Transfer update : Barcelona sign Junior Firpo in €18m deal from Real Betis

Barcelona have completed the €18 million (£16.3m/$20m) signing of Real Betis defender Junior Firpo.

The left-back has signed a five-year deal with the Spanish champions and will provide competition for Jordi Alba at Camp Nou.


The final fee for Junior could rise to €30m (£27.5m/$33.4m) with add-ons, with release clause set at €200m.

Goal has learned that those bonuses include €2.5m if Junior plays for the Spanish national side and a further €2.5m dependent on the trophies won during his time in Catalunya.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Junior has represented Spain at Under-21 level having impressed during five years at Betis.

The 22-year-old leaves the Andalusian outfit having made 43 appearances, scoring five goals and laying on seven assists in all competitions.

One of those goals came in a memorable 4-3 win over Barca at Camp Nou in November, with Junior having been linked with a move to the Blaugrana ever since.


"One of the young talents that shone during the past year in La Liga, Junior is a concern for rival defences," Barcelona's statement read.

"His electricity and his tireless running allow him to recover quickly the defensive position.

"In addition, Junior Firpo dominates in possession, a fundamental aspect of the Barca game."