Mauricio Pochetinno: Chelsea boss gives update on his Nigerian-eligible new signing

New Chelsea boss, Mauricio Pochettino, has given an update on the signature of Nigeria-eligible midfielder, Lesley Ugochuku.

Chelsea’s new boss, Mauricio Pochetinno has given his update on his new signing, Lesley Ugochukwu, after the signature was confirmed today, Soccernet.ng reports.

The midfielder was signed from French side, Stade Rennais, for a fee of twenty-seven million euros, on a seven-year deal, with the option to extend his contract for an additional year.

He comes in as a vital option in defensive midfield, a role the team desperately needed someone to fill before his arrival.

The 19-year-old is eligible to play for the Nigerian National team but has represented the France National Team at various youth levels and is the nephew of former Nigerian centre-back, Onyekachi Akpam. Speaking on the club’s official website, Coach Pochettino said;

“Today is going to be his first training session with us. He is a young and talented player. We don’t know if we have the possibility for him to play tomorrow but we will assess him. Now it is time to assess him until the end of the transfer window, and see if he is going to be with us or go on loan.”

Speaking on how he feels Chelsea have gone on about their business in the transfer window, he said;

“I am happy with how the club is working, us included. We are working hard to try to finish the squad as soon as possible. But we all understand that maybe during the last few weeks of the transfer window, things are going to happen, It is always better to have everything closed before. But not only for us, every other club too. It is important to close the squad in the way that we want.”

Official, confirmed. Lesley Ugochukwu has joined Chelsea from Rennes on €27m deal 🔵🇫🇷 #CFC

Contract will be valid until June 2030 plus option for further season. pic.twitter.com/hoNlovCwME

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 1, 2023