Leo Castledine departs Chelsea on permanent transfer

Joining our Academy in March 2020 as an Under-15 from AFC Wimbledon, Castledine was developed and featured the following season for our Under-18s while a schoolboy and captained the side regularly during the 2021/22 campaign.

He stepped up to play Under-21s football during the 2022/23 season and showcased his impressive versatility, playing in defence, midfield and in the frontline as we reached the Premier League 2 play-offs.

After a good start to the campaign that followed, Castledine was named on the first-team substitutes bench on several occasions. His debut came in a League Cup semi-final second leg victory over Middlesbrough, as he was introduced late on in a 6-1 victory for the Blues.

In August 2024, he joined Shrewsbury Town on a season-long loan that was unfortunately cut short by injury the following January. He returned to League One at the start of this season with Huddersfield Town and produced several impressive performances for the Terriers, with 12 goals scored in 27 appearances.

We thank Leo for his efforts throughout his time at Chelsea and wish him every success as he embarks on a new chapter in his career at Middlesbrough.