Lesley Ugochukwu: 4 things about French-Nigerian wonderkid Chelsea signed for £23m

Things to know about Lesley Ugochukwu

Lesley Ugochukwu: 4 things about French-Nigerian wonderkid Chelsea signed for £23m

Stephen Oladehinde 08:48 - 30.07.2023

Chelsea are set to announce French wonder kid Lesley Ugochukwu after agreeing on a transfer fee with Rennes.

The Blues reportedly agreed a fee worth £23 million with Rennes for the talented youngster.

Romano Fabrizio on Twitter announced earlier today that Chelsea have sealed the agreement to sign 2004 talent Lesley Ugochukwu.

The youngster has made 60 appearances, scored one goal and provided one assist since joining Rennes.

With Chelsea set to officially announce the signing of the youngster, we take a look at who the wonder kid is.

Chelsea's new signing Lesley Ugochukwu
Chelsea's new signing Lesley Ugochukwu

1. Who is Lesley Ugochukwu

French professional football player Lesley Chimuanya Ugochukwu was born on March 26, 2004.

Ugochukwu is of Nigerian heritage and the nephew of Onyekachi Apam, a former centre-back for Nigeria and Rennes. 

2. Career

The 18-year-old defensive midfielder started at the academy and worked his way up through the junior team to the senior squad.

The new Chelsea signing has made six appearances and scored two goals for the under-19 French team.

On April 25, 2021, Ugochukwu made his professional debut for France's Stade Rennais, taking Steven Nzonzi's place in a 5-1 Ligue 1 victory over Dijon.

3. Position

Ugochukwu is a midfielder with six foot two inches and has the ability to also play as a defensive midfielder.

The youthful player gives the team a strong edge in the middle, making him a force to be reckoned with.

The French-born player, despite being trained as a midfielder, could also fill in as a temporary centre-back.

Lesley Ugochukwu in action for Rennes
Lesley Ugochukwu in action for Rennes

4. Style of play

Ugochukwu is good at line-breaking passes that can advance the ball up the field and has plenty of other promising talents.

The French international utilises his strength and quickness and excels at regaining control from rivals and also has a sharp eye for goals and the ability to spot openings.

The youngster has a similar style of play to that of Barcelona legend Sergio Busquet who can control games and nick passes in tight areas.