Yerry Mina Joins Barcelona As Their Second Signing For Winter

Yerry Mina joins Barcelona for €11.8 million. (Picture Courtesy: fcbarcelona.com)

Barcelona have completed their second major signing of the winter with the Colombian defender Yerry Mina moving from Palmeiras to join the Catalan club for 11.8 €million.

The club announced that Mina will sign a five-and-a-half year contract which has a €100m release clause.
 

The move might have been triggered by wantaway veteran Argentinean defender Javier Mascherano looking to complete his move to Chinese Super League outfit Hebei Fortune, but the two clubs have not been able to agree on a transfer fees as the Chinese side is not willing to pay more than €5.77 million.
 

The Chinese Football Association announced this past June that any club playing in China's top two football divisions, paying more than €5.77 million (45 million Yuan) for a foreign player will have to pay the same amount to CFA youth development squad as well.

Mascherano is looking for first team football to stake his claim for 2018 World Cup. (Picture Courtesy: express.co.uk)

Mina is a Colombian international who has represented his nation nine times while scoring thrice. Barcelona released the following statement on their site: "Born on 23 September 1994 (Guachené, Caucas, Colòmbia), Yerry Mina arrives at FC Barcelona to reinforce the central defensive positions. He will bring a physical presence as his 1.95 metre frame suggests but he is also a quick, ball-playing defender. The Colombian, who is joining from Palmeiras, uses his aerial prowess to impose himself and score goals."
 

Ernesto Valverde have had to do some reshuffling as few players including Andre Gomes, Rafinha, Arda Turan, Gerard Deulofeu are looking to move to different clubs for first team place as the 2018 World Cup is just around the corner.