Barcelona have completed the signing of Turkey captain Arda Turan on a five-year contract from La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid.
The 28-year-old moves to the European champions in a deal reported to be worth 34million euros, but the price could rise to 41million euros with add-ons.
The transfer is a somewhat unusual one given that the Blaugrana are currently under a transfer embargo, meaning that the attack-minded player will not be eligible to play for his new side until the start of 2016.
Winger Aleix Vidal has already completed a similar transfer to Luis Enrique’s side from Sevilla, with both players now set to spend the early part of the campaign in the stands as their new team-mates begin the defence of the titles they won both domestically and in Europe last season.
The former Galatasaray player’s transfer also includes an unusual buy-back clause for Atleti, due to Barca’s ongoing presidential campaign.
A new president will be elected on July 18 and the new board will have two days to decide whether to keep the Turk or allow him to return to the Rojiblancos.
Should Barca decide to keep him then they will be singing someone who has enjoyed a successful four-year spell at the Vicente Calderon.
During his time in the Spanish capital Turan has featured in 127 league games and played a crucial role in helping Diego Simeone’s team win the La Liga title in 2013, as well as reach the Champions League final in the same year where they were beaten by rivals Real Madrid.
Barca are the current Spanish and European champions and they will be hoping their latest acquisition will eventually play a big role in helping them defend their respective crowns, with the Blaugrana currently available at 1.67 to secure their 24th La Liga title next season.
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