Chelsea are continuing their summer transition with two confirmed permanent departures, Armando Broja and Lesley Ugochukwu, and both are to Burnley FC. The West London club is working hard to make space and raise funds under the new regime of manager Enzo Maresc, whilst reshaping the squad ahead of the 2025–26 season. Burnley was recently promoted to the Premier League and has secured two young players with top-flight experience, who will offer promise and depth in vital areas. Multiple verifiable sources, and David Ornstein, have confirmed the two deals are complete, with medicals booked and long-term contracts agreed.
Let’s take a closer look through this article at the 96.com app, who Lesley Ugochukwu is, where he has been, and what Burnley Football Club fans can expect from their new acquisition.
Who Is Lesley Ugochukwu?
Lesley Ugochukwu, born March 26, 2004, is a French midfielder with decent defensive abilities, good calmness on the ball and height (1.90 m). He was with the Stade Rennais academy and made 47 Ligue 1 appearances before moving to Chelsea in August 2023 for an estimated fee of £23 million. He signed a long-term contract until 2030. Ugochukwu has played for France at youth levels and was once one of the bright young midfielders in Ligue 1.
Lesley Ugochukwu’s Record, Stats at Chelsea
In the 2023-24 campaign, Lesley Ugochukwu had limited game time at Chelsea, making just 12 appearances in the league and three more in cup competitions, so to get him some regular playing time, he was loaned out locally to Southampton for the 2024-25 season. He made 26 appearances in the league, only scoring once, a 1-1 draw at West Ham on April 19, 2025. Southampton were relegated as expected during the season, but Ugochukwu was praised for his mature performances and tactical awareness in the league.
Also Read: Who Is Armando Broja? Forward Joins Burnley FC on a Permanent Deal
What to Expect from Him at Burnley
Ugochukwu’s signing adds essential depth to Burnley’s midfield. After losing important players like Josh Brownhill, Burnley needed a solid defensive midfielder to play and anchor. Ugochukwu offers those things due to his physical characteristics, size, speed and ground coverage, as well as his ability to distribute in tight spaces and under pressure. Ugochukwu is expected to play within a No. 6 or box-to-box role under Scott Parker’s management, and the club have provided Parker with the resources to build a young and dynamic squad capable of surviving in the Premier League.
Burnley’s Ambition
For Burnley, the addition of two players of Premier League calibre demonstrates their intent. Burnley looks to not only avoid another relegation but add assets with a very high upside in Ugochukwu and Broja. Both players are under 22, well-versed at the top level, and both with long-term contracts, meaning Burnley is not only planning for survival but constructing a viable top-flight squad.
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Conclusion
The second of two signings, as of 4 August 2025, Lesley Ugochukwu and Armando Broja are confirmed to join Burnley FC on permanent signings. Ugochukwu joins Burnley with energy, defensive steel, and composure in midfield; Broja with physicality and attacking threat above. Both players were ready to reset after a lack of opportunity at Chelsea, and hopefully, provide an ideal stage.
Chelsea’s outgoings, using the likes of Dewsbury-Hall as another avenue, the sanctions of reshaping both tactically and financially are underway under Enzo Maresca. As the new Premier League season kicks off, it will, as ever, be interesting to see how both clubs perform.
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