French midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu joins Premier League side Southampton on a season long loan deal from Chelsea.
It was officially announced by Southampton through their social media platforms on Saturday. Lesley Ugochukwu will move to the south coast on a straight loan deal without any options for a permanent move, accroding to The Standard. It is clear that Chelsea view him as part of their future plans. This also kick starts the mass out goings from Chelsea. With over 40 players still in the squad and 2 more expected to arrive. there willbe significant outgoings before the transfer window shuts on the 30th of August.
A highly rated french midfielder who is currently part of the French U-21 team. He was also set to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics until Chelsea recalled him in July.
UGOCHUKWU PREVIOUS SEASONS
Lesley Ugochukwu joined Chelsea from french side Rennes for 20 million pounds last summer. He is graduate of the famous Rennes academy. The same academy from where players like Ousmane Dembele, Eduardo camavinga and Mathys Tel all graduated. It is well known for producing huge talents for the french football. He made his debut for the Rennes senior team in the 2021-22 season at the age of 17. In his first season in france he made 18 appearences and scoring a goal. The two descent seasons with Rennes truly showcased his potential and we knew what we are up to see from him. His time in France saw him feature 47 times for the Rennes senior team and it was enough to catch the attention of PL giants Chelsea.
The free spending west londoners swooped in with a 20 million pounds bid which was hard to say no to for both parties. He came on to Chelsea not expecting to hit the ground. The Frenchman featured consistantly under new manager Mauricio Pochettino for the first part of the season. Unfortunately his progress was hampered with a hamstring injury which kept him out until the end of the season.
PLAYING STYLE
Lesley Ugochukwu mainly plays as a defensive midfielder. Using his physicality and strength he can win tackles and aerial duels. He can also make significant break through passes towards the attack. Ugochukwu is clearly regarded as a future prospect for the Blues and the French national team. He would have won a silver medal at the Olympics if Chelsea hadn’t recalled him. Conor Gallagher is already on move abroad and we expected him to be part of this years team as an understudy to Caicedo. His versatile nature allows him to play as a centre back if needed. The Frenchman is also notable for his brilliant work rate and positioning which helps him in intercepting opposition passes. His 6ft 3in stature helps him a lot in winning aeriel duels.
WHAT NEXT FOR UGOCHKWU?
He has now joined newly promoted Southampton side lead by Russel Martin. The loan deal will go through this season without any options to make it permanant.
“I feel very happy Southampton has a great history” said the young french man after his move to the south coast of England.
Staying at Stamford Bridge would have meant being at understudy to Moises Caicedo. Now with Romeo Lavia back to fitness it would be hard for him find game time with Chelsea. A move like this would give him minutes and valuable experience in the best league on the planet. The Future is bright for the 20 year old who had an injury scare last season but came back. Todd Boehly has been buying young talents like an oniomaniac. So breaking through to first eleven would be hard for players like Lesley Ugochukwu. An experience like this would be helpful in learning the game and making progress in his future career.
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