Topics: Transfer, Barcelona, Real Betis, Junior Firpo, Real Madrid
The Blaugrana have secured the service of the one of last season's breakthrough stars in La Liga.

La Liga champions Barcelona has reached an agreement with Real Betis for the signing of Spain U21 left-back Junior Firpo. The Blaugrana will pay Los Verdiblancos €30 million  after seemingly beating off competition from rivals Real Madrid to secure the signature of the explosive full-back.

As per the reports from Spain, the 22-year-old was identified as a priority signing for Ernesto Valverde's side who were in the market to recruit the potential successor of the ageing Jordi Alba. At the age of 30, the former Valencia defender has been devoid of active competition for some time now, hence the need for his side to consider the possibility of giving him one in the upcoming season.

Junior Firpo has been touted as prospective star in Spain after impressing for Real Betis last season. Having attracted interest from a host of top European clubs including Real Madrid and Manchester United, the defender topped up his performance by helping Spain secure the European Under-21 Championship in June this year.

The left-back had a release clause of €50 million and Betis were initially thought to holding put for €35 million. Barcelona's opening bid was reportedly rejected but significant headway has been made with Catalan publication Sport revealing that an offer €18 million plus €12 million in add-ons has been accepted.

Multiple reports also claim that Coach Ernesto Valverde wanted Junior Firpo's signing done before Barcelona left for the United States on Monday. On Sunday, the Spanish defender was unveiling by the Catalans and the player is expected to join his team-mates for the upcoming games against Napoli in Miami and Michigan.

An official statement by Barcelona reads: "Barcelona and Real Betis have reached an agreement for the transfer of Junior Firpo for an amount of 18 million euros plus 12 million euros in variables.

"The player will sign a contract with the club for the next five seasons, until June 30, 2024, with a termination clause of 200 million euros.

"On Sunday, the player will accompany, during the Peñas World Congress, the rest of the new additions to the first team squad for the 2019/20 season."