Salah deal done, says Mourinho

Midfielder Mohamed Salah has completed his move from Basel to Chelsea. Picture: AFP Photo / John MacDougall

Midfielder Mohamed Salah has completed his move from Basel to Chelsea. Picture: AFP Photo / John MacDougall

Published Jan 26, 2014

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London – Chelsea have completed the signing of 21-year-old Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah from Swiss side Basel, manager Jose Mourinho announced on Sunday.

Chelsea said on Thursday that they had reached an agreement to sign Salah, subject to the completion of a medical examination and the agreement of personal terms.

Ahead of his side's FA Cup fourth-round tie at home to Stoke City on Sunday, Mourinho was asked in a television interview if the transfer had been finalised and replied: “Yes.”

Chelsea have not disclosed how much they have paid Basel to secure Salah's services, but British media reports claim the transfer fee was around £11 million.

Salah has played against Chelsea four times over the last year, scoring three times, including in Basel's two Champions League group-phase victories against the London club earlier this season.

Speaking on Friday, Mourinho expressed admiration for the Egypt international, who reportedly rejected overtures from Liverpool in order to move to Stamford Bridge.

“I like the fact that he can play the same way our attacking players do, which is players with adaptability, to play right, left, or behind the striker,” Mourinho said.

“He's young, he's fast, he's creative, he's enthusiastic. When we analysed him, he looks the kind of humble personality on the pitch, ready to work for the team and to work and to adapt himself to a new life.”

Confirmation of Salah's arrival comes less than 24 hours after Spanish attacking midfielder Juan Mata completed his move from Chelsea to Manchester United for a fee of £37.1 million. – Sapa-AFP

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