The late-bloomer left-back joining Chelsea for £16m

Pep Chavarria's path to Stamford Bridge has been anything but conventional.

Unlike many players who reach elite clubs through prestigious academies or early top-flight breakthroughs, Chavarria had to take the longer route.

He did not make his La Liga debut until the age of 24, an age when many players have already established themselves at the highest level.

After spending four years at Rayo Vallecano, the left-back has completed the biggest move of his career, joining Chelsea in a five-year deal worth about £16.3m plus a further £1.7m in add-ons.

"This is a dream for me as Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world. It is a big opportunity but I am prepared and will work hard to help the team achieve success."

BBC Sport looks at how Chavarria went from Spain's lower leagues to earning a move to one of Europe's elite clubs.

Born in Figueres, a city in Catalonia in north-eastern Spain, Chavarria played for his hometown club before moving to Olot, where he built his reputation in Spain's lower tiers.

A move to Real Zaragoza in 2020 gave him his first taste of professional football at a bigger club, and - after two seasons in Spain's second division - he earned the opportunity to step into La Liga with Rayo Vallecano in 2022.