Chelsea Football Club has confirmed the signing of 28-year-old defender Pep Chavarría from La Liga side Rayo Vallecano on a five-year contract.
The Spanish defender has signed a deal that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2031 and will begin working with his new teammates at Cobham as Chelsea prepare for the 2026/27 campaign.
Speaking after completing the move, Chavarría said:
“I’m so excited to get started. This is a dream for me as Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world. It is a big opportunity but I am prepared and will work hard to help the team achieve success.
“There are a lot of people who have helped me get to this moment and I have to thank my family. They have always supported me and today is only possible because of them.”
Chavarría began his senior career in 2018 with third-tier Spanish club UE Olot, where he quickly established himself as a regular starter and one of the division’s standout players.
He made 52 appearances for Olot before joining Real Zaragoza in August 2020. His professional debut came the following month when he started in Zaragoza’s 2-2 draw against Las Palmas.
After spending two full seasons with Zaragoza, Chavarría reached the Spanish top flight by joining Rayo Vallecano in August 2022.
The 28-year-old featured 44 times for Rayo last season as the club reached the UEFA Conference League final, where they were narrowly beaten by Crystal Palace.
Chavarría now begins a new chapter at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea continue to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
