Revealed: Chelsea to loan out €30m wonderkid

Cameron Smith

Updated: 13 Jul 2024 16:59 BST
3 min read

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Chelsea are set to send Lesley Ugochukwu out on loan for the 2024-25 campaign following an injury-hit debut season in England.

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The 20-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge for €27 million after an impressive breakthrough at Stade Rennais, but he mustered just 15 appearances in all competitions last year, largely due to a hamstring problem.

Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Carney Chukwuemeka and Conor Gallagher, if he stays at the club, form Chelsea’s midfield core and game time would be an issue for Ugochukwu next campaign.

In addition, Andrey Santos has also returned from his loan spell at Strasbourg and reports suggest he could be set for a first-team role in 2024-25.

As a result, Chelsea are eager to loan out Ugochukwu next season, according to Foot Mercato.

Everton are reportedly one of the clubs interested in signing the Frenchman on loan, with the Toffees set to sell Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for a reported €60m.

An unnamed Ligue 1 club are also keen on Ugochukwu, although the 20-year-old is reportedly eager to seal a Premier League loan as he looks to establish himself in English football.

A loan move last summer was reportedly an option for the ex-Rennes midfielder, however Mauricio Pochettino opted to keep Ugochukwu following a string of impressive performances.

The France U21 international has six years left on his current contract at Chelsea, while he has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €13.8m.

Chelsea’s summer transfer business

In addition to the purchase of the aforementioned Dewsbury-Hall, Chelsea have also signed Omari Kellyman (Aston Villa), Marc Guiu (Barcelona) and Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham).

A deal to sign Estevao Willian (Palmeiras) has also been agreed, with the Brazilian to join the Blues in 2025.

Ian Maatsen, Lewis Hall, Omari Hutchinson, Hakim Ziyech and Thiago Silva have all left Stamford Bridge on permanent deals.