Asmir Begovic has finally completed his move to Chelsea from Stoke City.
The two clubs announced that a $12 million fee has been agreed for Begovic, as the goalkeeper was entering the final 12 months of his contract at Stoke.
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He has signed a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge and becomes Chelsea’s second signing of the summer after they added Radamel Falcao on a season-long loan.
Begovic, 28, will arrive to challenge Thibaut Courtois for the starting spot in goal and provides the reigning Premier League champions with a top-class replacement for Petr Cech who they sold to Arsenal earlier this month.
Speaking about his move to Chelsea, Begovic had the following to say.
“I am very happy to be joining Chelsea FC,” Begovic said. “After speaking at length to the manager, I feel like I can develop here and be an important part of this team. I am looking forward to meeting up with the team on Wednesday for the pre-season tour.”
Begovic’s incredible journey will now continue as the back-up to Courtois but expect Jose Mourinho to use him in plenty of League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League games. Begovic is more than capable of not only stepping in for Courtois if any injuries and suspensions crop up, but also challenging him for the No. 1 spot. And, given his consistently impressive form at Stoke over the past five-and-a-half seasons in the PL, he will have no problem elevating his play at a team expected to win every competition they enter.
The man born in Yugoslavia fled with his family to Germany and Canada as a child, and after being spotted at the IMG academy in Bradenton, Florida but his current agent Will Sherling he then made his way up the ranks in England with Portsmouth and Stoke before starring for Bosnia at the 2014 World Cup.
With a deep squad needed if Mourinho’s men are to defend their PL crown and succeed in the Champions League next season, Begovic’s arrival will be key to ensuring Courtois remains on top of his game and is able to get the rest he needs when it is required.
Great business from the Blues, as Cech’s departure had left them looking short in the goalkeeping department. Begovic also took to social media and sent out the following message after sealing his move to west London.
I am very happy to be joining @chelseafc After speaking at length to the manager, I feel like I can develop here... pic.twitter.com/RJM9rdZ8d0
— Asmir Begovic (@asmir1) July 13, 2015