FC Barcelona have signed Colombia defender Yerry Mina from Brazilian club Palmeiras as he was one of the most sought-after defenders that club head coach Ernesto Valverde had his eye on for quite a while. Barcelona have purchased his sign for 11.8 million euros ($14 million), who will become the first Colombian to play an official game for the Spanish club.
Mina was a key part for Palmeiras when they won the Brazilian league in 2016 and was runner-up last year.
Barcelona had a deal with Palmeiras to bring him in the middle of the year for about 9 million euros ($10.7 million), but agreed to pay extra and advance the deal because of the recent injury to France international Samuel Umtiti.
The budding defender will add more pace to the defence as Umtiti has been ruled out due to injury but is back in training with the Barca squad.
After bringing in their record fee Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool, the Catalan giants have added another weapon to their cavalry. FC Barcelona, who are currently the league leaders, are undefeated in all competitions and aim for all the trophies in their sight this year.
They take on English giants Chelsea FC in the round of 16 stage of the UEFA Champions League in February this year. Ernesto Valverde and his men have been extraordinary this year as they come off one of the biggest wins in the El Clasico where they defeated Real Madrid 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Madristas are 16 points below league leaders and occupy the fourth position in the La Liga.
(With AP Inputs)
