Chelsea have completed the signing of Spanish defender Pep Chavarria from La Liga side Rayo Vallecano ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 28-year-old has signed a contract with the Premier League club until 2031 and is expected to join his new teammates at Cobham as Chelsea continue their preparations for the new campaign.
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Chavarria described the move as a major career opportunity after completing his transfer to Stamford Bridge.
“I’m so excited to get started,” he said. “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.”
Chavarria earns Chelsea move
The defender began his career with hometown club UE Figueres in Spain’s fourth tier, making his senior debut at the age of 18 against CF Peralada.
He developed into an attack-minded left-back during his two seasons with the club before joining third-tier side UE Olot in 2018.
Chavarria quickly established himself as a regular starter at Olot, making 52 appearances before earning a move to Real Zaragoza in the Spanish second tier in August 2020.
He made his professional debut for Zaragoza the following month, starting in a 2-2 draw against Las Palmas.
After two seasons with the club, Chavarria secured his move to La Liga when he joined Rayo Vallecano in August 2022.
Defender leaves mark at Rayo
Chavarria became a regular for Rayo and helped the club achieve some of the strongest results in its recent history.
The Madrid-based side recorded consecutive eighth-place finishes in La Liga during the past two seasons and also reached the UEFA Conference League final.
Chavarria made 44 appearances last season as Rayo advanced to the European final, eventually losing narrowly to Crystal Palace.
The defender now leaves Spain after four seasons with Rayo to begin a new chapter in England.