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Chelsea bolster defence with ?21.3m David Luiz signing - ESPN Soccernet
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Transfer news

Chelsea complete ?21.3m Luiz signing

January 31, 2011
By ESPNsoccernet staff

Chelsea have continued their extensive deadline day spending with the ?21.3 million signing of Benfica's Brazilian defender David Luiz.

David Luiz is viewed as the future of Brazil's defence
GettyImages David Luiz is viewed as the future of Brazil's defence

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Having signed Liverpool striker Fernando Torres for a fee rising to ?50 million, Chelsea have also strengthened their defence with the acquisition of Luiz from the Portuguese club.

The transfer was first confirmed in a statement Benfica made to the stock exchange late on Monday night. Luiz has signed a contract that ties him to Chelsea until the summer of 2016 and joins for a fee of €25 million (?21.3 million), while young midfielder Nemanja Matic will also move to Estadio da Luz at the end of the season.

Luiz told the club's official website: "I am delighted to be joining a big English club, and I know very well the quality that Chelsea has. It is a major challenge for me but I am determined and confident in my ability to adapt to this excellent league, and I look forward to meeting my new team-mates."

Luiz, 23, was named Portugal's Player of the Year for 2010 as he helped Benfica win the domestic Double and has carved out a reputation as a defender of some repute since joining the club in 2007.

At Chelsea, he will compete with John Terry and fellow Brazilian Alex for a place in the heart of Carlo Ancelotti 's defence.

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay said: "David Luiz is one of the great defensive prospects in world football, and already a Brazilian international. I am sure he will prove a valuable addition to the Chelsea squad."

Chairman Bruce Buck added: "It is a delight to have completed this transfer for a fantastic young footballer who we have admired for some time. David has played in the Champions League and the squad now has a more experienced look to it that will hopefully serve us well for the rest of this season and going forward."