Juan Cuadrado to Chelsea: Latest News and Rumours on Colombian

Juan Cuadrado has completed a move to Chelsea on the final day of the January transfer window.

Continue for updates.

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Chelsea Confirm Transfer, Cuadrado to Get Four-and-Half-Year Deal

Monday, Feb. 2

Chelsea confirmed via a release that the club have agreed a transfer for Juan Cuadrado, giving him a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The club also provided quotes from the player after the move:

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‘I am very happy and thankful for this opportunity I’ve been given.  This is a great club and honestly it is like a dream to join the Chelsea family and to know that the manager believes in me. I’m happy.’

"

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Thierry Henry Hails 'Special' Cuadrado

Sunday, Feb. 1

Thierry Henry, somewhat begrudgingly you would think—given his Arsenal allegiances, has confessed Chelsea are about to sign a gem in Cuadrado, per Jack Wilson of the Daily Star:

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Cuadrado is a special player. He's a proper winger.

You don't see it anymore, but he gets down the lines and puts in crosses for the striker.

I'm guessing they're bringing him to Chelsea to put him in the first team. He can break in, he's a special talent.

"

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Cuadrado to Wear No. 74, Medical Scheduled

Saturday, Jan. 31

David Amoyal of gianlucadimarzio.com has the latest details as Cuadrado prepares to complete the paperwork on his move to Stamford Bridge:

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Cuadrado is currently in Roma at his agent Alessandro Lucci's house, tomorrow morning (Saturday) he'll head to London to take the medical - he has decided to wear number 74 since the two numbers add up to 11 which is his favourite number. Cuadrado is ready to join Mourinho's squad.

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Cuadrado Tweeted a photo upon his arrival:

Dominic Fifield of The Guardian also expects Cuadrado's presence in the capital:

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Fiorentina Confirm Cuadrado's Imminent Departure

Friday, Jan. 30

The London Evening Standard reports there will be a press conference in Italy at an undisclosed date and time to announce Cuadrado's exit from Fiorentina. Football Italia also had Vincenzo Montella's thoughts on the transfer:

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Honestly, it was something that had to be done. As a coach I’m disappointed, but on a pragmatic level the fee is so high that it’s worth it.

It’s nobody’s fault, we must absolutely not be distracted, and offer excuses, we must be supremely focused.

He [Cuadrado] always demonstrated the utmost professionalism, and joy in playing. I’m happy for him, because he’s gone to play in a very good team.

At the moment I’m a bit sad, there are more resources in other Leagues, that’s a fact. Our [Italian football’s] appeal is diminished.

We’re getting a player in Salah who will have to adapt to our football, this is a League that’s different from the Swiss and the English.

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Fiorentina did well to hold onto the 26-year-old after his terrific World Cup performances during the summer, but they now look set to cash in for an initial fee of £23.33 million.

Here's more on the player's situation, per Sky Sports:

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It is understood the contracts are being drafted between Chelsea and Serie A club Fiorentina for the Colombia international.

The fee is £23.33m plus a bonus that amounts to Cuadrado's £26.34m release clause and in return, Fiorentina are very interested in taking Mohamed Salah on an 18-month long free loan.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is keen to have Cuadrado on board for Saturday's top-of-the-table mach against City at Stamford Bridge

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It is suggested Chelsea need to offload Andre Schurrle and Mohamed Salah to satisfy UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules before Cuadrado's deal can go ahead. Sky Sports outlines £20 million is the figure the Blues want for Schurrle, who has reportedly agreed terms with Wolfsburg.

Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

Salah is set to join Fiorentina on loan as part of the deal, as reported by Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio:

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As our colleague Manuele Baiochini reveals, Fiorentina will loan the Egyptian winger for free until June 2015 with a clause that could prolong the loan by one year but where the Viola will have to pay €1 million should they choose to exercise that option.

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With this in mind, Chelsea appear willing to offload Salah without receiving an immediate fee, which is perhaps an attempt to rid the club of his wages.

Cuadrado appears to be an excellent tactical fit for Jose Mourinho. The Chelsea boss instills a hard-working, energetic togetherness in his team, who attack and defend as a unit. Cuadrado is able to play as a winger, supporting striker or full-back, adding electric pace and creative quality anywhere Mourinho might need him.

The Colombian's arrival is likely to be one of the biggest Premier League transfers of the window, as noted by B/R UK's Sam Tighe:

Cuadrado has scored six goals and provided four assists in 23 appearances this season, per WhoScored.com. The number is skewed slightly by Cuadrado playing in five different positions, highlighting the versatility which makes him such a useful addition.

Chelsea supporters may be disappointed to see Schurrle and Salah leave, but neither embody the vision of their manager. Although Schurrle has proven his quality at the club, Salah's lack of playing time since joining in January 2014 has slowed his development. Both are likely to star for their prospective next sides.

Cuadrado is capable of being as explosive as either, but he will bring extra tactical nuance to Stamford Bridge.