Chelsea’s midfielder is reportedly undergoing a medical on Friday morning ahead of his imminent transfer to a new club on loan.
There’s been a lot of excitement from Chelsea fans about all the incomings at Stamford Bridge this summer, but this is being matched with several individuals exiting either permanently or on loan.
Ultimately, Enzo Maresca must not be left with a squad that’s too big to manage come the end of the summer window.
The Athletic claimed on Thursday that Southampton are in advanced talks to sign Chelsea’s Lesley Ugochukwu. The Frenchman’s had an impressive pre-season for the Blues with a couple of goals, but it looks like he’s temporarily leaving to continue his development at St Mary’s.
Lesley Ugochukwu having his Southampton medical
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea youngster Ugochukwu is having a medical on Friday morning with Southampton.
It is understood that Southampton have agreed a loan deal with Premier League rivals Chelsea for the 20-year-old central midfielder.
The report says that the Saints hope he’s registered in time for their opening league fixture away to Newcastle United on Saturday, but the deadline to register players is midday today.
Is this a good deal?
Ugochukwu’s shown enough this summer to suggest he could play a role in Chelsea’s first-team squad in the upcoming campaign, but perhaps in the bigger picture a loan elsewhere in the Premier League is the better step. It all depends on if he can force his way into the Southampton XI and start regularly.
Speaking via Football.London last August, Mauricio Pochettino called Ugochukwu a “talented player“. There’s no doubt that the midfield enforcer has loads of potential.
Let’s see how this transfer unfolds in the coming months, but it feels like a smart one for both Chelsea and Southampton.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
