Chelsea signed Spanish midfielder Oriol Romeu from European champions Barcelona on a four-year-contract.

The 19-year-old defensive midfielder completed the €5 million move while representing Spain at the Under-20 World Cup in Colombia. He made two appearances for Barcelona’s first team last season.

Romeu will help fill the void left by Michael Essien, who has been ruled out for six months after injuring his right knee. “It is a part of the squad in which we are struggling with numbers because of Michael Essien’s injury and Oriol is a player with a bright future,” Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas said.

“Oriol had an injury during the season but he came back late on and was in time to play for the first team. So he is one of the most promising young players in that position.”

Barcelona said in a statement the Oriol deal was worth €5 million with a buy-back option. The Spanish champions would pay €10m at the end of next season for him, €15m the year after.