Chelsea Loan Lesley Ugochukwu To Southampton For One Year

Ugochukwu joined the Blues from Rennes last summer but an injury-hit campaign restricted him to just 15 appearances in all competitions.

The 20-year-old impressed during Chelsea's recent tour of the United States and will now look to get more playing time with the Premier League newcomers.

On joining Southampton, the Frenchman said: “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.

“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 Russell 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.”

Southampton start their Premier League campaign at Newcastle United this weekend.