Chelsea have completed the signing of central defender Matt Miazga from New York Red Bulls.
Miazga, who made his debut for the Red Bulls shortly after his 18th birthday, has signed a four-and-a-half year contract at Stamford Bridge. Boss Guus Hiddink confirmed on Friday that Miaza has been signed primarily as a "squad player" for the remainder of the season.
Miazga said: 'I am very happy to sign for Chelsea, a world-famous club with a reputation for major success. I am delighted to be in the Premier League, the best league in the world, and can't wait to meet my team-mates and get going.
"I am still at the beginning of my career but I believe this is the place to develop and learn from some of the best players in the world."
Hiddink had been keen to bolster his defensive options after it became increasingly clear a new move for Everton's John Stones will have to wait until the summer. There is also a question mark over the future of Gary Cahill who has become increasingly unsettled with his lack of first-team opportunities.
However Hiddink insisted this week that Cahill would be staying at Stamford Bridge and remained a vital part of his future plans. Miazga made 38 appearances with New York after signing as a Homegrown player in 2013, of which 30 appearances came in 2015.
"It is a bittersweet day for the New York Red Bulls," said Sporting Director Ali Curtis. "We are very happy for Matt to get the opportunity but it is tough to see him leave after coming through our academy to the first team - there is a different feel when one of your homegrown players leaves," Curtis continued.
"We tried everything we could to keep Matt but we understand and respect his desire to play in Europe. Moving forward, we'll either reinforce the team from within our existing player pool or we will acquire a player from the international market. Additionally, the proceeds of this transfer provide us with greater resources to put back into our youth system."
"We will cheer for Matt from Red Bull Arena. He will always be a part of our family and we wish him the best," Curtis added.
