Chelsea confirm £35m signing of Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile, as centre back, 21, pens a SEVEN-AND-A-HALF YEAR contract and becomes second-biggest buy of the January window so far
- Chelsea have signed the 21-year-old defender on a £35million deal from Monaco
- Badiashile made his Monaco debut in 2018 and played 135 times for the club
- The defender made his senior France debut in the Nations League in September
- Newcastle United tried to buy Badiashile last year but the defender got injured
- READ: Here’s a look at what the Blues are getting for £35m Benoit Badiashile
Chelsea have announced the £35million signing of 21-year-old Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile on a seven-and-a-half year deal.
The Blues have been looking for a left-sided centre-back since the summer and were unable to agree a deal with RB Leipzig for the Croatian World Cup star Josko Gvardiol.
It was understood that Chelsea had reached an agreement to sign Badiashile earlier this week – and agreed personal terms for a long-term contract.
Chelsea have confirmed the signing of 21-year-old defender Benoit Badiashile from Monaco
Graham Potter was keen to bring in an extra central defensive option in the January window
Badiashile then arrived in the capital and completed his medical before completing his transfer.
The French centre-back was left out of Monaco’s side to face Brest on New Year’s Day as details were finalised ahead of his departure to London.
The defender told the club website: ‘I’m very happy to be here at Chelsea. I’m so excited to start playing for this club. I can’t wait to see the fans and start playing in the best league in the world.’
Badiashile said: ‘I can’t wait to see the fans and start playing in the best league in the world’
Chelsea have landed the French international on a contract length of seven-and-a-half years
Meanwhile, Blues owner Todd Boehly said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Benoit to Chelsea.
‘He’s an excellent young player who has quickly established a strong reputation for himself and has a huge amount of experience for his young age. We are sure he will form an important part of our team in the years ahead.’
Badiashile, who was the subject of a bid from Newcastle United last year before…