The last days of the summer transfer window were filled with tension and uncertainty. Still needing to sign at least two new defenders, Chelsea had been rejected repeatedly by Napoli (for Kalidou Koulibaly) and AC Milan (for Alessio Romagnoli). Scrambling at the last minute, Chelsea shifted focus, and managed to acquire full back Marcos Alonso and former Chelsea centre back David Luiz.
Last minute signings often reek of panic buying, and while that still may be ultimate verdict on both Alonso and David Luiz, they’ve already played crucial roles as far as squad depth (in light of Terry’s injury) and maybe even a new tactical look. According to David Luiz's representative Kia Joorabchian, the deal also wasn’t as last minute as we had assumed.
"It was a deal arranged at the end of the day, but not as late as some were claiming. It was in the last days of the transfer window. I don't think Paris Saint-Germain wanted to sell him, but he surely wanted to return to Chelsea. When they made their move to sign him, it was the end of the story."
"He's back at Stamford Bridge, and I think he's one of the best centre backs in the world. I thought about David's skillset and Chelsea's situation, that needed someone like him, and David was obviously close to returning and ended up doing so. He loves the club. So I think that his return happened once he decided that it would be a good thing [for him]."
-Kia Joorabchian; Source: Goal Brasil
Sounds like Joorabchian, being the good agent that he is, greased a few wheels at a time of great need at Chelsea, and thus arranged the feel-good transfer of the summer.
Shortly after his return, David Luiz slotted straight into our starting eleven, wasting no time in showing off his considerable passing skills, solid defensive play, and the occasional head-rush. Certainly a deal to make all parties involved quite happy!