Official: Chelsea signs Barcelona youngster Oriol Romeu

The Blues have announced that the Spanish teenager has joined on a four-year contract, while it has been reported that Barca has a buy back option on the young midfielder.

Chelsea has announced the signing of Barcelona midfielder Oriol Romeu on a four-year deal.

The Blues confirmed last month that they had agreed a fee believed to be in the region of 4.5 million pounds for the defensive midfielder to make a move to the west London club.

The club confirmed on its official website: "Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Oriol Romeu Vidal from Barcelona on a four-year-contract. The 19-year-old will join us once his duties with Spain's U-20 World Cup squad in Colombia are complete."

According to El Mundo Deportivo, Barca will have a chance to buy back the midfielder for a certain fee during the first two years of his time in England. But during the next two years of his contract, the Spanish club would get preference if it matches an offer that has already been accepted for the player.

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is believed to have harbored an interest in Romeu since his days at Porto, and has assured the teenager that he has a role to play in the first team.

As well as playing for his country at Under-20 level, Romeu has also represented Spain at the Under-17 and Under-19 levels in the past.