Chelsea are reportedly set to recall 19-year-old French midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from his loan spell at Southampton in January, as injuries to key players continue to challenge the Blues this season, Soccernet.ng understands.
Ugochukwu, who joined Chelsea from Rennes in August 2023 on a seven-year deal worth up to £23.1 million, had shown promise during pre-season.
However, his season-long loan at Southampton has not gone as planned, with limited opportunities and the Saints undergoing managerial changes adding to the uncertainty.
Since moving to Southampton in August 2024, Ugochukwu has only made nine appearances, six of which were in the Premier League.
The Saints’ managerial instability, including Russell Martin’s exit, has hampered his development. Chelsea, aware of his potential and frustrated by his lack of regular minutes, are poised to bring him back to Stamford Bridge.
“They’ll lose players like Lesley Ugochukwu when he gets recalled, I’m sure,” David Ornstein said during NBC Sports coverage as per Chelsea News.
Chelsea’s injury crisis, with players like Reece James and Romeo Lavia sidelined, has intensified the need for reinforcements.
However, the recall is not solely about filling gaps. The club remains committed to developing young talents like Ugochukwu.
His return could provide the much-needed platform for him to rebuild confidence and showcase his athleticism and versatility in the latter half of the season.
Born in France to Igbo-Nigerian parents, Ugochukwu holds dual nationality and is the nephew of former Rennes and Nigeria centre-back Onyekachi Apam.
While Southampton has struggled to offer him a consistent role, Chelsea fans will hope the midfielder’s homecoming reignites his career and strengthens the team as they battle on multiple fronts in 2024.
Ugochukwu will, however, battle for space in the Chelsea midfield with the likes of Enzo Fernández, Carney Chukwuemeka, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Moisés Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia.