Super Eagles star Frank Onyeka and Chelsea’s Nigerian descent top Valencia’s wishlist

Valencia are targeting Brentford’s Frank Onyeka and Chelsea’s Lesley Ugochukwu as they look to bolster their midfield options ahead of the new La Liga season, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to Eldesmarque, manager Carlos Corberán is keen to add a physical presence to his squad following Enzo Barrenechea’s departure, and both Onyeka and Ugochukwu have emerged as leading candidates.

The club has initiated talks with Brentford over a possible deal for Frank Onyeka, who spent last season on loan at Augsburg in the Bundesliga.

The Nigerian international, 27, has made 78 appearances for Brentford since joining from Danish side Midtjylland in 2021.

Despite signing a contract extension last year that ties him to the Premier League club until 2027, Onyeka is open to a move in search of regular minutes, especially with the 2026 World Cup qualifiers looming for Nigeria.

Valencia want Frank Onyeka and Lesley Ugochukwu 

Lesley Ugochukwu, 21, is also on Valencia’s radar. The Chelsea midfielder, who has Nigerian heritage but has featured for France at youth level, spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Southampton.

With Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, and Roméo Lavia ahead of him in the Stamford Bridge pecking order, Ugochukwu’s long-term future at Chelsea remains unclear.

Chelsea are not accepting loan proposals for Lesley Ugochukwu as priority is for permanent sale.

Valencia and more clubs interested but Chelsea say no to loan move. There are Premier League clubs also keen. pic.twitter.com/t4U3IpzPg5

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 6, 2025

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Valencia would prefer a loan move, but Chelsea are said to be pushing for a permanent deal — something that could complicate matters given Los Che’s financial limitations. Still, Ugochukwu fits the club’s vision of acquiring athletic, ball-winning midfielders without inflating the wage bill.

The duo join a shortlist that includes Getafe’s Mauro Arambarri, another player stylistically similar to Onyeka, whose name has frequently surfaced in Mestalla corridors over recent windows.

Valencia are also progressing with contract renewals for young talents Javi Guerra, César Tárrega, and Diego López, while they await decisions on goalkeepers Julen Agirrezabala and Álex Padilla.

With squad restructuring underway and uncertainty over the futures of Hugo Guillamón and Pepelu, securing midfield reinforcements remains a priority for Corberán. Whether through permanent deals or creative loan solutions, Valencia hope to land at least one of their physical midfield targets before the window closes.