Chelsea have completed the signing of midfielder Oriol Romeu from Barcelona.
The two clubs recently agreed fee for the 19-year-old, who has been given a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge and will head to west London after his involvement in Spain’s Under-20 World Cup campaign in Columbia.
Romeu, who can also operate as a centre-back, made his Barca debut at the end of last season but was not in boss Pep Guardiola’s long-term plans at the Nou Camp.
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas was particularly keen to sign a midfielder given that Michael Essien will be sidelined for around six months with a knee problem.
“It is an area of the squad we are struggling with because of Michael”s injury,” Villas-Boas said recently.
“Oriol is a player with a bright future. He is one of the most promising young players in that position. ”
This post was last modified on 04/08/2011