Chelsea coach Maresca reveals how he found about Ugochukwu's transfer to Burnley

Enzo Maresca has admitted he only found out about Lesley Ugochukwu’s Burnley transfer when the club’s media officer informed him.

The 2025 Fifa Club World Cup-winning manager made it clear that he is not involved in transfer exit discussions and instead relies on club staff for updates.

Ugochukwu's transfer to Burnley is now done and dusted, with the Premier League newcomers confirming the capture of the France U23 international of Nigerian descent on Wednesday night.

The promising midfielder has put pen to paper on a five-year deal, keeping him at Turf Moor until June 30, 2030.

Despite catching the eye during Chelsea's pre-season preparations in the summer of 2024, Lesley Ugochukwu was sent out on loan to Southampton for the 2024–2025 campaign, going on to make 31 appearances in all competitions.

Maresca has insisted that his primary focus remains on preparing the team and not on players deemed surplus to requirements.

In quotes relayed by Sky Sports UK, Maresca said: "The situation, I think, is quite clear. They are training, I guess they are waiting for a solution. 

"But when they leave, it's just the club that texts me or calls me, even Tom (media officer), he just mentioned to me that Lesley (Ugochukwu) joined Burnley.

"I have this kind of news from him or from the club because I don't pay attention to the ones that need to leave. I just focus on how we prepare the session, how we can win game."

Chelsea have seen a flurry of exits this summer, with eleven players already departing on a permanent basis. 

Two other players of Nigerian descent Carney Chukwuemeka and Tyrique George have also been linked with moves away.

A product of the Rennes academy, Ugochukwu made fifteen appearances in his debut season at Chelsea. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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