Oriol Romeu signs on …

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of midfielder Oriol Romeu from Barcelona for £4.35m.                                                                                                                                                                

Whilst the fee was agreed 11 days ago, there had been a delay over personal terms because the player is currently representing Spain at the Under-20 World Cup in Colombia – So far he has played in both his country’s wins over Costa Rica and Ecuador.                                                                                                                                                                                                            

The 19-year-old, played twice for the Barcelona first-team last season was not deemed part of Pep Guardiola’s immediate plans. His contract does have two clauses, the first is that the European champions can buy the player back after one season for €10m and the second is that he can be purchased for €15m in year two.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Romeu said earlier this week: “Chelsea is a great option for me.                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Before adding: “Leaving Barca hurts, but you have to take your chances.”                                                                                                                                                                        

With the injury to Michael Essien and the lack of signings, it means that the youngster will be part of the first-team squad.                                                                                                                                                                                                            

By Scott Balaam

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