Chelsea have confirmed they have agreed terms with Paris Saint-German for the sale of David Luiz.
Widespread reports on Friday had claimed the two clubs were in
advanced talks over the Brazil international in a deal that would make Luiz the
world's most expensive defender.
The BBC suggested a fee in the region of 40 million pounds,
while the Daily Mail and Sky Sports put the figure closer to 50 million pounds.
On Friday, the Blues confirmed a deal was in place for the
27-year-old but made no reference to the value of the transfer.
The statement on Chelsea's official website read: "Chelsea
Football Club and Paris Saint-Germain have agreed terms for the transfer of
David Luiz to the French club. The move is now subject to David Luiz agreeing
personal terms with PSG and passing a medical examination."
The former Benfica defender is expected to sign a four-year
contract, with a further year on option, when the deal is made official when
the summer transfer window opens on June 10.
A statement on PSG's official website added: "To respond to the
desire of the player to prepare and play the World Cup in his own country in
the best conditions possible, the will of the two clubs and of David Luiz was
to come to an agreement as quickly as possible between Paris Saint-Germain and
Chelsea, on the one hand, and between the Parisian club and the player on the
other in order to make the transfer official as soon as the transfer window
opens."
PSG paid a reported 42 million euros (35 million pounds) in 2012
for Thiago Silva, who could now link up with his Brazil teammate in central
defence. Luiz's arrival will also make up for the departure of Alex, another
Brazil defender bought from Chelsea in 2012, who is out of contract.
The 30 million pounds (then 44.8 million euros) Manchester United
paid Leeds for Rio Ferdinand in 2002 is the highest transfer fee ever paid for
a defender in terms of euros. Silva's deal is the highest in pounds because of
a change in exchange rates.
Laurent Blanc had earlier said PSG would strengthen their squad this summer despite having
been sanctioned for breaching UEFA's financial fair play rules,
and the coach had already expressed
his admiration for Luiz. Luiz, for his part, had welcomed the speculation he could be set for a move across
the Channel.
Barcelona and Bayern Munich were reportedly also pursuing the
player, who has spent three-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge, making 143
appearances.
Last season, Luiz was primarily used in defensive midfield by Jose
Mourinho after being unable to break up the central defensive partnership of
John Terry and Gary Cahill.
His departure means Tomas Kalas will be given further first-team
opportunities next season while Kurt Zouma, signed from St Etienne in January
and immediately loaned back to the French side, will also link up with the
Blues.
He took it to his twitter handle
No comments:
Post a Comment