Huddersfield Town transfer latest: Terriers boss praises impact of loanee who has completed move to Middlesbrough
HUDDERSFIELD Town have officially announced the return of stellar loanee Leo Castledine to Chelsea – with the 20-year-old’s full-time move to Championship outfit Middlesbrough to having now been confirmed.
The attacking midfielder made a huge impact during his half-season at the Accu Stadium, scoring 12 times in 27 appearances and being the club’s stand-out player so far in 2025-26.
Town had been desperate to keep hold of the Chelsea under-21 player, with his parent club having a recall clause that could be invoked this month.
It was triggered amid widespread interest across the Championship in the Kingston-upon-Thames born star, with Boro winning the race for his services on a permanent basis.
On Castledine’s contribution at Town, manager Lee Grant said: "Leo’s contribution to the team speaks for itself.
"As a Club and as a coaching staff, we are proud of the progress and development Leo has enjoyed since joining us this summer.
"He has contributed significantly to the training level every day, but also to the culture we have here with his selflessness and professionalism.
"I’m personally very proud to have continued our record of improving and developing some of the best talent from Premier League teams, which speaks to the hard work of all the staff behind the scenes.
"We were not at all surprised by the level of interest shown in securing Leo’s services permanently, and of course the decisions were inevitably out of our control.
"Having worked in both the summer and winter windows to explore the potential of signing Leo permanently, we fully respect and understand his and Chelsea’s decision for him to test himself in the Championship this season.
"Leo, we wish you good luck and success for this season and beyond."