Chelsea have officially confirmed the signing of Napoli’s Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly in a deal worth £34million.
The centre-back has signed a four-year contract, having already completed his medical examination and flying to Las Vegas to join his new teammates for the season.
“I am very happy to be here with this team at Chelsea,” Koulibaly said via the club’s official website. “It’s a big team in the world and it’s always been my dream to play in the Premier League. Chelsea came first to get me in 2016, but we didn’t make it.
“When they came to me, I accepted because they really wanted me to come to the Premier League and play for them. When I spoke to my good friends Edou [Mendy] and Jorginho made my choice easier, so I am very happy to be with you today.
“I want to thank the fans because I saw a lot of them in London and on the plane everyone was happy that I was here. So I want to thank them and I hope the season will be really good and we will give the fans some good moments.”
Boss Tuchel was questioned last night about his opinion of his new defender and said: “I am very happy with his signing and joining our team.
“He is now the second signing of the summer.
‘We have a strong player again, a strong personality with a lot of experience and in our view a perfect addition to our group.’
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly said: “Kalidou Koulibaly is one of the world’s elite defenders and we are delighted to welcome him to Chelsea.
“Kalidou is a great leader and exemplary team player, bringing a wealth of experience and attributes that will benefit our squad and the club as a whole.”
Center half Koulibaly made 317 appearances for Napoli in all competitions and scored 14 goals last summer.
Koulibaly joins Raheem Sterling in Thomas Tuchel’s roster as the summer’s second signing.