Lesley Ugochukwu follows in the footsteps of Bashir Humphreys and Armando Broja in making the move from Chelsea to Burnley this summer. Joining the Clarets in, what is being reported as, a club record transfer fee and on a five year contract.
Career so far
Spending his early life in the youth setup of Stade Rennais. Ugochukwu quickly stood out to the management team at Stade Rennais as a talented midfielder for the future.
Making five appearances for the second team of Stade Rennais at the age of 16. Highlighting the trust that the management team had in him as a footballer.
Shortly after making his debut for the second team, Ugochukwu was called up to the first team of Stade Rennais at the age of 17. As he made his debut on 25th of April 2021 in a 5-1 win against Dijon, where he replaced the experienced midfielder Steven Nzonzi.
Going on to make 60 appearances for the French side across all competitions as a teenager.
Earning himself a high profile transfer to Chelsea. In a move that reportedly cost £23.1 million and saw him sign a seven year contract with the Blues.
Only making 15 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea. The move wasn't all successful for the young French star.
In 2024-25 he spent the season on loan at, newly promoted, Southampton. Despite a stop-start beginning to his loan spell at Southampton under the tenure of Russel Martin, he began to pick up form and make consistent appearances for the Saints once new manager Ivan Juric took the role.
Going on to make 31 appearances in all competitions for the Saints with the end of his spell being his best spell as he began to show why he belonged in the Premier League as an individual footballer.
Ugochukwu was born in France but is also of Nigerian descent so has the choice of national teams to play for but so far he has spent his career playing for various different France age groups as well as representing France at the 2024 Olympics.
Ugochukwu's thoughts on joining Burnley
Ugochukwu becomes the eleventh signing this summer for **Burnley**as they continue to build their squad for survival.
After signing his contract for Burnley, Ugochukwu said "It's a great feeling to be signing for Burnley."
In an interview with Clarets+ Lesley Ugochukwu mentioned, *"As soon as I was made aware of the club's interest in signing me, I was keen to hear more about the project. I spoke to the manager and Maxime Esteve. They were both passionate about the club and the direction its heading in."*
Highlighting the impact that Scott Parker is having on new signings before they have stepped through the club's door. As well as the impact that the positive club culture and atmosphere is having in attracting high quality young players like Lesley Ugochukwu.
The young French midfielder also went on to mention to Clarets+, "this feels like the perfect move for me at this stage of my career with the ambition the club is showing." also later mentioning "its a really exciting time to be here and I can't wait to get started."
What can Ugochukwu bring to Burnley?
The French man provides Burnley with a much needed body in the midfield area of the pitch after losing their former captain and last season's top goal-scorer Josh Brownhill.
Scott Parker's side will be gaining a much needed physical presence in the middle of the park. A player that likes to be in and amongst physical duels as a good ball winner which he proved at Southampton.
Ugochukwu is also a good technical player as he can carry the ball forward and advance his team up the pitch.
Burnley fans can liken his playstyle to former midfielder Sander Berge, as he will be able to compliment new club captain Josh Cullen in similar ways to what Sander Berge did during the 2023-2024 Premier League season.
Despite his young age, Ugochukwu has all the attributes and quality to be a game changer for Burnley in tight games which fans of the club can get excited for.