Mathieu joins Barcelona at last

It's official. Barcelona and Valencia have struck a deal for Jeremy Mathieu. The Frenchman will sign a four-year deal - plus an optional fifth - with the Catalan giants. Barça have agreed a €20m transfer fee for the defender, whose new contract will include a €50m buy-out clause.

Mathieu had been at Madrid Barajas Airport about to set off for Lima on Valencia's pre-season tour of Peru when he heard news that the two clubs had reached an agreement for him.

According to sources close to Barcelona, the Catalans will pay €10m in cash and the other €10 in instalments, although this has not been confirmed by Valencia.


/Marca/