Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu has signed for Southampton on loan for the 2024/25 season.

The Saints are back in the Premier League after spending one season in the Championship, defeating Leeds United in the play-off final to book an immediate return to the top flight.

Russell Martin’s side have been busy making changes to their squad for the campaign ahead, and they have completed the capture of 20-year-old Ugochukwu for the rest of the season.

“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,” Ugochukwu said.

“It was a very easy decision. They just came back to 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.”

Saints boss Martin added: “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.

“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.”

Ugochukwu joined Chelsea last summer on a £23.1m deal from French side Rennes. He went on to make 15 appearances in all competitions during his debut season at Stamford Bridge.

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