Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray have officially completed the signing of Nigerian-born midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from Burnley on a season long loan with an option to make the move permanent.
The Istanbul giants confirmed the transfer on Thursday through an announcement on the club’s official website, bringing to an end days of speculation surrounding the 22-year-old’s future.
The move comes just days after reports emerged that Galatasaray had reached an agreement with Burnley, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealing that the clubs had struck a deal before the player completed the final formalities.
Ugochukwu now joins a Galatasaray side continuing to strengthen its squad ahead of the new campaign and is set to share the dressing room with Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.
Lesley Ugochukwu with teammates in first major training. Photocredit: Galatasaray/Facebook
The defensive midfielder only joined Burnley from Chelsea last summer but quickly established himself as one of the Championship club’s key performers.
Despite Burnley’s difficult campaign, Ugochukwu impressed with his consistency, scoring three goals and providing two assists in 35 league appearances.
Before moving to Burnley, the French-born midfielder spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Southampton, where he featured 31 times in all competitions as he gained valuable Premier League experience.
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Ugochukwu first rose to prominence at French side Stade Rennes, making 60 senior appearances before earning a move to Chelsea in 2023.
Although opportunities at Stamford Bridge were limited, he still featured 15 times across all competitions before continuing his development through loan spells and eventually securing a permanent switch to Burnley.
Lesley Ugochukwu first training session. Photocredit: Galatasaray/Facebook
Born in France to Nigerian parents, Ugochukwu has represented France at youth level but remains eligible to play for Nigeria at senior international level, a situation that continues to attract interest among Super Eagles supporters.
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The deal also gives Galatasaray the flexibility to make the transfer permanent should Ugochukwu impress during his loan spell in Istanbul.
