Chelsea Clearout Escalates: Marc Guiu Heads to Sunderland on Loan, as Lesley Ugochukwu Seals Permanent Move to Burnley
Chelsea’s summer overhaul continues with two more exits: Marc Guiu will spend the 2025–26 season on loan at Sunderland, while Lesley Ugochukwu has completed a permanent transfer to Burnley. These latest developments highlight both clubs’ ambitious summer strategies—and Chelsea’s urgent need to balance its bloated squad.
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Marc Guiu’s Move to Sunderland – A Loan Packed with Potential
Marc Guiu, the 19-year-old striker signed from Barcelona in July 2024 for roughly £5 million, is heading to the Premier League anew—via Sunderland. This season-long loan, set to run until May 2026, involves no purchase option for the Black Cats .
Guiu’s Chelsea tenure featured 16 appearances, with six of his goals coming in Europa Conference League action, including a memorable hat-trick against Shamrock Rovers at just 18 years and 350 days—making him the second-youngest Chelsea player to achieve the feat .
Sunderland, newly promoted to the Premier League, have invested heavily—approximately £123 million—in strengthening their squad. Guiu becomes their ninth summer signing, signaling the club’s intent to solidify their top-flight return .
The move even includes a performance-related clause guaranteeing Guiu gets meaningful game time—or Sunderland face financial penalties, a rare but telling indicator of Chelsea’s desire for his development .
After a short flight delay, Guiu completed his medical and officially sealed the loan, impressing Sunderland’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, who praised the club’s quick maneuvering to beat rivals for his services . Chelsea appears to view Sunderland as an ideal environment to nurture his talent—especially given competition in their attacking department and Guiu’s promising finishing ability .
Nevertheless, criticism has arisen among Chelsea supporters—some fearing Sunderland’s crowded attacking roster could hinder Guiu’s minutes, drawing parallels with Andrey Santos’s ill-fated loan to Nottingham Forest .
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Lesley Ugochukwu’s Permanent Switch to Burnley — A Fresh Start
Meanwhile, Lesley Ugochukwu, the 20-year-old French midfielder signed for up to £23.1 million from Rennes in 2023, has moved permanently to Burnley on a five-year contract for a fee around £23 million .
Ugochukwu struggled to gain a foothold at Stamford Bridge, including a goalless loan stint at newly relegated Southampton last season . The move to Burnley represents a new chapter—one that the player embraced wholeheartedly.
In his first interview post-transfer, he said: “It feels like the perfect move for me at this stage of my career with the ambition the club is showing.” He cited conversations with manager Scott Parker and sporting director Maxime Esteve as instrumental in convincing him of Burnley’s vision .
Burnley, having spent close to £65 million already this summer, view Ugochukwu as a vital midfield presence—one capable of disrupting opposition play, driving through transitions, and forming a strong partnership with captain Josh Cullen .
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Deeper Implications: Chelsea’s Massive Restructure
Guiu and Ugochukwu follow a wave of departures that includes Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Noni Madueke, Joao Félix, Djordje Petrovic, and more. This is all part of Chelsea’s broader squad overhaul, meant to trim their bloated roster and meet financial fair play requirements .
The club has already generated over €174 million in sale proceeds this summer, fueling a €262 million purchasing spree that added an even greater array of talent .
For both Sunderland and Burnley, these new arrivals signal not just squad refreshment, but deep-seated ambition—two promoted and promoted-adjacent clubs seriously eyeing a solid and competitive Premier League campaign.
Quick Summary
Player From To Type of Move Fee/Details
Marc Guiu Chelsea Sunderland Loan (no buy option) £5 m signing originally; clause ensures game time
Lesley Ugochukwu Chelsea Burnley Permanent ~£23 m; 5-year contract
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