Chelsea have completed the signing of the highly-rated Ghanaian left back Abdul Baba Rahman from Bundesliga side, FC Augsburg.
After weeks of reports claiming the full-back was on the verge of joining Chelsea from Augsburg, the German club today confirmed his departure to the Premier League champions. Baba Rahman has emerged as one of the Bundesliga's star defenders and after tallying the most tackles in Germany's top flight last season, Chelsea came calling.
The move is expected to provide Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta plenty of competition for a spot in the starting lineup and after a poor start to Chelsea's defence of the title, gaining just one point in two games, Baba Rahman could be given his chance sooner than expected.
FC Augsburg's commercial manager, Stefan Reuter, told German newspaper Bild: "Baba Rahman has developed tremendously with us for a year and made a great leap. It's not just a reward for his achievements, but also for our work, if international giants like Chelsea are interested in signing him. We wish him well in England."
Can he challenge Azpilicueta?
The Premier League champions sold Filipe Luis before the new season began and were desperate for cover in the fullback position. Baba Rahman's arrival marks Chelsea's third first-team signing this summer. The Ghanaian could displace one of the two starting fullbacks, something Filipe Luis was unable to do in his time at Stamford Bridge.
Rahman told the Chelsea website that he is "very happy to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the world" and is looking forward to working with Jose Mourinho.
In just one season with his now former club, he made 31 appearances and helped them qualify for the Europa League. Alongside making the most tackles in the Bundesliga, Rahman also attempted the most crosses, hinting at his desire to get forward in attack.