Transfer news: Willian seals £32m switch from Anzhi Makhachkala to Chelsea

The Brazilian playmaker had at one stage been on the verge of moving to Tottenham

Willian poses with a Chelsea shirt (CHELSEA FC)

Willian has completed his £32m move from Anzhi Makhachkala to Chelsea, signing a five-year contract after being granted a work permit today.

The 25-year-old described Jose Mourinho, who supplied evidence at his work permit hearing, as “one of the best managers in the world”. The Brazilian had looked set to join Tottenham Hotspur, only for Chelsea to hijack the deal and outbid Spurs.

“I’m very happy to be here, it’s been a dream of mine to come and play here,” Willian said.

“Chelsea are one of the best clubs in the world, and now I’m going to play for one of the best managers in the world, so I’m very happy and looking forward to it.”

Willian, who scored twice for Shakhtar Donetsk against his new employers at Stamford Bridge in a Champions League tie in November 2010, which Shakhtar lost 3-2, will not be part of the Chelsea squad for the Super Cup fixture against Bayern Munich on Friday, so will have to wait until after the international break to make his debut for the club.

He will wear the No 22 shirt at the club.