Chelsea’s Ike Ugbo Agrees Genk Move

Ike Ugbo to Sign Permanent Deal

22 year old forward Ugbo has arrived in Belgium to complete his medical and sign a permanent transfer from Chelsea where he has struggled to break into the first team despite impressing during a match in pre-season.

Belgium is well known to Ugbo as he spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Cercle Brugge where he scored 16 times in 32 games catching the eye of Genk who have been quick to move for the player.

Marseille Hijack Attempt Fails

Ugbo enjoyed his successful time on loan in Belgium, but his destination could have been France and Ligue 1 as Marseille tried to hijack the deal. It was understood, however, that an agreement between the player and Genk was already in place.

Marseille lost their own striker Dario Benedetto, who signed for Lecce. They saw Ugbo as an ideal replacement, but that avenue has now been closed off and Ugbo will continue his career in Belgium.

Romelu Lukaku’s Arrival

With Lukaku arriving back at Chelsea from Inter Milan, the chances for Ugbo to break into the Blues’ first team were likely to be limited and making a move to play regular first team football will be to his benefit.

In total, he has had five different loan spells away from Chelsea, including at Barnsley, Roda JC in the Dutch second division as well as Cercle Brugge, and will now have the chance to show his former club what they will be missing.

The deal is believed to be worth around €5 million, which will include an initial payment of €3.5 million with a further €2 million should Genk qualify for the Champions League group stages with Ugbo being part of the squad. Other unspecified add ons are said to be involved.