David Luiz of Chelsea celebrates as he scores their third goal during the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Chelsea and FC Basel 1893
According to the reports in Spain, David Luiz has signed for Barcelona on a 5-year deal that will be announced following the conclusion of the World Cup in Brazil.
In a new era of financial judiciousness at the Bridge, in light of UEFA’s FPP regulations, Mourinho will look to balance the books to facilitate the capture of free-scoring Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, writes the Daily Star. The bellicose Spain international will likely cost Chelsea upwards of £40 million, so their current squad must be thinned to free up the funds.
Barcelona are said to have agreed on a £32 million fee for David Luiz – a player the Catalan club have been keeping tabs for a while.
The 27-year-old has seen limited game time in his fourth year at Chelsea – making just 19 appearances in the league this term – with John Terry and Gary Cahill having formed an inextricable central defensive partnership.
At this stage of his career, Luiz may value first-team football over the pursuit of Premier League glory under Jose Mourinho, especially when one of the European giants comes knocking.