Daijiworld Media Network - London
London, Aug 12: Premier League club Chelsea have announced the signing of Spanish left-back Pep Chavarria from La Liga side Rayo Vallecano on a five-year contract.
The 28-year-old has signed a deal that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2031 and will begin working with his new teammates at Cobham as Chelsea prepare for the 2026/27 campaign.
“I’m so excited to get started,” Chavarria said in an official statement. “This is a dream for me as Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world. It is a big opportunity, but I am prepared and will work hard to help the team achieve success.”
“There are a lot of people who have helped me get to this moment, and I have to thank my family. They have always supported me and today is only possible because of them,” he added.
Chavarria began his career with hometown club UE Figueres in the Spanish fourth tier. He made his senior debut at the age of 18 against CF Peralada and developed into an attack-minded left-back over the following two seasons.
In 2018, he joined third-tier club UE Olot, where he quickly established himself as a regular starter and one of the division’s standout players.
Chavarria made 52 appearances for Olot before moving to Real Zaragoza, then in Spain’s second tier, in August 2020. His professional debut came the following month when he started in Zaragoza’s 2-2 draw against Las Palmas.
He adapted quickly once again, spending two full seasons with Zaragoza before reaching La Liga after signing for Rayo Vallecano in August 2022.
Over the past four years, Chavarria has been a regular for Rayo and played a key role as the club enjoyed one of the most successful spells in its recent history.
Rayo recorded back-to-back eighth-place finishes in La Liga over the past two seasons and reached the UEFA Conference League final. Chavarria made 44 appearances last season as Rayo secured a place in the European final, where they were narrowly beaten by Crystal Palace.
Chelsea, who endured a disappointing 2025/26 campaign and finished 10th in the Premier League, will begin their 2026/27 league campaign with a London derby against Fulham on August 24.