Mascherano seals Barcelona switch

Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Javier Mascherano from Liverpool.

The Argentinean midfielder has signed a four-year deal with the Spanish side following the successful completion of a medical earlier today.

Liverpool, who were hoping to hold onto Mascherano, reluctantly accepted a $27 million offer for the player.

The midfielder had made no secret of his desire to move away from Anfield and earlier this summer had already looked set for a move to Inter Milan. When that proposed move fell through it was thought that Mascherano may stay with the Merseyside club for another season.

However, the Catalan giants made an official approach for the player late last week and negotiations got under way immediately with the player and club accepting the offer soon after.

The Argentinean will be unveiled later this week and is set to fill the defensive gap left in midfield following Yaya Toure’s departure to Manchester City earlier this summer.