OFFICIAL: Chelsea sign Barcelona teenager Marc Guiu

Chelsea have completed the signing of 18-year-old striker Marc Guiu from Barcelona, marking their third signing of the 2024/25 summer window. The young striker has penned a five-year contract with the London giants with an option for an additional year.

The Spaniard came through the ranks at the infamous La Masia academy and made his professional debut for Barcelona last October where he scored in just 23 seconds into his debut to secure a late winner against Athletic Bilbao.

The Blues reportedly met the teenager’s €6 million release clause who had only one year left on his Barcelona contract. After making his professional debut in October 2023, Guiu went to make only three La Liga appearances for the Catalan giants last season.

How has Marc Guiu reacted to his transfer?

The talented young forward made his move to Stamford Bridge after ending his 11-year association with Barcelona. The Spaniard joined Camp Nou at the age of seven and progressed through the academy making his first-team debut this past season.

Guiu made seven first-team appearances and also netted in the Antwerp defeat in the Champions League group-stage tie. The 18-year-old striker was the joint top-scorer in U17 European Championship with four goals.

The teenager will soon link up with his new Chelsea teammates as the squad are preparing for their pre-season tour in the United States booked for late July. But the highly-rated Spanish striker is not expected to fulfill the search the club’s search for a new forward this summer.

“It brings me immense joy to sign for Chelsea. I struggled to sleep last night ahead of the journey here because I was so excited,” Guiu said in his first interview with the club’s official website.

“Ever since I was small, it was my dream to play in the Premier League and be successful in England. Now I have the opportunity to join Chelsea and I will work my hardest to be successful for the club. I think what’s most important [to start with] is that I adapt to my surroundings, which I’m sure will be easy, and then of course I want to win the Champions League and the Premier League for Chelsea.

“On a personal level, I want to help the team as much as I can by scoring lots of goals and I want to become the best centre forward in the world.”

Also Read: Chelsea Summer Transfer Window 2024 Analysis: Strategies, needs, areas for improvement, and financial capabilities