Former Aston Villa starlet could join Turkish giants Galatasaray in late summer move
Carney Chukwuemeka has failed to make the Chelsea squad in any of the team’s opening five games
Former Aston Villa wonderkid Carney Chukwumeka has been linked with a late summer move to Turkish champions Galatasaray, according to reports from TeamTalk.
Chukwumeka joined the Villa academy from Northampton Town in 2016 and was earmarked as a future star after guiding the team to FA Youth Cup glory in 2021 while also being named the Team’s Academy Player of the Season.
The 6ft 2in midfielder was fast tracked into the first team setup by Steven Gerrard in August 2021 and was described by ex-Villa midfielder Paul Merson as someone that ‘will be an absolute star’ after an impressive first start in a 6-0 Carabao Cup victory over Barrow.
Chukwumeka made a total of 14 Premier League appearances and two cup appearances before departing Aston Villa the following summer for an eye catching fee of around £20m.
The England U19 European Championship winner was expected to be a future star at Stamford Bridge but was given just 14 first team appearances in a chaotic season which saw the club change manager on four separate occasions. After a strong pre-season, the youngster started both of the side’s first two games in 2023/24 and even got a goal against West Ham. However, he struggled to build on that form after sustaining a severe knee injury which hampered his progress.
Chukwuemeka is one of a number of players that has been pushed out of the first team squad at Chelsea under new boss Enzo Maresca, who is believed not to be a fan of the 20-year-old. The likes of Manchester United and West Ham were both linked with the 20-year-old but failed to make moves, but now it looks as if Turkish champions Galatasaray could be about to offer him a career lifeline.
The Istanbul outfit have until Friday 13 September to conclude their transfer business and it is believed that they are looking to sign the former Villa Park starlet on a season-long loan deal, though it is not yet clear whether that offer includes any option to buy.
Galatasaray have made a habit of signing Premier League stars in the past. As it stands, they have former Tottenham centre back Davison Sanchez, ex-Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech, former Arsenal midfielder Lucas Torerirra along with ex-Chelsea flop Michy Batshuayi. They also have Crystal Palace legend Wilfried Zaha on their books, though he is currently on loan at French side Lyon for the rest of the season.