Latest news with #LeoCastledine
Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Chelsea ready to let young England star leave in summer transfer window twist
Chelsea are expected to be active in the upcoming summer transfer window and one young star has already set his sights on an exit amid interest from the Championship England Under-19 international Leo Castledine looks likely to land a Championship move this summer with Chelsea ready to let the young midfielder leave permanently in order to pursue regular first-team football elsewhere. Castledine, 19, was snapped up by the Blues after coming through the ranks at AFC Wimbledon and remains highly thought of by the newly minted Europa Conference League champions, who handed him his senior debut in the semi-finals of last year's Carabao Cup. But Castledine is keen to play regularly and, with Chelsea willing to sanction a permanent exit, has no shortage of interest from clubs in the Championship ahead of the transfer window. Castledine caught the eye on loan in League One with Shrewbury Town this season before a back injury curtailed his campaign in February. In total he made 26 appearances for Salop, scoring twice. Chelsea are expected to be active in the transfer window with plenty of incomings and outgoings anticipated. Castledine joined the Blues back in March 2020 at the age of just 14 from Wimbledon before signing his first professional contract in the summer of 2022. He is the son of former Wimbledon midfielder Stewart Castledine, who represented the south west Londoners between 1991 and 2000. Chelsea are expected to offload a number of players at the end of the campaign, including some of those who spent the 2024-25 season out on loan. Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and Armando Broja are among those who will be moved on should suitable offers arrive while others could join them. In terms of incomings, Chelsea are pushing hard to sign a striker and are in the mix for Ipswich Town's Liam Delap.
New York Times
19-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Chelsea's Leo Castledine expecting to leave club permanently this summer
Chelsea Under-21 midfielder Leo Castledine is expected to leave the club on a permanent transfer this summer. Castledine, who impressed on loan at League One side Shrewsbury Town this season before a back injury ended his campaign prematurely in February, is ready to join a new side on a permanent basis in a bid to get regular first-team football. Advertisement The highly-rated England Under-19 international still has one year left on his current deal with the option for another 12 months. But with Chelsea having many midfielders to choose from, Castledine has decided he would be better off going elsewhere for the sake of his career, even though he still loves being at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea also value Castledine highly but are prepared to listen to offers, which will include a sell-on clause. Championship and League One clubs are already showing an interest. A loan has not been completely ruled out, but is regarded as unlikely because Castledine is wary of it becoming a regular occurrence. Chelsea would also want the player to sign a new contract before sending him away for another campaign. The Athletic revealed in February that Castledine had suffered a minor stress fracture in his lower back, but he has already returned to training and will be ready to play a full part in pre-season. Castledine made his senior debut for Chelsea last season as a substitute in their 6-1 win over Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg. The 20-year-old played 26 times for Shrewsbury before his injury, including 18 league starts.
