Chelsea sign Belgian midfielder De Bruyne

London: Kevin De Bruyne became the third Belgian youngster to join Chelsea in the space of six months after completing a move to the English Premier League giants from Racing Genk on Tuesday, the last day of the winter transfer window.

The 20-year-old winger, who has been tracked by Chelsea for some time, signed a 5½-year deal for a reported fee of 9 million Pounds, but will return to Belgian side Genk on loan for the rest of the season.

De Bruyne's international teammates, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and striker Romelu Lukaku, have also been signed by Chelsea since the arrival of Andre Villas-Boas as manager last June.

Neither Courtois or Lukaku have managed to break into the first team — Courtois is on loan at Spanish side Atletico Madrid, while the former Anderlecht forward, who moved to London last year, has spent most of his time in the reserves.

De Bruyne looks to be another signing for the future.

"It will be very hard to play in the beginning but if you can train with these guys, you will get to a better level than in the Belgian league for sure," De Bruyne said.

De Bruyne has played against Chelsea twice this season for Genk in their Champions League group, with Villas-Boas' team winning the home match 5-0 and drawing 1-1 in Belgium.

"It's a little bit of a dream come true," De Bruyne said. "I've worked very hard and am still very young but have already played a lot of games."

"To come to a team like Chelsea is a dream but now it's a reality and I have to work hard to achieve the level that's necessary."

The 20-year-old had been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for many months but a move failed to materialise during the summer. The youngster has now signed a long-term contract until 2017, but will return to Genk to finish the season before going back to Chelsea.

The 20-year-old is believed to be seen as a long-term replacement for Florent Malouda, who has been linked with a move away from the west London club during the summer.

De Bruyne's arrival in the summer could also see Juan Mata play a more free role, as Villas-Boas increasingly looks to inject youth into the squad.