Chelsea are reportedly set to recall 19-year-old French midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from his mortgage spell at Southampton in January, as accidents to key gamers proceed to problem the Blues this season, Soccernet.ng understands.
Ugochukwu, who joined Chelsea from Rennes in August 2023 on a seven-year deal price as much as £23.1 million, had proven promise throughout pre-season.
Nonetheless, his season-long mortgage at Southampton has not gone as deliberate, with restricted alternatives and the Saints present process managerial adjustments including to the uncertainty.
Since shifting to Southampton in August 2024, Ugochukwu has solely made 9 appearances, six of which had been within the Premier League.
The Saints’ managerial instability, together with Russell Martin’s exit, has hampered his growth. Chelsea, conscious of his potential and pissed off by his lack of standard minutes, are poised to convey him again to Stamford Bridge.
“They’ll lose gamers like Lesley Ugochukwu when he will get recalled, I’m positive,” David Ornstein mentioned throughout NBC Sports activities protection as per Chelsea Information.
Chelsea’s harm disaster, with gamers like Reece James and Romeo Lavia sidelined, has intensified the necessity for reinforcements.
Nonetheless, the recall isn’t solely about filling gaps. The membership stays dedicated to growing younger skills like Ugochukwu.
His return might present the much-needed platform for him to rebuild confidence and showcase his athleticism and flexibility within the latter half of the season.
Born in France to Igbo-Nigerian mother and father, Ugochukwu holds twin nationality and is the nephew of former Rennes and Nigeria centre-back Onyekachi Apam.
Whereas Southampton has struggled to supply him a constant function, Chelsea followers will hope the midfielder’s homecoming reignites his profession and strengthens the staff as they battle on a number of fronts in 2024.
Ugochukwu will, nevertheless, battle for area within the Chelsea midfield with the likes of Enzo Fernández, Carney Chukwuemeka, Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor, Moisés Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia.
