It is a deal that has raised eyebrows because of its duration. But there is clear logic to Chelsea giving Benoît Badiashile a seven-and-a-half year contract.
The 6ft 4 centre back arrives at Stamford Bridge as a 21-year-old. If he sees the entire agreement out he will likely only have one more big deal left, but even if things do not go to plan in terms of his development there is guaranteed salary.
For the club, whose previous longest deal was seven years for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, it makes sense on a number of levels.
