• Premier League

Chelsea complete deal for Salah

Mohamed Salah was linked with Liverpool © PA Photos

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Chelsea have completed the signing of Mohamed Salah from Swiss side FC Basel.

The Blues announced on Thursday night the signing of the 21-year-old Egyptian winger, subject to the agreement of personal terms and the signing of a medical. And, before Sunday's FA Cup fourth round tie with Stoke, the club confirmed the deal has been concluded.

The deal is for a reported fee of £11 million as Chelsea signed the forward ahead of Liverpool. Once it was clear Juan Mata was to join Manchester United, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho began looking for a replacement and Salah immediately came to mind.

Salah has played against Chelsea four times in the last 12 months, scoring three times, including in Basel's two Champions League Group E victories over Mourinho's men earlier this season.

Speaking on Friday, Mourinho spoke of his admiration for Salah, the potential of the player and said the Blues made their move quickly.

"I like the fact that he can play the same way our attacking players do, which is players with adaptability, to play right, left, or behind the striker,'' Mourinho said. "He's young, he's fast, he's creative, he's enthusiastic. When we analysed him he looks the kind of humble personality on the pitch, ready to work for the team and to work and to adapt himself to a new life.

"We believe if he comes that he will have a similar process to the Willian one. Willian needed two or three months to grow up and to feel comfortable playing for us (following his August signing from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala). We think with him and (Andre) Schurrle, (Eden) Hazard, Oscar and Willian we will be fine.

"We lose an experienced top player like Juan, but we bring in a young player with great potential. Willian did that transition from his previous world to the top world of football. Hopefully, if Salah comes, he can do the same. We are ready to help, we are ready to support."

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