Midfielder targeted by Chelle omitted from Chelsea's player profiles amid imminent Burnley move

France U23 international Lesley Ugochukwu has been left out of Chelsea’s updated first-team player profiles, fueling speculation of an imminent transfer to Premier League newcomers Burnley.

The defensive midfielder, who joined the Blues from Rennes in 2023 for €27 million, is no longer listed among the club’s senior squad on their official website—an omission widely interpreted as a signal that his time at Stamford Bridge is drawing to a close.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Chelsea have reached an agreement with Burnley over Ugochukwu’s transfer, with the 21-year-old expected to pen a five-year contract.

A product of the Rennes academy, Ugochukwu featured in 60 matches for the Ligue 1 side before securing a high-profile move to Chelsea.

His debut season in England saw him make 15 appearances, after which he was loaned out to Southampton for the 2024–25 campaign.

He played 31 matches in all competitions for the Saints, who suffered relegation to the Championship.

Ugochukwu is also attracting international interest, with Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle keen to persuade the midfielder to switch allegiance ahead of the resumption of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

However, Ugochukwu remains committed to representing France for now.

Should the move to Turf Moor go through, Ugochukwu would link up with two forwards of Nigerian descent, Michael Obafemi and Luca Koleosho, at Burnley. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com