Highly-rated Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi completed his switch from Marseille to Chelsea today, signing a five-year deal.
The 22-year-old impressed last season at Marseille, scoring 17 times during their Ligue 1 campaign and with, plenty of clubs interested in his signature, it was Chelsea that eventually secured his services. Batshuayi signed a five-year deal with the Blues today, sealing his bright future in London until 2021.
Batshuayi was included in Belgium's recent Euro 2016 campaign and scored with his first touch, finishing off his new teammate, Eden Hazard's cross in a 4-0 win over Hungary. Still only 22 years old, there remains a lot of room for improvement but Batshuayi has shown he can compete at the highest level and with his move today, he becomes the third Belgian in the squad, alongside Hazard and Thibaut Courtois.
The youngster has his say
Batshuayi spoke on his move, saying, "I am delighted to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe and embark on the next chapter in my career." He added, "Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois told me many good things about the club, and with Antonio Conte coming in it's an exciting time to become a Chelsea player."
Batshuayi's 17 goals in Ligue 1 last season was more than all of Chelsea's strike force could manage in the Premier League as the Blues failed horribly to defend their title. Their new striker and new manager should be the beginning of another quick turnaround, one that results in challenging for the title again.
The new Chelsea man is not the first centre-forward to make the switch from Marseille to Chelsea as Blues legend Didier Drogba did the same in 2004. While he may have big shoes to fill, Batshuayi looks ready to go and link up with his new teammates ahead of the new campaign.
(Quotes via chelseafc.com)