BARCELONA: Valencia’s French defender Jeremy Mathieu will join Barcelona for a fee of 20 million euros ($26.9 million), the Catalan club said on Wednesday.

“Mathieu will sign a contract with FC Barcelona for the next four seasons plus a further optional,” Barca said in a statement. “The cost of the transfer is 20 million euros and the buy-out clause will be 50 million euros ($67.32 million).”

The 30-year-old Mathieu, who can also play at left back, will bolster the centre of Barcelona’s defence after they missed out on any major trophies last season and their porous backline was a significant factor.

Barcelona have been seeking to bolster their defence since Carlos Puyol ended his career.

Though he is not an established French international, Mathieu is recognised as a powerful operator at left back and in central defence. Barcelona called him a “physically imposing defender”.

Mathieu has seven goals in 176 matches with Valencia, and is prized for his cool assurance while defending high balls in the penalty area. The defender will be presented to fans at the Camp Nou on Thursday.

The Catalan club had made several offers to Valencia for Mathieu who last week issued a public letter calling on the side to negotiate his release.

“I have a chance to play for the world’s biggest club and that’s all I want right now,” he said.

The Frenchman continues the restructuring of the squad under new coach Luis Enrique.

Striker Luis Suarez, midfielder Ivan Rakitic and keepers Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo have also been signed.

Midfielder Cesc Fabregas and forward Alexis Sanchez have left for Chelsea and Arsenal respectively.

Published in Dawn, July 24th , 2014