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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 Chelsea’s Lesley Ugochukwu and Brentford’s Frank Onyeka.
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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 Ugochukwu’s 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.
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Corberán, Valencia’s 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 Valencia’s 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.
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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 Ugochukwu’s 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 Onyeka’s signature would immediately strengthen midfield resilience. Concurrently pursuing a long-term target like Ugochukwu ensures future planning. That balanced approach could reshape Valencia’s midfield for both present and future seasons.
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Did You Know?
Lesley Ugochukwu stands 1.90 m tall and signed a seven-year deal with Chelsea in August 2023 for a fee of approximately £23.1 million on the same day he made his debut in a 1‑1 draw against Liverpool.
On loan at Southampton during the 2024‑25 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 (2017‑18, 2019‑20) and the Danish Cup in 2018‑19 before moving to Brentford in July 2021.
his first goal for Nigeria on 16 October 2023 in a 3‑2 win over Mozambique and was a key starter as Nigeria were runners‑up at AFCON 2023.