Barcelona have completed the signing of French center-back Mathieu Jeremy from Valencia on a £15.8m fee as the player put pen to paper on a four-year contract, becoming the Catalan side's fifth signing of the summer, after Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Claudio Bravo, Ivan Rakitic, and Luis Suarez all sealed their Camp Nou move.
The 30-year-old defender will join the Catalan side after previous reports predicted his imminent switch, leaving behind the Mastella five years after arriving in La Liga from Toulouse.
OFFICIAL: Jeremy Mathieu seals his £15.8m Barca switch
Barcelona announce agreement for Jeremy Mathieu from Valencia for a fee of 20 million euros. (photo via @FCBarcelona) pic.twitter.com/JwBrJaIIK2
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 23, 2014
DONE DEAL: Barcelona have signed Jérémy Mathieu for £15.8m (€20m) on a four-year deal from Valencia. pic.twitter.com/5ooTr2Lq76
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 23, 2014
Mathieu will be tasked with rejuvenating Barcelona's frail backline, one seriously damaged in Carles Puyol's absence, as Gerard Pique and Marc Bartra were the only two recognized center-backs in Luis Enrique's team.
Key stats from the 30-year-old defender's 2013-14 season (via Squawka)
Jérémy Mathieu made 217 clearances in La Liga last season, more than any Barcelona player. pic.twitter.com/vCxcKBPVs3
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 23, 2014
Jérémy Mathieu made more interceptions inside his own half last season (65), than any Barcelona player. Javier Mascherano is closest on 54.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 23, 2014
Jérémy Mathieu is the most expensive defender over the age of 30 of all-time after costing Barcelona £15.8m (€20m). pic.twitter.com/NWqrFjS7Bw
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 23, 2014
The Blaugrana have heavily relied on Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano and Brazilian full back Adriano to fill in the gaps in the Barcelona's back four, but have now added a much-needed recruit in the defensive department.
Will the French center-back be able to bring stability to the Blaugrana's defense?
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