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Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Augsburg left back Baba Rahman for an undisclosed fee, the club’s official website confirmed on Sunday. The 21-year Ghanaian international will fill the void left by the departure of Filipe Luis who rejoined Atletico Madrid in the summer.
“Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce we have reached an agreement with FC Augsburg for the transfer of Abdul Baba Rahman,” the club’s official statement read.
The defender only joined Augsburg last summer from fellow German club Greuther Furth and was instrumental for the Bundesliga side helping them qualify for the Europa League for the 2015/16 season.
A number of big clubs including Roma, Arsenal, and Manchester City were interested in securing his services, but Rahman was interested in only moving to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea were pursuing the defender for quite some time and reports last week had suggested that a deal was imminent.
“I am very happy to sign for Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I can't wait to train with my new team-mates and very much looking forward to working with them and Mr. Mourinho,” Rahman said after the deal was announced. “I am also looking forward to having the opportunity to meet the fans as soon as possible.”
Chelsea suffered an embarrassing 3-0 defeat at the hands of rivals Manchester City on Sunday and manager Jose Mourinho was understandably delighted at securing the services of an additional defender.
"It is important because (Rahman) is a left-back, he can compete with (Cesar Azpilicueta). At the same time, Azpi can compete with [Branislav] Ivanovic for the right-back position, so he replaces Filipe Luis in the balance of the squad," Mourinho said, as reported by ESPN.
Augsburg also confirmed the development on their official website and added that the two clubs had agreed not to disclose the fee.
"Abdul Rahman Baba has in the year with us developed tremendously and made a great leap. It's not just an award for his achievements, but also for our work if an international giant like Chelsea are interested in signing him,” the club’s sporting executive Stefan Reuter said. “We wish him all the best and hope that his development continues well in England.”
Rahman also left a message for the Augsburg fans.
"I thank all those responsible, coaches and fans of FC Augsburg for their support in the last year. This chance to play at a top club in England, I have to perceive simple, even if I had really prepared myself for a long-term stay in Augsburg a year ago. I felt very comfortable in the team and will follow the FCA course,” he said.
