Chelsea add Pep Chavarria to squad as preparations begin for 2026-27

Chelsea have completed the signing of Spanish left-back Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano, with the 28-year-old agreeing a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2031.

The club confirmed the deal on Wednesday and said Chavarria would begin working with his new team-mates as preparations continue for the 2026-27 season.

Chavarria said: “I am very excited to start working. This is a dream for me because Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world. It is a great opportunity, but I am ready and I will work hard to help the team achieve success.”

He added: “There are many people who helped me reach this moment, and I must thank my family. They have always supported me, and today would not have happened without them.”

Chavarria joins after four years at Rayo Vallecano, where he became an important member of the side and helped the club enjoy one of the most successful periods in its history.

Rayo finished eighth in La Liga in each of the past two seasons and also reached the UEFA Conference League final. Chavarria made 44 appearances last season as his former club secured a place in the final, where they were beaten by Crystal Palace.

The move to Chelsea represents another significant step in a career that began in the lower levels of Spanish football.

From regional football to Chelsea

Chavarria started out with hometown club U. E. Figueres, who were playing in the fourth tier of Spanish football at the time. He made his first-team debut at the age of 18 against Peralada.

Over the following two seasons, the left-back developed a more attacking style of play before moving to UE Olot in the summer of 2018. Olot were in Spain’s third tier, and Chavarria quickly established himself as a regular starter and one of the division’s standout players.

He played 52 matches for Olot before joining Real Zaragoza in August 2020. Zaragoza were competing in the Spanish second tier, and Chavarria made his professional debut the following month when he started in a 2-2 draw with Las Palmas.

The defender adapted quickly once again, spending two full seasons with Zaragoza before earning a move to the top flight by signing for Rayo Vallecano in August 2022.

Chelsea’s latest addition continues a busy period of recruitment under manager Xabi Alonso, with Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Jordan Henderson, Danny Welbeck, Marco Balestriera and Valentin Barco also among the players signed in preparation for the next campaign.

Chelsea will not play in European competition this season after finishing 10th in the Premier League last term. Chavarria’s arrival is therefore part of the club’s wider preparations for a campaign in which they will focus on rebuilding their squad under Alonso.