Adding further fuel to the Joe Hart exit rumours, Manchester City have completed the signing of goalkeeper Claudio Bravo from Barcelona for an undisclosed fee.
It's that time again!
Let's all #WelcomeClaudio to Manchester City!
➡️ https://t.co/0u4QqLUsYT pic.twitter.com/oDlo6UwC6V
— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 25, 2016
The Chile international has put pen-to-paper on a four-year contract with Pep Guardiola’s side, with a rather towering £17.1million paid to Barcelona for the services of their former stopper – hardly chump change when you consider the player is 33-years of age.
Whilst City had been circulating around the goalkeeper in the following weeks, the deal was enabled by the Catalan side after sourcing a suitable replacement in the form of Dutch international Jasper Cillessen.
Bravo joins the citizens on the back of two league and cup doubles and Copa America titles over the past two seasons – not to mention that fact he boasts the highest distribution accuracy (86%) of any ‘keeper in Europe’s top five leagues last year. Music to the ears of his manager no doubt.
Speaking to the clubs official site, Bravo had this to say;
“I’m very proud to be joining Manchester City,”
“I know the club is building something very special and I hope I can be part of many successes in the coming years.
“I have followed City’s progress in recent years and obviously know some of my new team-mates from the Copa America.
“It is not easy to leave a club like Barcelona where I had two fantastic years, but the opportunity to work with Pep Guardiola was too good to refuse.
“Now I will challenge the other great goalkeepers the club has and together I hope we can win many trophies.”
City boss Guardiola added: “Claudio is a fantastic goalkeeper and an excellent addition to our squad.
“He has experience and great leadership qualities and is in the prime of his life. He is a goalkeeper I have admired for a number of years and I’m really happy he is now a City player.”
(Via Man City Twitter)