In a saga that rivalled that of Radamel Falcao, Asmir Begovic has finally completed his move to Chelsea FC from Stoke City. The goalkeeper will join up with the squad immediately, and go with the team on the pre-season tour of the United States.
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After Thibaut Courtois took the starting spot away from Petr Cech, it was almost universally accepted that Cech would be on his way out of Stamford Bridge during the summer. On the heels of this, the Blues became strongly linked with Begovic and have been ‘on the verge’ of signing the Bosnian for the last few weeks.
On Friday, Chelsea announced that Marco Van Ginkel would be spending next season on loan with Stoke, while the Potters subsequently announced the signing of Shay Given from Aston Villa. All that was left was the confirmation of this deal, which came this afternoon.
Begovic has been handed the No.1 shirt with Courtois keeping No. 13 and, for his part, is excited by the move:
‘I am very happy to be joining Chelsea FC. After speaking at length to the manager, I feel like I can develop here and be an important part of this team.’
Perhaps he doesn’t quite want to admit it yet, but Blues fans know that Begovic is likely to get minimal playing time, unless something untoward happens to Courtois. Nevertheless, in an interview with the club website, he is hopeful of seeing some first team action.
‘Hopefully I can play as many games as possible and contribute to the success of the team, they are ultimately the goals for next season and beyond. I just want to impress as much as I can.’
To be fair to the big man, and to an extent Jose Mourinho, there seems to be no dressing up of what his role at the club will be.
‘ didn’t make any guarantees; it’s just about coming in here and working hard. I need to earn my place and show my qualities.’
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With this understanding, there is no doubt that the purchase can be viewed as a great one for the Blues. Begovic is a top class ‘keeper with 171 Premier League games under his belt. To have that sort of quality as back-up to one of the finest goalkeepers in the world is unbelievable. Furthermore, to get such a player for £8million only adds to this.
Begovic may have taken into account the money he would be earning (and the fact that he would now be in London, not Stoke) and realised that even if he doesn’t feature in a regular role, life isn’t all too bad.
However, personally I am slightly disappointed that a player of his quality, and his age (28), would be willing to accept a bench-warming role. But who am I to judge?
From a Chelsea prespective, you can only look forward to next season safe in the knowledge that whoever is between the sticks will have a safe pair of hands.
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