Barcelona have announced the signing of left-back Junior Firpo from Real Betis on a five-year deal that included a €200 million release clause. The Spanish U21 international becomes the fifth signing of the summer to arrive at the Nou Camp.
Junior Firpo Signs For Barcelona
Last Season
Junior Firpo has become one of the most highly regarded young left-back’s in Europe since breaking into the first team at Real Betis.
Last season Firpo made 25 appearances in all competitions as Betis finshed tenth in La Liga. However, he moulded himself into an accomplished all-round full-back. He shone going forward, registering three goals and four assists. The two of his assists came in the last two games of the season, including one in a win over Real Madrid on the last day of the season.
Defensively the 22-year-old also showed his strengths, making on average 1.6 tackles per game, as well as 1.5 clearances per game. As a result of his performances, he has attracted interest from a number of clubs across Europe, including from the Premier League.
Barcelona Preparing For The Future With Junior Firpo
Barcelona currently have just one natural left-back available. However, Jordi Alba is now 30 years old and heading towards the latter stages of his career. However, having only signed a new five-year contract in February 2019, is the signing of Firpo only providing competition?
Junior Firpo will undoubtedly add quality to Ernesto Valverde’s defence. Last season he proved to be one of the better left-back’s in La Liga. However, he now has to contend with the added extra of going up against Europe’s best forwards in the Champions League. As a result, Barcelona manager Valverde may opt for Alba at left-back in the Champions League.
More Still To Come At Barcelona?
It has already been a destructive transfer window for Barcelona, spending over €200 million on five players. However, that could continue to rise should they complete the signing of former striker Neymar.
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