Chelsea sign Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic

Chelsea have signed goalkeeper Asmir Begovic from Stoke City.

Begovic, who made 172 appearances for Stoke, has signed a four-year deal to move to Stamford Bridge and will provide back-up for Thibaut Courtois following Petr Cech’s departure.

Although Courtois will remain as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, he has opted to remain in the number 13 jersey, with Begovic taking the vacant number 1 jersey.

“I am very happy to be joining Chelsea FC. After speaking at length to the manager, I feel like I can develop here and be an important part of this team. I am looking forward to meeting up with the team on Wednesday for the pre-season tour,” Begovic told the club’s website.

Begovic joined Stoke from Portsmouth in 2010 and quickly established himself as the Potters’ first-choice goalkeeper.

“The club would like to take this opportunity to thank Asmir for his efforts and wish him well for the future,” Stoke wrote on their official website.

Credit: Setanta Sport