Demba Ba completes move to Chelsea FC

Demba Ba has finally completed the move to Chelsea FC that had been rumored as complete since the January transfer window first opened. After triggering Ba's release clause with Newcastle, a few small hangups including a medical -- a problem that has plagued Ba in the past, when Stoke failed to sign him after a failed medical in 2011 -- kept the transfer from completion until Friday, when he finally signed a three-and-a-half year contract.

The 27-year-old Senegalese striker put up big numbers for Newcastle during his year-and-a-half stay with the Magpies. In 54 appearances, he put up 29 goals and helped lead Newcastle to a surprise fifth-place finish in their 2011/2012 Premier League campaign. Chelsea are a team that were in need of depth up top, and Ba gives them a perfect rotational striker to use with Fernando Torres at center forward.

Ba will be available for selection for the Blues against Southampton in their FA Cup tie on Saturday as well as the Capital One Cup semi-final match against Swansea on Wednesday. He will not be eligible to play in Europa League matches with the Blues after making appearances with Newcastle in the competition already this season. His first chance for league action with the Blues will come against Stoke City on Jan. 12.