Barcelona’s lucrative summer spending spree has continued as the Catalans have announced the signing of defender Jeremy Mathieu from Valencia for €20m. Mathieu will be joining Camp Nou on a four year contract, with an option for a one-year extension. The French international has also agreed a €50m buyout clause.
Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, goalkeepers Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo have already arrived at the club and now Enrique has turned his attention to strengthening the Barcelona defence following the retirement of club veteran Carles Puyol.
Javier Mascherano has previously been playing that role but it is rumoured Enrique is favouring him for a spot in midfield after his impressive performances there for Argentina in the World Cup helped them reach the final. Mathieu, who is 30 years old, favours playing either centre-half or left back so his signing will allow Masherano to move back to his more natural position.
Barca have been in deadlock with Valencia over the signing for some time but have, after many negotiations, finally met Valencia’s valuation of the French international.
Mathieu is likely to compete alongside Gerard Pique and Marc Bartra for a place in the heart of Barcelona's defence. He becomes the clubs fifth new recruit of the summer, showing Luis Enrique’s overhaul of the Catalan club continues.
