Done deal: Super Eagles-eligible player joins Chelsea on seven-year contract 

With a statement on their official website, Chelsea have announced the signing of French born Nigerian midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from Ligue 1 club Rennes. 

The 19-year-old has joined Chelsea on a seven-year contract, with a club option of a further year. 

Although the transfer fee has not been disclosed, the fee being mooted is 27 million euros, making him the fifth most expensive player sold by Rennes, after Nayef Aguerd, Ousmane Dembélé, Eduardo Camavinga and Ismaïla Sarr.

Ugochukwu, the nephew of retired Nigeria international Onyekachi Apam, recorded 60 appearances in all competitions for his hometown club Rennes, including seven in last season's Europa League. 

The Super Eagles-eligible player joined Rennes at the age of 8, rising through the ranks to sign his first professional contract in the summer of 2020.

When he made his first team debut, after his 17th birthday, he became the club’s fourth-youngest debutant at the time.

Ugochukwu has visited Stamford Bridge in the past, watching proceedings from the bench as Rennes were beaten 3-0 by Chelsea in a Champions League group game on November 4, 2020.

Chelsea will make a decision on whether to keep him in the squad or loan him out to continue his development, before the close of the summer transfer window. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com

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