English Premier League side, Chelsea Football Club has completed the record signing of Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga.
“Chelsea is delighted to announce the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga,” the club said in a statement.
Kepa is a Chelsea player! ?#WelcomeKepa pic.twitter.com/Tt2kLIOqU8
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 8, 2018
The Spain international becomes the most expensive goalkeeper in history, replacing Liverpool’s
Kepa has signed a seven-year contract at the club, following his record £72million move from Bilbao.
The Spaniard replaces Belgian goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, who has sealed a move to La Liga giants, Real Madrid.
The young goalkeeper, whose performance for Bilbao last season earned him a place in Spain’s world cup team, has this to say after completing his move to Stamford Bridge.
“I am very glad Chelsea has decided to trust me and to take me in as well.,” the 23-year-old said. “It’s a very important decision for me, for my career, and also for my personal life.”
Kepa joined Bilbao at the age of nine, making his senior debut for the club in 2016 against Deportivo La Coruna.
He becomes the sixth Spanish player to play for Chelsea, after Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso, Cesc Fabregas, Pedro Rodriguez and Alvaro Morata.
The former SD Ponferradina and Real Valladolid pair of safe hands will join his new team mates in training on Thursday and eligible for Chelsea’s 2018/2019 opener against Huddersfield Town.
