Through a statement on the official website, Chelsea have confirmed that French-Nigerian midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu has completed a season-long loan move to Southampton.

The 20-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge last summer from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes but could only feature in 15 games across all competitions.

With the little likelihood of getting more game time this season, Chelsea decided to send him out on loan to garner more experience under his belt.

He was initially linked to Everton but it was Southampton that have won the race his signature as Chelsea felt the newly promoted Premier League side will give him the best platform to continue his development.

The Saints manager Russell Martin reportedly shares the same philosophy with Enzo Maresca and he could help Ugochukwu become a better player on his return to Stamford Bridge.

He will compete with Flynn Downes who played a pivotal role in Southampton promotion to the Premier League for a place in the starting lineup.

The Rennes academy product joins Super Eagles duo of Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu alongside Anglo-Nigerian forward Sam Edozie as the Nigerian players at Southampton.

It remains to be seen whether he was registered in time to feature for Southampton in their Premier League opening game against Newcastle at St.James' Park.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Photo Credit: southamptonfc.com

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