Nigeria eligible youngster Lesley Ugochukwu joins Southampton on season-long loan

NEWLY-promoted English Premier League side Southampton with London giants Chelsea to sign Nigeria-eligible midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu on a season-long loan deal that will see him play at Saint Mary's for the duration of the 2024/25 campaign.

Ugochukwu, 20 who was born in France to Nigerian parents,  joined Chelsea from Ligue One side Stade Rennes last summer in a deal worth €27m. He was one of the many newcomers that was brought in after Todd Boehly took over as the new Chelsea owner but just like many other young players that have joined Chelsea in the past two years, Ugochukwu has not flourished as he has not see enough game time.

Last season, he only registered 15 appearances across all competitions. he is suffering from the fact that Chelsea have many options in midfield, including Enzo Fernandes, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Carney Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Renato Veiga.

According to a recent report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Ugochukwu is closing in on a loan transfer to Southampton. This deal is expected to be sealed in the coming days if both parties agree on a fee and Ugochukwu passes his medical.

If the deal goes through, Ugochukwu will likely play alongside compatriot Joe Aribo in Southampton’s midfield. Ugochukwu is eligible to play for both Nigeria and France and currently plays for the French youth team but he can still switch to the Super Eagles he has not yet played for Les Bleus.