The striker had been with the Blues since Under-10s level and now returns to the Belgian top flight, where he enjoyed a successful loan last season, scoring 17 goals in 34 games for Cercle Brugge.

Genk finished in second place in the 2020/21 Jupiler Pro League and will compete in this season’s Europa League.

Ugbo progressed through the ranks in the Chelsea Academy, making his Under-18s debut in 2014/15 and becoming a regular for both that side and our development squad over the next two seasons.

That included playing a key role in back-to-back FA Youth Cup victories, scoring 10 times in that competition en route to lifting the trophy in 2016/17.

Loans with Barnsley, MK Dons, Scunthorpe United and Roda JC in the Netherlands followed before last season’s move to Cercle Brugge.

Although he did not make a competitive senior appearance at Chelsea, Ugbo was most recently involved earlier this summer as part of Thomas Tuchel’s pre-season group, and came off the bench to score the winning goal in our 2-1 friendly victory at Bournemouth last month.

We thank Ike for his time at the club and wish him the very best for the future.