Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Turkish international Arda Turan completed the move from Athletico Madrid to Barcelona on July 7 PHT for an initial fee of €34 million.
Turan’s move to Catalan came amidst reports that English champions Chelsea were also in the running for his services.
Though the move has been completed, Turan can only take the field for Barcelona starting January 2016, due to a transfer ban imposed by FIFA for breaching regulations over the signing of under-aged players.
The 28-year old’s transfer came after the departure of Barca legend Xavi for Qatar’s Al Sadd.
Following his move to Athletico from Galatasaray in 2011, Turan made 127 appearances for the Madrid-based club and led them to a La Liga title in 2014, a Europa League title, and the Copa del Rey in 2013.
