Chelsea completed a transfer hi-jacking.
Jorginho, the Brazilian-born Italian international, had looked all set to complete a move to Manchester City over the summer. Pep Guardiola was said to be keen on the midfielder who had played against City for Napoli in last season’s Champions League.
However, a meeting between Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis and Roman Abramovich appears to have swung things in Chelsea’s way.
Antonio Conte was replaced as Chelsea manager by Maurizio Sarri, who left Napoli at the end of the season, only to bring Jorginho to Stamford Bridge with him.
Our new number 5️⃣! #WelcomeJorginho pic.twitter.com/wdjKSOASiU
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 14, 2018
Jorginho signed a five-year contract with the Blues and is Sarri’s first official signing after he was confirmed as Chelsea’s new manager on Saturday.
Sarri, who has signed a three-year contract, said: ‘I am very happy to be coming to Chelsea and the Premier League. It is an exciting new period in my career.
‘I look forward to starting work and meeting the players on Monday ahead of travelling to Australia, where I will be able to get to know the squad and begin our match action.
‘I hope we can provide some entertaining football for our fans, and that we will be competing for trophies at the end of the season, which is what this club deserves.’
Director Marina Granovskaia added: ‘We are delighted to welcome Maurizio and are looking forward to him bringing his football philosophy to Chelsea.
‘Maurizio’s Napoli side played some of the most exciting football in Europe, impressing with their attacking approach and dynamism, and his coaching methods significantly improved the players at his disposal.
‘He has plenty of experience in Serie A and the Champions League and we know he is relishing the chance to work in the Premier League.’
