Wesley Fofana joins Chelsea in a deal of £70 million plus an additional £5 million in add-ons; the Blues had three earlier bids for the Leicester defender rejected; the defender is Chelsea's seventh acquisition of the summer transfer window.
Wesley Fofana, a central defender for Leicester, has officially joined Chelsea in a move reportedly for up to £75 million.
Fofana has signed a seven-year deal with Chelsea for an initial £70m, with a potential $5m in add-ons.
The fee for Fofana's transfer from Leicester to Chelsea was settled upon on Saturday, and the defender will undergo a medical in the United States on Monday.
It's been a tremendous two days for me, and I'm extremely thrilled," Fofana added. My wish came true this morning when I got to work out with the team. I can't wait to go on the field and represent the team and the supporters.
I came to this club with one goal in mind: to bring home silverware. The club is designed to win trophies, therefore I'm here to help them keep doing that.
Later, Fofana sent a message on Instagram in which he thanked Leicester supporters for their "kindness and your constant support, even in the moments you were led to believe I didn't respect the club" Additionally, Fofana seemed to be critical of Leicester and manager Brendan Rodgers for their handling of the protracted transfer drama.
Further, Fofana said, "I chose not to communicate during this transfer window despite all the criticism and all the often false and misleading comments, even when they were coming from the club. "
As a result, I was able to comprehend and acquire knowledge. To avoid potentially damaging the reputation of the organization, I decided to just accept it and not answer the question. I appreciate Top's patience, the managers' trust, and most of all, the coach's undying love and support, even though he has recently chosen to put me on display very often. I get it, coach.
When Sky Sports News contacted Leicester about Fofana's tweet, the club refused to respond.
"Wesley is a hugely promising defender who has already proven his quality in the Premier League at a young age," Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly said. We're delighted to have signed one of Europe's brightest young talents, who will immediately contribute to Chelsea's success this season and beyond.
Two prior proposals from Chelsea in excess of £60 million and a third bid thought to be £60 million plus £10 million in add-ons were all quickly rejected by Leicester.
After missing a training session last week, Rodgers stated that the player had been working with Leicester's U23 squad because the Frenchman was attempting to push a transfer to Stamford Bridge.
On Sunday, after Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Leicester, Rodgers declared his desire to end the prolonged transfer mystery surrounding Fofana.
I believe it's the same with any player, he remarked. It's best to get the relocation out of the way as soon as possible if the person deciding to relocate has set their sights elsewhere for their future.
You need to get your squad ready and find a suitable replacement for that guy. All coaches will tell you the same thing, and it's not out of the ordinary. In my opinion, the longer it goes on, the less good it does.
Wout Faes, a center defender for Reims, was scheduled to go to England on Wednesday for more negotiations and a physical with Leicester in preparation for a possible transfer that would see him replace Fofana.
In case the Faes deal falls through, Leicester has other defense alternatives they are currently investigating.
The teams are negotiating a contract for a sum that might reach £15 million.
Leicester is also considering many right wingers, albeit a loan move may be the most practical option.
