Chelsea has secured the services of Spanish left‑back Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano, completing the signing ahead of the new season.
Chavarria, 28, made 44 appearances last campaign, contributing one goal and three assists from the wing‑back position and has been regarded as one of Spain’s most sought‑after full‑backs.
The acquisition comes after the departure of Marc Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid, leaving a vacancy at left‑back that Chelsea needed to fill.
The transfer fee is reported to be €25 million, plus bonuses, and represents the most expensive sale in Rayo Vallecano’s history.
Rayo Vallecano lowered their initial €50 million release clause to facilitate the agreement, allowing the Spanish club to secure a significant return on the player.
Chelsea outbid Bayer Leverkusen, who also had interest in the player, to bring Chavarria into the Premier League.
The move aligns with manager Xabi Alonso’s preference for a 3‑4‑3 system and his search for a versatile, dynamic full‑back.
Chavarria will sign a long‑term contract at Stamford Bridge; his existing contract with Rayo Vallecano runs until June 2030.
Chelsea’s transfer window activity also saw the acquisition of Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Danny Welbeck, and Geovany Quenda, illustrating a strategy to build a balanced squad.
Alonso has highlighted the importance of quality and balance across positions as the club prepares for the upcoming campaign.
