Lesley Ugochukwu: consolidate in Southampton

Lesley Ugochukwu, former Ligue 1 player for Stade Rennais (from 2012 to 2023 including the years in the training centre), leaves Chelsea to join newly promoted club Southampton. He arrived at Chelsea last season for the sum of 27,000,000 euros. He had played 60 games for Stade Rennais and attracted the attention of many clubs, but in the end it was the Blues who signed him.

First year marked by injuries

Lesley Ugochukwudue to an injury to his ischium, he will be absent from the field for almost the entire season (30 games, 152 days). However, during 15 games (12 a Premier League, 3 an EFL Cup) who played, the defensive midfielder had quite satisfied the staff Chelsea. This is definitely why the London club did not want to include a purchase option in this loan.

Gain experience in Poland

Several clubs are still interested, especially some Championship. But the primary interest of this loan is to enable Lesley Ugochukwuat the age of 20, to continue gaining experience at the highest level of English. Which will perhaps allow him, initially, to find times, good sensations but also to strengthen his game even further. Or rather, with his 1m90he is already very solid in duels, but the Premier League is renowned for being one of the most difficult championships (at least among the 5 major European championships).

Saints like Ugochukwu!

The loan announcement dates back to August 16 and supporters rivals of FC Portsmouth they can’t wait to see the new recruit evolve under the colors from the Hampshire club. He had already left a strong impression during the friendly matches played Chelsea. It registers 2 but in the 5 games played. Also, for his last match with the blueshe entered the field in the 80th minute, while his team was losing 1-0 against Inter. 10 minutes later, from a free kick from the left on the edge of the area, Ugochukwu there are no doubts when the ball returns to him after a mix-up in the area. He hits a half-volley and allows his team to snatch the equalizer at the very end of the match.

Since he arrived, the giant of the midfield receives many positive, warm and motivating messages from fans of Southampton. In any case, we can’t wait to see him evolve with this new jersey on his shoulders, to see his aggression and his power throughout all this 2024-2025 season. We also want him to be able to progress peacefully, without getting hurt.

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