Barca poach Valencia defender

Valencia's French defender Jeremy Mathieu will join Barcelona for a fee of $26.9 million, the Catalan club says.

Valencia's French defender Jeremy Mathieu will join Barcelona for a fee of $26.9 million, the Catalan club says.

Published Jul 23, 2014

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Barcelona – Valencia’s French defender Jeremy Mathieu will join Barcelona for a fee of $26.9 million (about R290 million), the Catalan club said on Wednesday.

“Mathieu will sign a contract with FC Barcelona for the next four seasons plus a further optional,” Barca said in a statement.

“The cost of the transfer is e20 million and the buy-out clause will be e50 million.”

The 30-year-old Mathieu will bolster the centre of Barcelona’s defence after they missed out on any major trophies last season and their porous backline was a significant factor.

The Frenchman, who can also play at left back, continues the restructuring of the squad under new coach Luis Enrique.

Striker Luis Suarez, midfielder Ivan Rakitic and keepers Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo have also been signed.

Midfielder Cesc Fabregas and forward Alexis Sanchez have left for Chelsea and Arsenal respectively. – Reuters

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