BARCELONA SIGNS JORDI ALBA FROM VALENCIA.

Football Club Barcelona has completed the signing of  Valencia and Spanish left back Jordi Alba for a fee of £11million beating the likes of Manchester United for his signature. A Barcelona statement on the club's website read: 'Barcelona announce that today they reached an agreement with Valencia for the transfer of Jordi Alba, who will undergo his medical next week'.


Jordi Alba In La Furia Roja Colours.

'The cost of the operation will be 14million euros and the player will sign a contract for the next five seasons.'

Attacking left-back Alba, whose contract with Valencia was due to expire in June 2013, is no stranger to Barcelona.

Born in the Catalan city of L'Hospitalet, Alba spent seven years at Barca's famous La Masia youth academy from 1998 to 2005.The ex-Valencia man played in Barça’s youth system for six years and now, at the age of 23, he has returned as an established footballer. He’s a solid left back, a gifted passer and adept at going forward.

These qualities were evident when he was honing his skills at La Masia. Alba joined Barça’s youth system in 1999, at the age of 10. His first manager was Félix Sánchez. During his time at Barça he played on teams that featured Bojan, Fran Mérida and the Dos Santos brothers. His first spell with Barça ended in 2005. He played the entire year in the Cadete B (U15) team, despite it being his second season in that age group. His small stature was a handicap in divisions where physical prowess is often important.

Louis Van Gaal, First-Team Manager At The Time, And Jordi Alba In 2002.

The left back continued his career near of his hometown, Cornellà. In his first year as a U18 player he made his debut for Baix Llobregat. He quickly caught the eye of Valencia, who signed him in 2006. After two years playing for the Valencia Juvenil (U18) team and the reserve side, he was loaned out to Nàstic (Second Division) for the 2008/09 season. When he returned to Valencia, he slowly won the confidence of Unai Emery and established himself in the starting XI of his team, and at the same time, the starting left back of the Spanish national side.

With his signing, the Azulgrana's now have a worthy replacement for former French international left back, Eric Abidal who underwent a liver transplant earlier this year and is doubtbul for a return to active football. It will be interesting to see how new Barcelona Manager, Tito Vilanova sets up his team as he attempts to wrest the Spanish La Liga title from arch rivals Real Madrid next season.