Madrid, Aug. 12 -- Rayo Vallecano has sold left-back Pep Chavarria to Chelsea for a fee of around 19 million euros.
The sale comes just days before Rayo kicks off the new season away to Sevilla on Saturday and leaves Jozhua Vertrouwd as the only current option on the left side of defense, although the transfer will provide an important boost to the Madrid club's finances.
The 28-year-old Chavarria joined Rayo from Zaragoza in 2022 and made 125 appearances, playing a major role in helping the club reach last season's UEFA Conference League final, according to Xinhua.
"I take with me memories that I will cherish forever," wrote the defender in a farewell message to Rayo fans.
"The magical nights in Vallecas, a stadium that always believed...