Chelsea have signed 28-year-old Spanish left-back Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano on a long-term contract running through 2031.
Chelsea have signed Spanish left-back Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano on a contract until 2031, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday.
Financial details were not officially disclosed, but British media reported that Chelsea paid an initial £16.3 million ($22.02 million) with a further £1.7 million in add-ons for the 28-year-old defender.
"This is a dream for me as Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world. It is a big opportunity but I am prepared and will work hard to help the team achieve success," Chavarria said in a statement.
Before joining Rayo Vallecano in 2022, Chavarria played for Figueres, Olot, and Zaragoza in Spanish football's lower tiers. He went on to make 125 appearances in all competitions for Rayo Vallecano and played a key role in their run to the UEFA Conference League final last season.
The defender's arrival provides left-back depth for new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso following Marc Cucurella's departure to Real Madrid. Chelsea, who finished 10th last season, open their new Premier League campaign against London rivals Fulham on August 24.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Football. Photo courtesy The Hindu Football.