Chelsea Signs Midfielder Aghoshuko from Rennes

Chelsea, a competitor in the English Premier League, announced on Tuesday the signing of young midfielder Leslie Aghoshuko from French club Stade Rennais on a seven-year contract with an option for an additional year. Chelsea did not disclose the details of the deal, but British media reported that they paid around €27.5 million ($30.15 million) for the 19-year-old player. Aghoshuko, who played for the French U19 national team, was a key player for Rennes last season, helping the team finish fourth in Ligue 1 and reach the knockout stages of the Europa League. Chelsea's sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, stated on the club's website, "We are delighted to welcome Leslie to Chelsea. He is an impressive young player who has already made his mark in French football." They added, "He has great potential, and we know he will continue to develop and improve. We are pleased that he will join us on our tour in the United States and will be able to integrate with the team quickly." Aghoshuko joined Rennes' youth teams at the age of eight and made his first-team debut shortly after his 17th birthday, becoming the fourth youngest player to play for the club's first team in its history.