Chelsea confirmed that an agreement was in place to sign Willian subject to a work permit and that has been granted today as expected and will wear the 22 shirt.
The Blues have been interested in signing the Brazilian since Andre Villas-Boas, now Tottenham manager, was at Stamford Bridge so it was only fitting that we swooped in when it looked like Willian was destined for our London rivals.
It is unlikely that Willian will be in Friday’s squad to play in the UEFA Super Cup against Champions League winners Bayern Munich in Prague but he’ll no doubt be present at the game and we may see him in Chelsea blue for the first time against Everton at Goodison Park on the 14th of September.
Willian told the club’s official website:
“Chelsea are one of the best clubs in the world, and now I’m going to play for one of the best managers in the world, so I’m very happy and looking forward to it.”
The 25-year-old will sign a five-year deal at the West London club and will cost over £30 million, so is likely to feature heavily in Jose Mourinho’s plans. He will fill the 17th, and final, spot for an overseas player over 21 on Chelsea’s squad rota so one or two players will be making way as we’re expected to sign a forward before the close of the transfer window.
Victor Moses will be the most likely to make way and there are a few clubs interested in taking the player on-loan. Willian isn’t a replacement for Juan Mata, who isn’t going anywhere despite constant speculation, and Mourinho has said on numerous occasions that the Spaniard is not for sale. It’s expected Demba Ba will leave should there be any further arrivals and his former club Newcastle United want him back at St James’ Park on a loan deal.
Willian had already changed his Twitter bio to say that he’s a Chelsea player prior to the work permit hearing and said that he was glad to join the ‘best club in the world’ on his Instagram account, adding that it is a dream move for him.
Where will Willian fit into Mourinho’s plans?
Source: ChelseaFC.com
