Junior Firpo joins Barcelona from Real Betis

Barcelona have secured the signing of Dominican-born defender Junior Firpo from La Liga rivals Real Betis in a transfer deal worth up to 31 million euros. The 22-year-old came through the ranks at Real Betis and has appeared four times for Spain's under-21 side.

Playing primarily as a left-back, Barcelona have acquired the services of one of La Liga's best young defenders and Junior is expected to play an important part in the Blaugrana's first-team this upcoming campaign.

Signing a five-year contract at the Nou Camp worth a reported 55,000 euros per week, Firpo arrives from Betis having played in 24 La Liga games last year and scoring 3 goals.

Whilst Jordi Alba is expected to continue as Barcelona's starter in the left-back hole, Firpo will fill a void on the bench and is also comfortable playing as a central defender. Firpo's signing was confirmed by Barcelona's official website, who appraised the player's talents with commentary: "his height, speed and ability to pressure passers make him one of the most promising talents at the position of left back."