New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has swiftly begun shaping his squad, authorising the permanent departure of academy product Leo Castledine to Middlesbrough.
Castledine's Permanent Riverside Switch
The 20-year-old midfielder is set to complete a move to the Championship side, with a medical scheduled at the Riverside Stadium for Friday. Chelsea will receive a fee in the region of £2 million for the player, and the deal is understood to include a sell-on clause for the Blues.
Castledine, who rejoined Chelsea's academy in 2020 after a spell with AFC Wimbledon, made his sole first-team appearance in a Carabao Cup semi-final win over Middlesbrough in January 2024. He has spent this season on loan at Huddersfield Town, registering an impressive 12 goals and five assists, which alerted Boro to his potential.
Rosenior's First Major Staff Decision
While overseeing his first transfer, Rosenior has also made a key appointment to his coaching team. According to reports, he has personally asked caretaker manager Calum McFarlane to join his staff as an assistant.
McFarlane stepped up to lead the team following Enzo Maresca's dismissal on New Year's Day, overseeing a draw at Manchester City and a defeat to Fulham. The 37-year-old was expected to return to his role with the club's U21s, but Rosenior, who watched from the stands at Craven Cottage, was impressed with how McFarlane steadied the squad during a turbulent period.
Focus Turns to FA Cup Debut
Rosenior, who took charge of first-team training on Thursday, will now turn his attention to his touchline debut. He will lead Chelsea in Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie away to Charlton Athletic.
The Castledine transfer and McFarlane appointment mark the first significant moves of the Rosenior era at Stamford Bridge, signalling the new boss's intent to put his stamp on the club both on and off the pitch.
