Ugochukwu to undergo Burnley medical ahead of move from Chelsea | OneFootball

Burnley have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu on a permanent deal, with the 21-year-old set to undergo a medical ahead of completing his move to Turf Moor.

The France youth international is expected to sign a five-year contract once formalities are concluded, becoming Burnley’s latest reinforcement as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.

Head coach Scott Parker has prioritised bolstering his midfield options following the departure of Josh Brownhill, who left as a free agent earlier this summer after scoring 18 goals in 44 appearances last season.

Ugochukwu spent the 2024–25 campaign on loan at Southampton, where he made 31 appearances across all competitions and registered one goal and two assists.

While Southampton were relegated with seven matches remaining, the Chelsea loanee finished the season strongly, starting each of their final 11 Premier League games.

His 93rd-minute equaliser at West Ham United in April helped the Saints avoid setting a new record for the division’s lowest points tally.

Chelsea had anticipated strong interest in Ugochukwu this summer following what was seen as a productive loan spell. However, with Enzo Maresca preparing for his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge, the midfielder is not considered part of his long-term plans.

Ugochukwu joined Chelsea from Rennes in 2023 on a seven-year deal, shortly after turning 19, and featured 15 times for the Blues in all competitions during his debut season.

At youth level, he has made 27 appearances for France’s Under-23 side and remains regarded as a player with significant potential. Burnley will hope he can provide added energy and control in midfield as Parker reshapes the squad following promotion.

Ugochukwu’s move would take Burnley’s number of senior summer signings to 11, with the likes of Kyle Walker, Axel Tuanzebe, Jacob Bruun Larsen, Loum Tchaouna and Bashir Humphreys already brought in.

The Clarets begin their 2025–26 Premier League campaign with a visit to Tottenham Hotspur on August 16. If the deal is finalised in time, Ugochukwu could be in contention to make his debut in North London.