Chelsea have secured the signing of Filipe Luis from Atletico Madrid for £20m. The 28-year-old, who made 127 appearances for Atletico, is Chelsea’s third signing of the summer. He comes in as a replacement for Ashley Cole, who left on a free to Italian club Roma.
The move will allow Cesar Azpilicueta to move out to his favored right-back position. The Spanish international did flourish at left-back but he should jump at the opportunity to move to his natural position.
Speaking to the media, Filipe Luis said: “I’ve always liked Chelsea a lot. I watch a lot of the Premier League & it is a club where you can feel the warmth of the fans.”
He has been arguably the best left-back in La Liga last season, and his performances in the defense along with compatriot Joao Miranda was one of the main reasons behind Atletico’s title victory.
He shouldn’t struggle to settle in at Stamford Bridge given the Brazilian contingent at the club. He should come fresh also after not playing in the World Cup with Brazil.
Like many players, he sees the challenge in playing in the Premier League: “A change of team gives new hunger and ambition, and I was worried about being too comfortable here. A footballer’s career is very short and I want to finish it in a strong and spectacular way.”
The transfer, like the signing of Diego Costa, proves Jose Mourinho still has the pull factor. Luis could have chosen to stay at Atletico Madrid and defend the La Liga title but the Premier League had too much allure.
It also proves Chelsea have a certain pull factor, with Luis claiming that he never wanted to leave Atletico and that Chelsea were the only side that could tempt him away from the Calderon.
Luis said: “When we played there in the Champions League I felt comfortable in their stadium and when the offer came I thought it was the ideal team for me to play for in England.”
Chelsea are also doing the smartest business of those who want to challenge for the league title, certainly in comparison to Manchester United. The Red Devils paid £10m more for the inexperienced Luke Shaw, who is unlikely to increase his price tag unless he reaches his full potential. Even still, Filipe Luis is guaranteed to perform in the Champions League after already having a taste of the competition’s final.
The move also sees him back in with a chance of making the Brazil squad once again. Despite all his talents, he has only 4 caps due to the ignorance of previous Brazil coaches, in particular Felipe Scolari, who would have been wishing he had selected him after the 7-1 thrashing by Germany.