Eurosport
Chelsea have signed Jose Bosingwa for £16.2 million after the Porto right-back passed a medical.
Little more than 24 hours after finishing second in the Premier League before Manchester United, the Blues have made their first major acquisition of the summer.
The 25-year-old Kinshasa-born Portuguese international is regarded as one of the best right-backs in Europe.
He was signed for Porto from Boavista by Jose Mourinho in 2003 but only became a first-team regular when Mourinho then moved to Chelsea and took Paulo Ferreira with him.
Since then however, Bosingwa has consistently impressed with his highly energetic and pacey play and he has attracted interest from a number of clubs.
Bosingwa is expected to go straight into the Chelsea first team, although he will not of course be eligible for the Champions League final next week.
His arrival could spell the end of Juliano Belletti’s time at Stamford Bridge. The Brazilian joined at the start of the season but has recently been sidelined in favour of Paulo Ferreira, who recently signed a new four-year contract.
Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Liverpool have all being linked with moves for his services before Chelsea finally agreed a fee.
“Jose Bosingwa has agreed terms with Chelsea Football Club and will join the club after Euro 2008. He has agreed a three-year contract,” confirmed Chelsea ina statement on their website.
Bosingwa has also emerged as Portugal’s first-choice right-back ahead of Miguel and should start in that position at this summer’s European Championships.
He currently has six caps for the national team.
Seán Fay / Eurosport
