Chelsea weigh up January transfer window decision impacting Southampton | OneFootball

Chelsea are currently weighing up whether or not to recall Lesley Ugochukwu from Southampton in the current January transfer window.

Lesley Ugowhukwu has gone through a whirlwind of emotions at Southampton. When he was signed on loan from Chelsea, there was excitement about him being able to develop with consistent game-time. Under Russell Martin, though, that optimism died as he was hardly used in the team.

Then, when Ivan Juric arrived as the head coach towards the end of 2024, things changed for Ugochukwu. He started seeing some consistent minutes on the board, with the Croatian manager optimistic about his future.

That said, Chelsea's stance has now been revealed on Lesley Ugochukwu and it might come as a surprise to Southampton fans.

Chelsea weigh up January transfer window decision impacting Southampton

According to a report from The Athletic, Chelsea are currently weighing up whether to recall Lesley Ugowhukwu from his loan spell at Southampton. Ne decision has been made but it is something Chelsea are contemplating.

Just last week, Ivan Juric said that he would like to keep ahold of Lesley Ugochukwu. It was also revealed within the same report that Juric rated the Chelsea player and had high ambition to use him before his loan deal expired.

Unlike some other managers in the past, Juric actually backs up his claims. He clearly does like Ugochukwu and he has used Ugochukwu pretty consistently since arriving as the manager.

That said, we must accept that Chelsea might choose to cut his loan deal short. After all, they own the player and if they choose to cut his Saints contract short, then the discretion is in their hands.

Obviously, Southampton would wish Ugochukwu well if he returned to his parent club. However, it would leave a bitter taste in the mouths at St Marys.