Chelsea Sign Basel’s Mohamed Salah
Chelsea have announced the signing of winger Mohamed Salah from FC Basel as Jose Mourinho is said to have been very impressed with his performance during Chelsea’s two UEFA Champions League losses to Basel.
The Egyptian international’s deal, which is subject to him agreeing personal terms and passing a medical, could speed Juan Mata’s move to Manchester United.
A statement on chelseafc.com read: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm an agreement has been reached with FC Basel for the transfer of their 21-year-old attacking midfielder Mohamed Salah. The move is subject to the Egyptian international agreeing personal terms and completing a medical examination.”
Salah could make his debut in Sunday’s FA Cup fourth round tie at home to Stoke. He becomes Chelsea’s third signing of the winter transfer window, following Bertrand Traore and Nemanja Matic.
Salah scored in three of the Swiss side’s four recent meetings with Chelsea – a goal in each of this season’s Group E Champions League wins and in the second leg of last term’s Europa League semi-final.
The Egyptian was also being courted by Liverpool and serves as an extra option in the attacking midfield roles for Chelsea. Thanks to his pace and speed, He’s also seen as a direct replacement for Juan Mata whom has been linked with a move to Manchester United as he has struggled to cope with Mourinho’s demands for a greater work ethic, and has lost his starting position to Eden Hazard, Oscar and Willian.