Done & Dusted, Barcelona Finally Sign Villa!

By Dominic Vieira, reporting from Portugal

David Villa's imminent transfer to Spanish champions FC Barcelona was finally completed today. Over the past two years he’s been heavily linked with a move to the Camp Nou and this time a £34.2m (40 million euros) offer was too good for the financially unstable Valencia to refuse. David Villa has become the 7th most expensive player in history, the most valuable Spaniard of all time. The 28 year old was also being closely monitored by arch rivals Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United.

The former Valencia striker will undergo medical tests tomorrow and presented to the fans on Friday. He will be handed the number 7 shirt, his favourite number which was previously worn by Eidur Gudjohnsen. Villa will soon be departing to Austria along with his new team mates to commence Spain’s World Cup preparations.

David Villa is one of Europe’s most prolific strikers and renowned for his killer finishing abilities, his eyes are always focused on the goal and rarely misses inside the box. His speed is one of his key physical features which enables him to skip past defenders easily, he will have no problems adapting to the team. This season Villa has maintained his consistent prolific form, scoring 28 goals in 42 official matches. He is an indisputable starting player in the national team and is expected to be one of the stars and top scorers at the World Cup.

The Man Guardiola Needed?

The majority of Barcelona’s goals this season were scored between Messi and Pedro, non of whom play as strikers. Unfortunately, Zlatan Ibrahimovic who is the starting striker in the 4-3-3 formation, was not able to emulate Samuel Etoo’s goal scoring form and efficiency.

Guardiola has been searching for a striker who is capable of delivering goals, each game a number of crosses and passes are directed to the striker and not enough goals are returned. David Villa’s main objective next season is to score and his record proves that he won’t let the team down. Finally, 40 million euros is not expensive for a player of his calibre and stature. Real Madrid paid 42 million euros for Benzema and he has had a nightmare season at the Bernabéu.

Villa and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are two completely different players and it’s a huge advantage to have them both. Barcelona’s style is becoming predictable and after Inter completely shut them down in the Champions League semi-final, Guardiola needs to have a plan B up his sleeve. By having these two strikers at his disposal, he is able to field a solid and offensive 4-4-2. Switching to this formation can increase attacking options, channels and surprise the opposition. Zlatan and David could create a lethal striking partnership. Or does Pep have a different vision?

The End of Ibracadabra’s Magic?

The big debate circulating Catalunya at the moment is whether Zlatan Ibrahimovic will remain with the team next season. The Swede cost the club a record 69 million euros plus Eto'o. He has not lived up to the high expectations and has underperformed this season. Despite scoring 21 goals from a total 41 games, Ibrahimovic has endured numerous problems adapting to the team and style of play. The arrival of David Villa will most likely shift Zlatan to the bench, a place he will not enjoy sitting. But the competition for a starting place can be essential for his confidence, development and form.

Ibrahimovic’s agent has reassured him today that he will be plying his trade at the Camp Nou next season and I don’t think he should leave. Ibra is a rare breed of footballers, he’s not a natural goalscorer, never was and never will be. However, he brings an entire new dimension to the team. His unique style, elegant touch and vision have changed Barcelona’s attacking force. If he’s not scoring the goals, he normally plays a key role in the creation of them by contributing with his smooth passes and slick flicks. We must also remember that he started the season injured and it takes time to adapt from the Italian league to La Liga. I am confident Ibrahimovic will step up next season and produce his beautiful magic.

Next On The List: Cesc Fàbregas

The rumours have been going on for one week and sooner or later Cesc Fàbregas will return home, to FC Barcelona. Last season speculation was growing, but now Barcelona seem determined to sign the Arsenal captain. Can you imagine a midfield composed of Fàbregas, Xavi and Iniesta? 

50 million euros appears to be the asking price Arsenal are chasing and the Catalans have the funds. But, the real question is: Is he ready to move? Cesc is the driving force of Arsenal, the heart and soul of the team, the captain. The lack of silverware is probably one of the factors why he wants to leave, all footballers want to be champions.

Cesc is the pioneer of Arsenal and they wouldn’t be the same without him, but if the man wants to leave, I think the club should respect his decision. After all, maybe Zlatan or Yaya Touré can be included in the deal.

Have your say: Is David Villa a good signing for Barcelona? Should Fàbregas join Barcelona?