After sealing deal for Joao Pedro, Chelsea sign English left-back on free transfer: Reports

Having completed and confirmed Joao Pedro's deal, Chelsea have reportedly signed a new left-back. As per METRO, the Blues have signed Kian Best on a free transfer after he left Preston at the end of last season.

Best began his career at Preston before moving to Bohemians on loan earlier this year. His return from loan marked the expiration of his contract at Preston, and he has now left the club as a free agent.

Having departed Preston, the aforementioned report claims that Best has completed his medical and signed a contract at Chelsea. The English left-back is also expected to join the development squad in a bid to gather experience and gain match fitness.

As a left-back, Best is a versatile defender due to his proficiency to feature at centre-back and the defensive midfield region. At Preston, he registered most of his appearances either as a left-back, left midfielder, or centre-back. Thus, his flexibility to take up different roles on the pitch could benefit Enzo Maresca's side.

Best could also be seen as Ben Chilwell's replacement at left-back. This comes after Chilwell has been linked with a move to Napoli as per Alfredo Pedulla (via Caught Offside).

During his loan move to Bohemians in the 2024-25 term, Best made just one appearance. At Preston, Best made 17 appearances, scoring two goals and delivering one assist.

How is Chelsea faring in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup competition?

Benfica SL v Chelsea FC: Round Of 16 - FIFA Club World Cup 2025 - Source: Getty

In the ongoing Club World Cup, the Blues have been brilliant, having reached the quarterfinals of the competition. During the group stage, they registered six points out of a possible nine in Group D.

After the loss to Flamengo, Chelsea finished in second place and progressed to the last 16 of the competition. During the last 16 battle against Benfica, Maresca's men scored three late goals after regulation to win the game 4-1 in extra time.

Thus, they are now set to take on Palmeiras in the quarterfinals of the competition. The game between the Blues and Palmeiras will be played at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Friday.

About the author

Abel is an European football journalist who focuses primarily on analysis pieces and preview copies at Sportskeeda. A B.Sc degree holder in Economics, he has a previous work experience of 3 years – a year at Opera News Hub where he was promoted as a 'Verified Sports Writer,’ and over two years at Sportskeeda as a revenue-share writer, where his writing skills have ultimately led him to be integrated into the in-house team.

A Manchester United fan who grew up in a family of Red Devils supporters, he started his journey as an ardent football fan in his childhood. He used to spend hours watching the sport with his family and developed a knack for writing about the beautiful game over the years.

He is a huge admirer of Paul Pogba owing to the midfielder's ability to thread passes from anywhere on the pitch and his favorite manager is Jose Mourinho due to the Portuguese's tactical mind. He feels France's triumph in 2018 is his all-time favorite World Cup moment, and reckons Lamine Yamal and Endrick could replicate the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Abel always strives to verify information, especially statistics, before penning a word and offers constructive but not defamatory criticisms. Apart from Europe's top five leagues, he follows the Eredivisie and the Primeira Liga. He loves to spend his free time playing video games like EA FC and watching movies.

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Edited by Nived Zenith