“The idea” – Pochettino hints that Chelsea newboy could be sent out on loan this summer

Mauricio Pochettino hints Chelsea new signing Lesley Ugochukwu may be sent out on loan

Mauricio Pochettino has indicated that Chelsea new signing, Lesley Ugochukwu, has been acquired in a view to initially be sent on loan for next season.

The Blues signed a Frenchman from Stade Rennais FC who has completed his medical and will sign a long-term deal at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are searching for a defensive midfielder, but Ugochukwu is young and might take a long time to earn regular game time at West London.

The Blues are currently pursuing Moises Caicedo, who remains the top priority of the West Londoners, but talks with Brighton & Hove Albion have so far looked fruitless. Landing him will certainly give Pochettino a solid base in the middle of the park.

However, Pochettino has already urged the club to add more experience in midfield, and a new signing is unlikely to remain at the club. Speaking after their 2-0 win over Fulham in a pre-season game, (h/t Daily Mail) the Argentine boss claimed:

 ‘‘I don’t know the information that you have. My information is that he is a player that is from France that maybe they are signing with the idea to send on loan, using a different club, but that information was already on your laptop. There is nothing to say too much.’’

Sending a talented player out on loan when first-team opportunities are scarce makes proper sense. It will give the player an opportunity to develop their game and hopefully come back to make a name for themselves at Stamford Bridge.

The 19-year-old might move on loan, where he could pick up essential exposure and become in a position to play at the top level soon. Despite only being 19, the teenager was a key member at Rennes, earning 60 club appearances after being promoted to the senior team. Surely, he will benefit from regular playtime even if it is not in Chelsea colours.

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Had Chelsea signed him earlier, Pochettino might have had a chance to witness his performance in pre-season games, although we will next face Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, which will be our last pre-season game. But he certainly boasts potential to become a top midfielder and it remains to be seen where he will be sent on loan; if an offer from the Premier League arrives, that would be even better.