Chelsea Football Club has secured the services of the talented teenage midfielder, Lesley Ugochukwu, from Ligue 1 outfit Stade Rennes. The Premier League giants officially announced the signing on Tuesday, as Ugochukwu penned a lucrative seven-year contract with the option for an additional year.

While specific financial terms were not disclosed, British media sources suggest that Chelsea paid Rennes approximately 27.5 million euros ($30.15 million) to acquire the 19-year-old prodigy.

Having showcased his skills as a France under-19 international, Ugochukwu emerged as a key figure for Rennes during the previous season. His impressive performances significantly contributed to the club’s fourth-place finish in the highly competitive French top-flight and helped them advance to the knockout stage of the Europa League.

Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, the co-sporting directors at Chelsea, expressed their enthusiasm about Ugochukwu’s arrival. They commended his accomplishments in Ligue 1 and highlighted the immense potential he possesses. The club’s representatives are confident that the young midfielder will continue to grow and develop within their ranks.

The timing of the signing is ideal, as Ugochukwu has already joined the Chelsea squad for their preseason tour in the United States. This early integration is expected to facilitate his swift adaptation and seamless bonding with the team.

Remarkably, Ugochukwu’s football journey started at the tender age of eight when he entered the Rennes youth system. At just 17 years old, he made his senior debut, becoming the fourth-youngest player to represent the club at that time. He is of Nigerian descent and is nephew to former Nigeria and Rennes defender Onyekachi Apam.

The acquisition of Lesley Ugochukwu by Chelsea has generated a lot of excitement among football enthusiasts, and the young talent’s future at Stamford Bridge appears to be incredibly promising. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing his growth and contributions to the illustrious Premier League club.