Chelsea FC confirmed today that a transfer has been agreed upon with Paris Saint Germain for defender David Luiz for a reported fee believed to between 40-50 million pounds. Reports began circling earlier today that Luiz was undergoing a medical in Rio De Janeiro with PSG and that a transfer was imminent. Both clubs wasted little time in reporting the transfer and both confirmed it today via their official websites.
Chelsea’s official statement:
"“Chelsea Football Club and Paris Saint-Germain have agreed terms for the transfer of David Luiz to the French club. The move is now subject to David Luiz agreeing personal terms with PSG and passing a medical examination.”"
PSG’s official statement:
"“To respond to the desire of the player to prepare and play the World Cup in his own country in the best conditions possible, the will of the two clubs and of David Luiz was to come to an agreement as quickly as possible between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, on the one hand, and between the Parisian club and the player on the other in order to make the transfer official as soon as the transfer window opens.”"
The rumors about a potential transfer for David Luiz have been circling for several years now with Barcelona being touted as the most popular destination for the player. The transfer to PSG is a bit of a surprise but David Luiz did seem open to the idea when asked about earlier this season.
Luiz said about Paris that he “love(s) the city. It’s a super city. When I have some spare time, I jump on a train and I go there. I love it”. When asked if he would make a move to PSG he said “we’ll see. You never know. PSG are a big club now, a great name. They’re working flat out to win the Champions League, they’re certainly going to win the French title for many seasons to come, so they’re a big club”.
This is a hard move for many supporters to take as Luiz was a surefire fan favorite because of his attitude and penchant for spectacular goals. His love of the game was infectious and he seemed to make a great teammate, especially to Chelsea’s Brazilian contingent. He will likely slot in beside his international teammate Thiago Silva in PSG’s backline and will get to play his natural position more often than at Chelsea. We are sad to see him go but football is a business and 50 million pounds for a backup centerback is pretty good business.