Southampton secure loan of French midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from Chelsea

Southampton have announced the acquisition of French midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

Ugochukwu joined Chelsea last summer from Rennes. Despite being just 17 when he made his first-team debut for Rennes, Ugochukwu went on to make 60 appearances for the club before his move to Stamford Bridge.

Last season, he featured in 15 matches for Chelsea, including 12 Premier League games.

The young midfielder has also represented France at the Under-21 level and was part of the squad in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics.

Expressing his excitement about joining Southampton, Ugochukwu stated, "I feel very happy. Southampton has a great history. A lot of great players came over here and played for Southampton, so I'm very happy to be part of the team now."

He added that his decision to join Southampton was straightforward, especially after discussions with the club's manager, Russell Martin.

"It was a very easy decision. They just came back to the Premier League. When I heard Southampton, when I spoke to the gaffer as well, I said, 'I have to come here.' I’m just here to work hard and give everything for the fans and for myself as well," Ugochukwu remarked.

Southampton manager Russell Martin praised Ugochukwu's potential, saying, "Lesley is a brilliant athlete who has all the ingredients to be a really top player in the future, and we want to help him achieve that. He combines his size and power with real composure in possession."

Martin also highlighted the importance of bringing in a player who has already tasted Premier League action. "He’s another young player we’ve brought in who has sampled the Premier League already, which is important, and someone we feel can help us in the midfield area with the physicality that he brings to the game."

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