Revealed: Ugochukwu wins Pochettino over at Chelsea as move blocked
Mauricio Pochettino blocked a loan exit for new Chelsea signing Lesley Ugochukwu as he is keen to keep an eye on his development, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (11 September) that summer signings Ugochukwu and Deivid Washington will remain a part of the senior squad until the January transfer window.
It is believed that the France Under-21 international, who joined from Rennes on 1 August, has already impressed Pochettino during his limited time with the Blues.
Ugochukwu has already turned out three times this term and played 90 minutes in the Blues’ win over Wimbledon in the League Cup last month.
It is believed potential loan exits for the young duo could be revisited in the January transfer window, which opens in 111 days.
Ugochukwu, 19, cost Chelsea a reported fee of £23.2million and signed a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
He earned the Premier League move after an impressive 2022-23 campaign at Rennes, during which he made 35 appearances across all competitions.
The youngster made 60 total appearances for his boyhood club in northern France before making the switch to Stamford Bridge.
Pochettino has almost 30 senior players at his disposal despite having no European football this season.
Chelsea, who spent £400million on new arrivals in the summer window, have picked up just four points from a possible 12 to start the 2023-24 campaign.
The Blues face an away clash against Bournemouth on Sunday (17 September).
In other news, Chelsea ready to sell defender this week after Pochettino green light.