Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has declared an end to the London club’s summer shopping spree after Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho became the final piece in manager Jose Mourinho’s 24-man jigsaw.
The 26-year-old signed a three-year contract after the Premiership side agreed a fee of €30-million with European champions Porto.
Carvalho has jetted off to join up with the rest of the squad on their tour of the United States.
The deal took Chelsea’s summer spending to more than £89,05-million after the arrival of strikers Didier Drogba and Mateja Kezman, midfielders Tiago and Arjen Robben, defender Paulo Ferreira and goalkeeper Petr Cech.
And Kenyon believes it is money well spent.
”The signing complements what we have been doing in the close season — now we have got the 24 who will form the nucleus of Jose’s plans for next season,” Kenyon told Sky Sports News TV.
”We are not expecting to make any more signings. There have been a lot of changes, but now we have got the 24 together who we think will stand us in good stead for next season.”
Kenyon said of Carvalho: ”He has got a great future ahead of him and our manager knows him well. All round he is recognised as one of the best central defenders in Europe. Most of the other big clubs in Europe rate him very highly.”
Chelsea beat Real Madrid for the defender.
The signing of Carvalho means Roman Abramovich has spent a staggering £210-million in less than 13 months since buying the club. — Sapa-AFP