Done deal: Nephew of former Super Eagles defender joins Burnley from Chelsea

Through the official website, Premier League new boys Burnley have announced the signing of highly-rated midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from Chelsea, marking their seventh addition of the summer transfer window.

The 21-year-old, who is the nephew of former Super Eagles defender Onyekachi Apam, completed his move to Turf Moor on Wednesday night, putting pen to paper on a five-year contract.

Although the transfer fee remains undisclosed, Burnley are believed to have fended off competition from several top clubs in England and Europe to secure the midfielder's signature.

Ugochukwu joined Chelsea from Rennes in the summer of 2023 but struggled to break into the first team at Stamford Bridge. 

Seeking regular playing time, he spent the 2024/2025 season on loan at Southampton, where he contributed one goal and one assist in 26 league appearances.

Speaking to Burnley's official website following the announcement, Ugochukwu expressed his excitement about the move and praised manager Scott Parker and French defender Maxime Estève for playing key roles in convincing him to join.

"It's a great feeling to sign for Burnley. As soon as I was made aware of the club's interest in signing me, I was keen to hear more about the project," said Ugochukwu. 

"I spoke to the manager and Maxime (Estève) – they were both so passionate about the club and the direction it's heading in.

"It feels like this is the perfect move for me at this stage of my career with the ambition the club is showing. It's a really exciting time to be here, and I can't wait to get started. 

"I'm really excited to pull on the Burnley shirt in the Premier League."

Burnley will be hoping the French-born midfielder, who brings physicality and composure in the middle of the park, can bolster their options ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

With the 2025/2026 campaign about to commence in about ten days, Ugochukwu will look to hit the ground running and stake his claim in Parker's first-team plans.

Adeyemi Adewale

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