Barcelona, Aug 30 (IANS) FC Barcelona on Tuesday ended their fourth striker hunt as they signed Valencia striker Paco Alcácer for five football seasons for a transfer fee of around 30 million euros ($33.4 million).
Barcelona were in search mode for a back-up option for the attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Lui Suarez and Neymar and have landed Alcacer, who has a proven track record in La Liga.
"FC Barcelona's latest signing Paco Alcácer, previously at Valencia CF, comes on a five-year contract. FC Barcelona will pay Valencia 30 million plus 2 million in variables for the 23-year-old player," a statement from Barcelona read.
"The buy-out clause in Alcácer's contract is set at 100 million euros. The striker has passed his medical and has now signed a contract with FC Barcelona."
Alcácer becomes the first striker signed this summer by Luis Enrique's team following defenders Samuel Umtiti and Lucas Digne, midfielders André Gomes and Denis Suárez and goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen to the Catalan giants.
Alcacer told Valencia's official website: "When I found out about the offer from FC Barcelona I asked the club to listen to it, as it was my decision to take a step forward in my career."
He added: "I want to thank Valencia CF and the fans. Despite the fact that I am leaving Valencia CF, I will always be a Valencianista at heart."
The striker born in Torrent, Valencia in 1993, has always stood out for goalscoring ability. Alcácer has played 146 matches in two spells at Valencia and a season on loan at Getafe.
After making his debut for Valencia in 2010/11, he spent 2012/13 at the Madrid club, playing 23 matches and scoring four goals. He returned to Valencia and reached a total of 43 goals in all competitions after two more seasons with his local club.
He made his international debut on September 4, 2014 for the Spanish national team under the stewardship of Vicente del Bosque in a friendly against France. Up until now the new Barcelona striker has made 13 appearances for Spain, scoring six goals.
--IANS
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