Associated Press
Barcelona strengthened its already top-class attack by signing Spain striker Paco Alcacer from rival Spanish club Valencia on Tuesday in a deal worth at least €30 million (Dh122.8m).
Alcacer, who turned 23 on Tuesday, joins a Barcelona line-up featuring Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. He will likely play a backup role to Suarez, filling the void created last year after the departure of Pedro Rodriguez to Chelsea.
“Messi, Neymar and Suarez are the three best players in the world,” Alcacer said. “It will be a privilege to play with them. I hope I can do my part to do great things at Barca.”
Alcacer signed a five-year contract after passing a medical exam.
Barcelona said they will pay €30 million, plus a possible €2 million more in variables, to Valencia.
The Primera Liga champions also said they are loaning forward Munir El Haddadi to Valencia, who will have the option to buy his rights next summer for €12 million.
Alcacer scored 43 goals in the past three seasons at Valencia.
For Spain, Alcacer has scored six goals in 13 matches. He was dropped by former Spain coach Vicente del Bosque for this summer’s European Championship, but new manager Julen Lopetegui has recalled Alcacer for this week’s international matches, including Spain’s first 2018 World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein.
He is Barcelona’s sixth summer signing, along with fellow ex-Valencia midfielder Andre Gomes, Samuel Umtiti, Denis Suarez, Lucas Digne and goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
