Noni Madueke became our latest signing in a busy transfer window as the England international made the move from Chelsea, but how much do you know about our new signing?
The exciting winger has played for both PSV Eindhoven and the Blues in his career so far, winning four trophies in that time.
From a chance meeting that saw him move to the Netherlands to a love of all things fashion and music, here are some fun facts that you might not know about our new No. 20!
Chance move
Noni grew up as part of the Tottenham Hotspur academy having also spent time with Crystal Palace. However a discussion between his father and the dad of then-PSV defender Ian Maatsen, now of Aston Villa, at an academy tournament changed the winger’s path.
He told the Chelsea website: “In that game when we played them, one of their parents was speaking to my dad – it was Ian Maatsen's. They were laughing and joking and then my dad said he’d bring me to PSV.
“Once Ian Maatsen’s dad realised my dad was being serious, he went straight over and told their coach. They came and watched a few more games and came in at the end of the season and said they wanted to do it.”
Dutch delight
Uprooting his life in London for a move to the Netherlands was a big step for the Barnet-born footballer, but a move he felt best for his development.
Joining the PSV academy in 2018, Noni progressed through to make his senior debut for Jong PSV, the reserve outfit to the main side, against NVV Maastricht in August 2019. Four goals in six games saw Noni quickly promoted to the first-team squad.
Instant Impact
It would not take long for Noni to make an impression at the higher level, as the English winger would make an immediate impact on his first start, scoring in a 2-1 victory over Emmen in September 2020.
Noni would go on to play 80 times for PSV, scoring 20 times and creating 13 assists and he won the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff Shield, scoring twice in the latter contest against Ajax in 2021.
CR7 inspiration
As he was growing up, Noni looked up to one player in particular during his formative years.
"The person that made me want to play football was Cristiano Ronaldo when he was playing for Manchester United," Madueke told BBC Sport. "He was my idol. I grew up watching him."
Footballing Greats
Young footballers are often keen to learn from legendary figures and for Noni, he’s had the chance to work under two. During his time at PSV, Noni was managed by Ruud van Nistelrooy, before Frank Lampard was the winger’s boss in his first six months at Chelsea.
He said: “When they say things to you, you know that their advice is very valuable because they had successful playing careers themselves. What I find really refreshing is that they’re just normal people dedicated to helping you develop.”
Familiar Foe
Having made his move to Chelsea in January 2023, Noni would score his first goal in English football against us. After goals from Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus, Noni netted a consolation in a 3-1 victory for us in May 2023.
In fact, Noni has played against us more times than any other side during his career, featuring six times - twice for PSV and four times for Chelsea.
England bow
After impressing during his time in west London, Noni was awarded with a call-up to the England national team in September 2024. Coming on for Bukayo Saka against Finland in the UEFA Nations League, it took the winger just 10 minutes to register his first assist, setting up Harry Kane in a 2-0 victory.
Noni has gone on to create two further assists in his Three Lions career, setting up Kane again in a 1-0 win over Andorra and Ollie Watkins in a 3-0 victory in Greece.
London Calling
Signing players from fellow London sides used to be few and far between. However, having previously never signed three or more players from London clubs in the same window, we’ve now done this twice in the last three summer windows.
In 2023, we brought in Declan Rice from West Ham United, Kai Havertz from Chelsea and David Raya from Brentford. Noni joins having seen Kepa Arrizabalaga already make the switch from Stamford Bridge and Christian Norgaard, who joined us from Brentford.
Two-footed
One of Noni’s biggest strengths is his ability to use both feet. Having played predominantly on the right side of the attack, he has played minutes on the left as well, including twice in the Club World Cup this summer.
According to Opta, among players to attempt at least 30 non-headed shots in 2024/25, only Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo (53.8% left-footed shots; 46.2% right-footed) was closer to a perfect split than Madueke (65.8% left-footed; 34.2% right-footed).
Ball Carrier
Building on his versatility, our new signing is a consistent ball carrier. No player made more carries, which consists of dribbling the ball at least five metres towards the opponent’s goal, with 6.1 per 90.
On top of that, Madueke also topped the Premier League charts last season for carries ending in a shot, with 1.6 per 90. This helped him net three times in a 6-2 victory over Wolves in August 2024.
Father’s influence
A drive and determination to succeed is something Noni has prided himself on down the years. His family’s commitment to drive him from north to south London during his time at Crystal Palace was a testament to that.
Noni revealed in an interview that it was his father, Ify, and his passion that helped him become the player he is today.
He told the Chelsea website: “I think it comes from my dad, he’s exactly like me in that sense. If he sets his mind to do something, it’s going to happen, so I feel like I got that from him.”
Love of Music
As well as his brother, Tranell, making music, Noni is also passionate about it as well, also revealing he’s been in the recording studio himself.
“Football, music, fashion, it’s all connected for me,” he said in an interview with Clash Music. “It’s how I express who I am, and each one feeds into the other in some way.”
Passion for Fashion
As well being a big lover of music, Noni also enjoys fashion. Appearing in multiple shoots down the years, the attacker revealed he might one day enter the fashion industry.
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