One-by-one of the FC Barcelona signings for the 2016/17 season
The activity in the transfer market has ended for FC Barcelona on Tuesday, with the incorporation of Paco Alcacer. No more movements are expected, despite the fact that three squad spaces are available.
In total, there have been six new faces through the door: Denis Suarez, Lucas Digne, Samuel Umtiti, Andre Gomes, Jasper Cillessen and Paco Alcacer. They strengthen the domestic double winners, who have aspirations to renew their titles and also to lift the Champions League again.
This is, in Luis Enrique's opinion, the best squad he has had at his disposal. These are the players that have arrived:
#6 DENIS SUAREZ
Name: Denis Suarez Fernandez
Place of birth: Salceda de Caselas (Pontevedra)
Date of birth: January 6, 1994
Height: 1.81m
Weight: 72 kg
Transfer: 3.25m euros plus 8m euros in bonuses (to Manchester City)
Previous club: Villarreal
Signed: July 6, 2016
Contract: June 30, 2021 (plus one year optional)
Release clause: 50m euros
Debut: August 14, 2016, Sevilla v FC Barcelona (0-2), Spanish Super Cup first-leg
First signing. He comes to strengthen the midfield and provide rest breaks to the captain, Andres Iniesta. A player with Barça DNA, he has everything required to be the successor of the midfielder from La Mancha. He will learn alongside the best.
#19 DIGNE
Name: Lucas Digne
Place of birth: Meaux (France)
Date of birth: July 20, 1993
Height: 1.78m
Weight: 74 kg
Transfer: 16.5m euros plus 4m euros in add-ons
Previous club: AS Roma (on loan from PSG)
Signed: July 14, 2016
Contract: June 30, 2021
Release clause: 60m euros
Debut: August 14, 2016, Sevilla v FC Barcelona (0-2), Spanish Super Cup first-leg
The French full-back is direct competition for Jordi Alba who, until now, was the undisputed ruler of the left wing. Digne's first games have impressed greatly, but he will have a lot to do to gain the starting place from the Spanish international.
#23 UMTITI
Name: Samuel Umtitit
Place of birth: Yaounde (Cameroon)
Date of birth: November 14, 1993
Height: 1.81m
Weight: 75 kg
Transfer: 25m euros
Previous club: Olympique Lyon
Signed: July 15, 2016
Contract: June 30, 2021
Release clause: 60m euros
Debut: August 17, 2016, FC Barcelona v Sevilla (3-0), Spanish Super Cup second-leg
He has made a very encouraging start to his Barça career. Javier Mascherano's injury in Seville opened the door to the starting eleven for him, but he has taken the opportunity with both hands. Luis Enrique has given him three starts, and he has responded with positive performances.
#21 ANDRE GOMES
Name: Andre Filipe Tavares Gomes
Place of birth: Grijo (Portugal)
Date of birth: July 30, 1993
Height: 1.88m
Weight: 84 kg
Transfer: 35m euros plus 20m euros in add-ons
Previous club: Valencia
Signed: July 21, 2016
Contract: June 30, 2021
Release clause: 100m euros
Debut: August 17, 2016, FC Barcelona v Sevilla (3-0), Spanish Super Cup second-leg
A versatile player, with great prospects, to the point that a clause in his deal contemplates a special payment of 15 million euros if he wins the Ballon d'Or. He can play in central midfield or out wide. He has great physique, he can dribble and is a specialist in assists.
#13 CILLESSEN
Name: Jasper Cillessen
Place of birth: Groesbeek (Holland)
Date of birth: April 22, 1989
Height: 1.85m
Weight: 83 kg
Transfer: 13m euros plus 2 million euros in add-ons
Previous club: Ajax
Signed: July 25, 2016
Contract: June 30, 2021
Release clause: 60m euros
Debut: Yet to take place
On paper, he arrives to be Marc-Andre Ter Stegen's substitute. Has experience playing at Ajax and is good with his feet, he will have to take advantage of the opportunities given to him by the manager to shift the German from the starting role.
PACO ALCACER
Name: Francisco Alcacer Garcia
Place of birth: Torrent (Valencia)
Date of birth: August 30, 1993
Height: 1.76m
Weight: 71 kg
Transfer: 30m euros plus 2m euros in add-ons
Previous club: Valencia
Signed: August 30, 2016
Contract: June 30, 2021
Release clause: 100m euros
Debut: Yet to take place
No shirt number yet assigned, he is the last incorporation of the summer. Young and humble, but with a great desire to compete with the 'MSN' for a place in the starting line-up. He is a goal scorer with a great future ahead of him.
