Chelsea Football Club has reached an agreement to sign Lesly Ugochukwu, a talented 19-year-old midfielder from Rennes, in a deal worth €27.5 million. Ugochukwu, who was born in France to Nigerian parents, has already agreed to personal terms with the club and is set to undergo a medical examination in the coming days.
Having made his debut for Rennes in 2021, Ugochukwu impressed during the 2022-23 Ligue 1 season, making 35 appearances for the club and contributing to their fourth-place finish in the league. He showcased his defensive prowess with 28 successful tackles, 29 successful interceptions, and 31 blocks in 20 starts, while also displaying attacking flair with 15 successful take-ons.
With Chelsea’s bid of £80 million for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo being rejected, Ugochukwu’s immediate role at the club remains uncertain. He may join other young talents like Angelo Gabriel, Alex Matos, and Diego Moreira, who have already joined Chelsea earlier in the summer.