Lesley Ugochukwu will be hoping for a successful 2024/25 season after an injury-marred start to his Chelsea career. Following the path of Ousmane Dembele and Eduardo Camavinga, Ugochukwu rose through Rennes’ academy to shine in the first team before his big-money move to Chelsea last August.
Chelsea signed Ugochukwu for £23.2 million, securing him on a seven-year contract. Despite his promise, breaking into Chelsea’s first team was always going to be challenging with players like Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Conor Gallagher, and Romeo Lavia ahead of him. Ultimately, he made just 15 appearances across all competitions, though it was not competition that limited his opportunities.
Injuries, particularly a hamstring issue that kept him sidelined from December to early May, wreaked havoc on his season. The 20-year-old managed to return for the last three games of the season, making substitute appearances against Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth.
Ending the season on a positive note, Ugochukwu now hopes for better luck as he aims to make his mark in England. However, he faces fierce competition for a place in Chelsea’s XI and may be looking at a loan move to gain more playing time.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Chelsea is considering sending the highly-rated midfielder out on loan next season. Everton is reportedly one of three Premier League clubs interested in a loan deal for Ugochukwu, with a Ligue 1 side also expressing interest.
A loan move to Everton could be beneficial for all parties, especially with Sean Dyche’s team needing midfield reinforcements as Amadou Onana heads for the exit. Aston Villa is in advanced talks to sign the Belgian international for around £50 million.
Everton has already strengthened their midfield by signing Tim Iroegbunam from Villa, but Onana’s likely departure means they will need further additions. Following points deductions last season for financial breaches, Everton is making strategic moves in the transfer market, and acquiring Ugochukwu on loan fits their plans.
Ugochukwu can fill Onana’s role as he is capable of playing both as a holding midfielder and a central midfielder. His height and power are assets that would appeal to Dyche, likely leading to significant first-team appearances and a beneficial loan spell for all parties involved.
Whether Ugochukwu ends up at Goodison Park or another club remains to be seen. The next few weeks will clarify his destination as Enzo Maresca and Chelsea finalize their plans for the upcoming season.
After a frustrating first year in west London, the 2024/25 campaign could be Ugochukwu’s opportunity to prove why Chelsea was so determined to sign him in the first place.
