David Luiz seems to love taking the Eurostar in search of his next job.
The Brazilian soccer star appears set to re-join Chelsea FC from Paris Saint-Germain in a transfer-deadline-day move worth around £38 million ($50 million), The BBC, The Telegraph’s Matt Law and The Guardian’s Dominic Fifield reported Wednesday. Chelsea and PSG have agreed to the transfer fee, and Luiz has headed to London for a physical examination and to sign a contract with the Blues.
Luiz joined PSG from Chelsea in May 2014 in a £50 million ($84 million at the time) transfer that represented a record fee for a defender. Luiz helped PSG win back-to-back Ligue 1 (French first division) titles in 2014-15 and 2015-16 as well as seven other domestic trophies.
But the French club failed to reach the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League, the domain of Europe’s traditional elite, despite its Qatari owners’ willingness to spend their vast riches on talent. Luiz’s departure appears to signal the start of a new PSG project under head coach Unai Emery.
Chelsea has spent much of the summer searching for defensive reinforcements. John Terry and Gary Cahill are manager Antonio Conte’s first-choice pairing, but the Chelsea boss is keen to add experienced competition to his defensive ranks. Chelsea signed left-back Marcos Alonso from Fiorentina earlier Wednesday.
Unlike many high-profile transfer, Luiz’s impending move wasn’t a subject of rumors in recent weeks and months. Hints of his Paris to West London switch first emerged Monday when PSG rejected Chelsea’s surprise bid. Only after the Blues increased their fee did PSG agree to let go of Luiz.
Such is the magic of transfer deadline day.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
