A seemingly uninformed Mauricio Pochettino’s dismissive answer: “there isn’t much to say” when asked about new signing Lesley Ugochukwu wasn’t promising. The 19-year-old’s talent and sky-high ceiling are well-known to Ligue 1 observers, but so too are examples of young players being swallowed up by a move too big and too soon. Although, as the new Chelsea coach explained, a loan is planned, the transfer could soon signal regression in more ways than one.
Broad-shouldered, despite only turning 19 in March, 6’3″, and characterised by a striding on-field confidence, Ugochukwu already cuts an imposing figure. Although usually at ease in possession too, the French youth international midfielder is a classic ball-winner – covering ample ground, forcing turnovers, and using the ball efficiently. Despite his youth and just 18 career league starts, his tackles (2.46), blocks (1.67), and interceptions (1.43) per 90 minutes over the last year are promising. This ranks Ugochukwu comfortably inside the top third of midfielders from across Europe’s top five leagues over the last year for all three metrics.
A 66% success rate, according to FBRef, made Ugochukwu Rennes’ most successful midfielder tackler last season while just left-back Birger Meling made more interceptions per 90. Only fellow academy graduate Désiré Doué consistently outperformed Ugochukwu’s p90 stats for Genesio’s side last season, although Doué was able to press in more advanced positions as an attacking midfielder for a team that plays more inside the opponent’s half than most.
Ugochukwu has largely been used to aid balance by Bruno Genesio, a constant quest for the Rennes coach last season with so many quality options to pick from. Fellow deep-midfielder, Baptiste Santamaria, is seen as more of a metronomic ball-user while Ugochukwu is deployed to add dynamism and presence – as seen during the 2-0 win at PSG last season. Although a poor performance in defeat at Lyon two weeks later underlined his inexperience. Nevertheless, the 19-year-old saw minutes in ten of Rennes’ last 11 Ligue 1 games, starting five in a row.
Despite signs of effectiveness in France, Chelsea’s interest is, unsurprisingly, almost entirely based on Ugochukwu’s potential. It’s unlikely he’ll be seen as a first-team option at Stamford Bridge anytime soon and, instead, this deal outlines how Chelsea plan to use their fledgling partnership with Strasbourg to develop players – perhaps simply for profit rather than to plot a path to the first-team.
Defender Malang Sarr was initially highly rated at Nice, but his Chelsea signing (for free when Transfermarkt valued him at £15m) was born of opportunism more than an appreciation of his potential. Sarr’s 21 senior Chelsea games to date felt like a means to inflate his value rather than offer a first-team chance. A £23.1m fee suggests Ugochukwu (probably) isn’t seen as so dispensable, but he’ll likely need two successful loans (one at la Meinau and another higher up the food chain) to be considered for selection in England. Sarr, now 24 and rudderless after uneventful spells with Monaco and Porto, will tell him that’s hardly guaranteed to help his development.
For the player, loans are still preferable to sitting on Chelsea’s bench at a stage of his career when he needs to play. Brighton have proven careful scouting and a suitable loan can reward both player and club, but theirs is a model suited to smaller outfits. Chelsea have far less room for error given their loftier aims. That’s if this type of move isn’t simply a continuation of the London club’s previous use of the loan system, with reports suggesting Ugochukwu was a club signing rather than one sanctioned by Pochettino. With Ugochukwu carrying significant resale potential, either way there’s little risk for Chelsea here.
In truth, having played just 20 games worth of senior league minutes to date, Rennes would still be the best place for the teenager. European football and a settled, familiar environment could have helped this become a breakthrough year for Ugochukwu, one crucial to such a raw but talented player’s progression. A move to Chelsea suggests that’s already happened. It hasn’t.
Mobile, physical, and calm in possession, plus a sizeable frame and some promising displays against quality opposition, make Ugochukwu an exciting proposition at just 19. However, this transfer is a risk, and even equals a net step down from Rennes to Strasbourg, while also being something of an experiment for his parent club. Can a Brighton-style model work for a club of Chelsea’s size? Are they even interested in such an idea? Ugochukwu, for better or worse, will soon find out.
Adam White | GFFN
