-18 side, Ugbo has scored ten goals, while he has 15 strikes to his name in 34 games for the U-23s. (h/t Transfermarkt)
However, he has never made a first-team appearance for Chelsea and instead, has been farmed out on loan constantly. Ugbo, till date, has had temporary stints at Barnsley, MK Dons, Scunthorpe United and Roda JC before signing for Cercle Brugge last summer.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a fruitful spell in Belgium, finishing with a tally of 17 goals in 34 games. Now back at Chelsea after the loan deal has run out, the youngster is expected to be on his way out of the club permanently this summer, as his contract runs out in less than a year. (h/t Football.london)
And, there seems to be no shortage of suitors for Ugbo this summer. Indeed, the English forward was already being pursued by KRC Genk as well as PSV Eindhoven, with even West Ham United now entering the fray for the 22-year-old’s signing as per the aforementioned report.
Considering that Chelsea have Timo Werner and are ardently pursuing Erling Haaland, there is unlikely to be any place for Ugbo in the first-team despite his exploits with Cercle Brugge last time out. So, an exit looks the best possible outcome for all parties involved. As to whether he ends up switching clubs in London or moves abroad, only time will tell.
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