Pep Chavarria Joins Chelsea Ahead of 2026‑27 Premier League Campaign

In a statement released on 12 August, Chelsea confirmed the acquisition of Spanish defender Pep Chavarria on a five‑year contract extending to 2031. The 28‑year‑old left‑back will join the squad at Cobham for the preseason programme ahead of the 2026‑27 Premier League season.

Chavarria praised Chelsea as a “global powerhouse” and said the move represents a major opportunity in his career. He thanked the coaches, teammates, and his family for helping him reach this point.

The player’s resume includes a senior debut with UE Figueres, a breakthrough at UE Olot, and a solid two‑year spell at Real Zaragoza before cementing his reputation at Rio Vallecano. While at Vallecano, he contributed to the club’s back‑to‑back eighth‑place La Liga finishes and a narrow loss in the UEFA Conference League final.

Chelsea ended the previous campaign in 10th place and hope Chavarria’s experience will bolster their defensive options as they kick off the new season against Fulham in a London derby on 24 August.