Lesley Ugochukwu, a midfielder for Rennes, is expected to join Chelsea in the summer transfer window as yet another bright young player.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who has made 60 appearances for the French team since graduating from their academy, is getting ready to leave for a transfer worth reportedly £23 million. Over the previous several weeks, the young player has been linked with moves away from the club, with rivals Brighton among those mentioned.
However, it’s the Blues that seem to have won the race and will land the France under 19 international on a long-term deal in the next few days. The next decision will be over his development, with questions to be asked over whether he continues with the Blues or moves to Strasbourg on loan.
The move itself though replicates a wider trick used by Real Madrid over the past few seasons in landing young talent for the future. One area they have been keen to utilise is the Ligue 1 market too, landing some stars that Los Blancos will be able to build their team around.
More specifically, the move for Ugochukwu mirrors that of Eduardo Camavinga to Real Madrid a few summers ago in the midfield ranks. The France international joined them from Rennes too, having impressed from their academy and making his way into their first-team.
playing style is somewhat similar too, having been labelled as a tall central midfielder that is able to dominate the middle of the pitch against the opposition. The Blues have, however, managed to land Ugochukwu earlier and for a cheaper price that could turn out to be a bargain.
It remains to be seen whether the move will work, but the stockpiling of promising talent has already started for the new ownership this summer.
Chelsea scouting reports: Lesley Ugochukwu will be acquired by the Blues from Rennes this summer in a copycat move from Real Madrid.
