Chelsea FC have today completed the signing of England international central defender, Gary Cahill from fellow Barclays Premier League club, Bolton Wanderers.
Cahill, 26, completed a medical on Saturday prior to watching Chelsea’s home 1-0 victory over Sunderland AFC at Stamford Bridge. Today (Monday 16th January 2012), Chelsea and Bolton confirmed the completion of the transfer of Cahill from the North West club to West London, for an undisclosed fee postulated by several commentators to have been in the region of £7 million.
Cahill, who has appeared for England 7 times since his debut in March 2011, had scored 15 times for Bolton from 147 appearances. He had risen to the role of captain for Wanderers, since signing for £5 million from Sheffield United in January 2008.
Bolton manager, Owen Coyle, spoke highly of his former club captain:
“Gary has always been 100 percent professional and along with that he is a top-class person.”
“Everyone at Bolton Wanderers wishes Gary the very best for his future career at Stamford Bridge.”
Speaking of the transfer, Cahill explained that he saw it as “the right move for me at the right time” which echoed the players decision not to renew his contract when it expired in the summer of 2012, which had prompted his club to accept the Chelsea bid.
Cahill added:
“My spell with Wanderers has enabled me to break into the England squad, and I would particularly like to thank the fans for their support along the way. I always appreciated their backing.”
Chelsea are believed to be offloading Brazilian defender, Alex, now that they have confirmed the arrival of Gary Cahill, with QPR believed to be keen on signing the strong centre half.
Gary Cahill will wear number 24 for Chelsea FC for the remainder of the 2011/12 season.
Cahill may make his debut for Chelsea in the Blues’ match away at Norwich on Saturday lunch time.