‘Clearly’: Journalist suggests Mauricio Pochettino is not a big fan of £29m Chelsea player already

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Graeme Bailey has suggested that Mauricio Pochettino is not actually a huge fan of Noni Madueke at Chelsea.

The reliable and respected journalist was speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast.

So, what was said about Noni Madueke and Mauricio Pochettino? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, it was actually Graham Potter who signed the England Under-21 international from PSV Eindhoven back in January, not the Argentine.

Pochettino was also in charge of Tottenham when Madueke departed Spurs for the Netherlands in 2018.

The South American has given the 21-year-old just 15 minutes of Premier League action so far this season, and has now signed Cole Palmer, a very similar player, from Manchester City for £45m, adding more competition for the £29m winger to deal with.

Now, Bailey has suggested that Pochettino’s move for Palmer means Madueke is not in his good books.

The journalist said: “I think they might be done (in the transfer window). Palmer came about after Olise said no. Bradley Barcola has turned his back on interest, it looks like he’ll be going to PSG.

“They say they are not doing anything. Conor Gallagher, it doesn’t look like he’s going at the minute. Chelsea want Gallagher to stay and sign a new deal, however, if someone comes in and offers £50m they will be prepared to let him go.

“I think it depends who Pochettino rates as players. Clearly I don’t think he’s a big fan of Madueke.”

Noni Madueke might have a decision to make at Chelsea in January

The 2023/24 campaign has not started in ideal fashion for Madueke – despite his goal against AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday.

The Chelsea No.11’s situation is looking quite bleak under Pochettino as things are, so if Palmer’s arrival means he receives even less playing time, he might have to make a huge decision in January.

Madueke is far too talented to be sitting on the bench, and if Pochettino really doesn’t rate him, then an exit may have to happen while his stock is still high.

Hopefully, the London-born winger can work his way into the 51-year-old’s good books, and become an important player at Stamford Bridge.