Juan
Cuadrado has completed his £26.1m switch from Fiorentina to Premier League
leaders Chelsea.
The 26-year-old Colombia forward has signed a four and half year deal and
could make his Blues debut at Aston Villa this weekend.
The transfer was completed following Chelsea's sale of Germany World Cup
winner Andre Schurrle to Wolfsburg but there was no mention of Mohamed
Salah, who it was suggested might be moving to Fiorentina on loan as part of
the deal.
Cuadrado played an eye-catching role in Colombia's run to the quarter finals
at last summer's World Cup in Brazil, scoring in the 4-1 victory over Japan
and contributing four assists, a tally only equalled by Germany's Toni
Kroos.
He has since scored six goals in 23 appearances in Italy and the Chelsea
website described their new signing as playing "predominantly behind a
striker, but he is also comfortable on either flank.
"Pacy and agile, he is a purposeful attacking threat with an eye for the
spectacular."
Cuadrado said: "I am very happy and thankful for this opportunity I’ve been
given.
"This is a great club and, honestly, it is like a dream to join the Chelsea
family and to know that the manager believes in me. I’m happy."
Cuadrado has been capped 37 times by Colombia, scoring on five occasions.
He came to prominence with Independiente Medellin in Colombia and then
played for Udinese and Lecce in Italy before joining Fiorentina in July
2012.
Sky Sports expert Thierry Henry said: “I think the Chelsea fans will be
delighted with this news and I can’t wait to see him in the Premier League.
“I like the fact he is not scared. He won’t shy away from anything and that
is the type of player you want at your club. That’s a great move for
Chelsea.”
And Jamie Redknapp added: “I think Schurrle made a reasonable impact at
Chelsea but I think this guy has a little bit more about him.
“A bit more skill, he can offer shots from distance, he can dribble with the
ball.”
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