Chelsea may have missed out on Javier Pastore and had their bids for Luka Modric rejected, but they have landed themselves quite the midfield prize. The Blues have signed Oriol Romeu from Barcelona for €5 million, sending the highly-touted 19-year-old who is considered one of the best young players in the world to Stamford Bridge on a four-year deal.
Chelsea Seal Signing Of Barcelona Starlet Oriol Romeu
Prized Barcelona midfielder Oriol Romeu will be making the move to Stamford Bridge, although the Champions League winners can sign him back with a buy-back clause
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“Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Oriol Romeu Vidal from Barcelona on a four-year-contract,” said a Chelsea statement. “The 19-year-old will join us once his duties with Spain’s U20 World Cup squad in Colombia are complete.”
Signing a talented, young player is always cause for celebration, but Chelsea cannot be assured that they have him for good. A buy-back clause is included in the deal that allows Barcelona to buy Romeu for €10 million after the first year or for €15 million after the second year.
With Romeu in the fold, Chelsea will not have to chase after a central midfielder with the same urgency as before. The Spaniard is a tough tackling defensive midfielder who many have compared to Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets. Romeu may be young and in need of some seasoning before he fulfills his potential, but he is capable of stepping in immediately and doing a capable job. That will be vital with Michael Essien out for at least six months with a knee injury.
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