English football giants Chelsea on Sunday announced the signing of Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi from Marseille on a five-year contract for a reported transfer fee of $44 million.
“Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Michy Batshuayi has today completed his transfer from Marseille. The 22-year-old signed a five-year contract,” said a statement on Chelsea’s website. He was part of the Belgium squad at Euro 2016 and netted with his first touch on his competition debut last week, converting a cross from his new Chelsea team-mate Eden Hazard in a 4-0 triumph over Hungary.
He was linked with a move to Serie A champions Juventus, West Ham United and Crystal Palace.
Batshuayi began his career at Standard Liège and joined Marseille in the summer of 2014, scoring 15 goals in his first season with the club.
He scored 23 goals last season for Marseille as well as providing 10 assists, statistics made all the more impressive considering he was playing in a team which finished 13th in Ligue 1.
Batshuayi said: “I am delighted to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe and embark on the next chapter in my career. I hope I can help Chelsea win many trophies during my time at Stamford Bridge.