After just two years on Chelsea’s books, Lesley Ugochukwu is expected to be sold imminently.
The Blues signed Lesley Ugochukwu, 21, from Rennes in the 2023 summer transfer window.
The defensive midfielder was a squad player at Stamford Bridge in his debut campaign in English football. Meanwhile, he impressed last year during a season-long loan at Southampton, even though they suffered relegation from the Premier League.
Reports this week claim that Ugochukwu has permission to undergo a Burnley medical because he’s set to complete a move to Turf Moor.
With the youngster’s experience of a relegation battle, plus his obvious quality and potential, he could be quite a smart signing for Scott Parker’s Burnley side as they prepare for the new season back in the Premier League.
Burnley manager Scott Parker after beating Middlesbrough in the Championship.
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How much Burnley will pay for Lesley Ugochukwu
Back in August 2023, Chelsea paid around £23m (BBC Sport) to bring Ugochukwu to West London.
Now, journalist Fabrizio Romano reports via Instagram that Burnley have agreed a deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Ugochukwu, with the medical taking place soon.
It is explained that the French youngster is expected to cost the Clarets over £20m.
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Incidentally, The Daily Mail states that Ugochukwu is likely to cost Burnley around £20m to sign from Chelsea.
Even though Ugochukwu is ‘well-liked’ at Chelsea, his time at Chelsea is finally over. It will be interesting to see if he can play a key role for a Burnley side that are likely to be fighting down the bottom end of the Premier League.
In addition, Armando Broja has completed a Burnley medical because the Chelsea striker is also set to join Parker’s sied.
Lesley Ugochukwu warming up before Southampton against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
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Dario Essugo is the replacement for Lesley Ugochukwu
On paper, Chelsea already have their replacement for Ugochukwu with Dario Essugo.
Essugo, who’s just 20, has joined the Blues this summer from Sporting Lisbon. He’s an all-action defensive midfielder who we expect to suit English football, especially after an eye-catching loan at Las Palmas in Spain last term.
The Portuguese youngster should be the perfect cover in the No.6 position for stars Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
Blues head coach Enzo Maresca said he has a “good feeling” about Essugo, so it could be an exciting 2025/26 season for the new addition.