Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure has joined FC Barcelona from French club Monaco for £6 million (US$ 12m).
Midfielder Toure, 24, who is the younger brother of Arsenal defender Kolo Toure, signed a 4 year deal after passing his medical Tuesday.
He played for Belgium′s Beveren and Ukraine′s Metalurg Donetsk before joining Monaco from Greek club Olympiakos last year.
Toure follows Thierry Henry to Barca, after the Frenchman signed Monday.
Toure asked Barcelona TV, "It′s a good opportunity for me because Barcelona are one of the best teams in the world."
FC Barcelona are bidding to strengthen their side after losing out to arch rivals Real Madrid in the title race.
Barcelona are also in talks with AS Roma over their Romanian international centre back Cristian Chivu.
26 June 2007
Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure will join Barcelona in a 4 year deal from Monaco subject to a medical, the Primera Liga club mentioned Monday.
FC Barcelona mentioned they had reached an agreement with the French 1st division club that Toure could be presented to the media at 1100 GMT Tuesday.
They did not reveal how much they had agreed to pay for the player however Spanish media reported that it was more than tenmillion euros ($13.46 million).
Toure, younger brother of Arsenal defender Kolo Toure, is the 2nd player to join Barcelona since they were pipped to the Spanish title by arch rivals Real Madrid a week ago.
France forward Thierry Henry signed a 4 year deal for the Catalans earlier Monday after completing a 24 million euro move from Arsenal.
Toure, who has played for Belgium′s Beveren and Ukraine′s Metalurg Donetsk, joined Monaco from Olympiakos last year. He is rated one of the most promising defensive midfielders in Europe.
Barcelona are also in talks with AS Roma over their Romanian international centre back Cristian Chivu.
