Nigerian youngster Lesley Ugochukwu joins Chelsea
Nigerian youngster Lesley Ugochukwu has completed his medicals ahead of a transfer to Chelsea from Ligue 1 side Rennes for £23.5m this summer.
The France U-19 international midfielder was one of the highly-rated youngsters in Europe last season as he played an important role for Rennes in Ligue 1. The 19-year-old made his debut for Rennes shortly after his 17th birthday and has made 60 senior appearances for them, including in the UEFA Europa League.
Chelsea have been in the market for a player of his profile and have now completed his signing on a long-term deal. He will join the Blues’ sister club Strasbourg in Ligue 1 on a season-long loan, as confirmed by Mauricio Pochettino.
Ugochukwu has played for France up to U-19 level but is open to playing for the country of his parents, Nigeria, in the future. He is a nephew to former Super Eagles defensive lynchpin Onyekachi Apam, who was part of the Nigerian team that won silver at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship and 2008 Olympic Games.
