Chelsea have completed the signing of defensive midfielder Nemanja Matić from Benfica for £22 million.
Chelsea completes transfer signing of Nemanja Matić
Three years after leaving Chelsea as part of a deal that brought David Luiz to London, Nemanja Matic is on his way to back to the Blues.
Valerio Pennicino
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The fee for Matić is a large jump from the £3 million Chelsea made back in 2011 when they sold Matić to Benfica and still, it could have been higher. The Serbian apparently had a £37 million buyout clause in his contract, but financial concerns led Benfica to let him go for a lower rate.
The 25-year-old struggled to get games during his initial time at Stamford Bridge, but has developed considerably during his time with Benfica. In two seasons with the Eagles, Matić made 56 appearances, scored six goals and was named the 2012/13 Primeira Liga Player of the Year.
Matić gives Jose Mourinho a much needed defensive midfielder, a position that had been frequently filled by Luiz this season. The Blues are just two points off the top of the table, and with the midfielder they so desperately needed now in the fold, they can take aim at Arsenal and the league.
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