Chelsea sign Fofana; deal could reportedly break record for defender

Wesley Fofana and Chelsea finally got their wish Wednesday after Leicester City sanctioned the center-back's sale.

The 21-year-old has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea agreed to pay £70 million plus add-ons for him, according to BBC Sport.

French outlet L'Equipe reports Fofana will be the most expensive defender of all time if he achieves those add-ons. Harry Maguire holds the current record for a defender: an £80-million fee when he joined Manchester United from Leicester in 2019.

Fofana's arrival takes the Blues' summer spending to well over £250 million, including bonuses tied to some deals, as new co-owner Todd Boehly and head coach Thomas Tuchel try to usher in a new era.

"I trained this morning with the team, and it's a dream for me. I'm very excited to start playing games for the fans and the club," Fofana said.

"I'm here to win trophies - the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, everything. I came here to win, and the club is built to win trophies. So I'm here to continue that."

Chelsea will need a marked improvement on their recent performances to fulfill Fofana's dreams of silverware. The Blues' recent 2-1 victory over a Fofana-less Leicester followed a loss to Leeds United and preceded a defeat against Southampton. Tuchel's side is eighth in the Premier League table after five matches.

Fofana moved to Leicester from Saint-Etienne for around £32 million in 2020. He was an instant hit in the East Midlands through his mature performances in defense and was named the club's Young Player of the Season. He only made seven Premier League appearances last term after breaking his leg in a preseason friendly.

Chelsea have also added Marc Cucurella and Kalidou Koulibaly to their backline this summer.