Chelsea have completed the transfer of Barcelona midfielder Oriol Romeu, but the deal is somewhat complicated.
On the one hand, Chelsea have secured a highly promising player for the relatively small fee of 5m Euros.
However, there is a curious clause in the deal.
Even though Romeu has reportedly signed a five year contract at Chelsea, Barcelona have the right to repurchase Romeu in two years’ time for 10m Euros.
In the three years that follow, Barcelona can also sign Romeu if they match the highest offer Chelsea receive.
Is it a good deal?
Well, if Romeu proves a success at Stamford Bridge and Barcelona elect to buy him back, Chelsea will have effectively signed him on a two season loan for a 5m Euro profit (excluding wages).
However, his value will also presumably have risen, and so Chelsea would likely have to replace him with a more expensive player.
It will certainly help the club get around financial fair play though, and if Andre Villas Boas does not deem Romeu worthy of his place at Stamford Bridge, 5m Euros is not a big hit for Roman Abramovich’s wallet.
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