Southampton are closing in on a season-long loan deal for Chelsea’s prospective Super Eagles midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu.
However, the agreement will not include an option for Southampton to make the move permanent, as Chelsea remain committed to keeping the 20-year-old as part of their long-term plans.
Ugochukwu, who joined Chelsea from Rennes 12 months ago, is seen as a key figure for the club’s future. Chelsea view Southampton and head coach Russell Martin as the perfect environment for the youngster's development, given their playing style and philosophy, which aligns closely with the vision at Stamford Bridge.
Last month, reports emerged that Chelsea were considering loan options for Ugochukwu, prioritizing a move to another Premier League club. The Blues subsequently recalled him from the France Under-23 squad at the Olympic Games, allowing him to continue featuring in pre-season, where he notably scored against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge.
Ugochukwu, who signed a seven-year contract with Chelsea for around €27.5 million (£23.5 million) last summer, had made 13 first-team appearances under Mauricio Pochettino before a hamstring injury in December sidelined him until May.
Southampton boasts strong Super Eagles influence
The Saints are set to kick off their Premier League campaign with a healthy dose of Nigerian talent.
Joseph Aribo, Paul Onuachu, and Anglo-Nigerian Sam Edozie are all part of the newly promoted side, adding a touch of Super Eagles flair to the south coast.
The potential arrival of Lesley Ugochukwu, another footballer with Nigerian roots, would further strengthen Southampton's Nigerian contingent and could even tempt the midfielder to switch allegiance from France to Nigeria at international level.
The club’s season gets underway with a tough test at Newcastle United on Saturday.
