BREAKING NEWS: Enzo Maresca and Chelsea poised for ideal outcome following £50 million summer transfer deal
Lesley Ugochukwu will be hoping for a more favorable 2024/25 season after his initial year at Chelsea was marred by injury. Following in the footsteps of notable players like Ousmane Dembele and Eduardo Camavinga by rising through Rennes’ academy to shine in the first team, the midfielder left Roazhon Park last August in a high-profile transfer.
Signing for Chelsea for £23.2 million and committing to a seven-year contract, it was always going to be a challenge for the young player to secure regular playing time with established talents like Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Conor Gallagher, and Romeo Lavia ahead of him in the midfield hierarchy. Ugochukwu was limited to just 15 appearances across all competitions, but it wasn’t solely the competition that restricted his first-team opportunities.
Injury played a significant role, with a hamstring issue sidelining him from December to early May. The 20-year-old did manage to return to the squad for the final three games of the season, making substitute appearances against Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth.
Finishing the season on a positive note after spending much of it in the treatment room, the Frenchman will be hoping for better luck this time around as he aims to make a name for himself in England. Facing intense competition for a spot in the Chelsea XI once again, Ugochukwu might be set for a summer departure on loan.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Chelsea are considering loaning out the highly-rated midfielder next season, with no shortage of interested parties. Foot Mercato reports that Everton is one of three Premier League clubs keen on a loan deal for Ugochukwu, along with interest from a Ligue 1 team.
A temporary move to Goodison Park could benefit all involved, especially with Sean Dyche’s side needing to strengthen their midfield as Amadou Onana is set to leave. Aston Villa are in advanced talks to sign the Belgian international, who was previously linked with Arsenal, for around £50 million.
The Toffees have already added to their midfield this summer by signing Tim Iroegbunam from Villa, but Onana’s likely departure would necessitate further additions. After two separate points deductions last season for financial breaches, Everton are making smart moves in the transfer market, and acquiring Ugochukwu on loan would be a fitting addition.
The Rennes academy product could take Onana’s place in the Everton squad, capable of playing both as a holding midfielder and a central midfielder. Ugochukwu’s height and power would appeal to Dyche, potentially leading to significant first-team appearances and a beneficial loan spell for all parties.
Whether the France Under-21 international heads to Goodison Park or another destination remains to be seen. The situation will become clearer in the coming weeks as Enzo Maresca and Chelsea finalize their plans for the upcoming season.
After a frustrating first year in west London, the 2024/25 season could be when Ugochukwu shows why Chelsea were so determined to bring him to the club.