Ghana defender Abdul Rahman Baba is leaving Augsburg to join Premier League champions Chelsea.
The Bundesliga side said last night a deal has been agreed between the clubs but did not disclose a transfer fee. Chelsea confirmed the transfer on their website.
Following Chelsea’s defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad, manager Jose Mourinho welcomed the news.
“It is important because he is a left-back, so he can compete with (Cesar) Azpilicueta,” he said after his team’s 3-0 defeat to City.
“At the same time, Azpilicueta can compete with (Branislav) Ivanovic for the right-back position, so he replaces Filipe Luis in the balance of the squad.”
Rahman has made 13 appearances for Ghana and played in the African Cup of Nations defeat to the Ivory Coast on penalties in the final in January.
“I am very happy to sign for Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I can’t wait to train with my new teammates and very much looking forward to working with them and Mr Mourinho,” the 21-year-old defender was quoted as saying by Chelsea.
Baba joined Augsburg from second-division Greuther Fuerth in 2014, helping the side reach the Europa League in his only season at the club. He played 31 league games for Augsburg.
“Abdul Rahman Baba has developed enormously and made a huge leap in one year with us,” Augsburg general manager Stefan Reuter said.
“It’s not only a reward for his performances but also our work when a top international club like Chelsea shows an interest in a transfer. We wish him all the best in England so his development continues.”
Baba told Augsburg’s website that “I have to take this chance to play at a top club in England, even if I’d set myself up for a long stay in Augsburg a year ago. I felt very comfortable in the team”.
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