Italy midfielder Jorginho has become Chelsea’s first signing since Maurizio Sarri was hired as manager of the Premier League club.
Italy midfielder Jorginho has followed Maurizio Sarri to Chelsea from Napoli.
Around two hours after Saturday’s announcement of Sarri’s arrival at Chelsea, the English club said Jorginho had joined on a five-year deal from Napoli. British media reported the fee was 57 million pounds ($75 million).
Jorginho was a deep-lying playmaker in Sarri’s Napoli team that finished second in Serie A last season and played some of the best football in Europe.
« He was one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe and will become an important member of the playing squad, » Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said. « He has demonstrated his quality working under Maurizio Sarri and we are convinced his signing will help bring further success to Stamford Bridge. »
Jorginho was close to joining Manchester City this offseason but he has moved instead to a team that finished 30 points behind the Premier League champion last season and won’t be playing in the Champions League this season.
City was in the market for a back-up to holding midfielder Fernandinho following the departure of Yaya Toure, but manager Pep Guardiola may settle with the squad he has got. Fabian Delph and Ilkay Gundogan are other options for the important role in front of City’s defense.
« I am absolutely ecstatic to be here at Chelsea, » Jorginho said. « It is not easy to become part of such a big team so I am very, very happy. »
The 26-year-old Jorginho, who has played eight times for Napoli, had more touches per minute than any player in Europe’s top five leagues last season.
