Barcelona B complete their first signing of the season, as attacking midfielder Joan Angel Roman (19) joins from the ranks of Premier League champions Manchester City. Joan Angel signs for three seasons, until June 2015, and will have a buyout clause of 12 million euros.

Joan Angel Roman’s contract with Manchester City came to an end this summer, and Barcelona will only have to pay a small training fee to Manchester City, as is mandatory under FIFA regulations to provide a compensation to parent clubs of all U23 players leaving on a free transfer.

The board member responsible for the B team, Jordi Mestre and sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta were present at the signing, alongside the player, his family and representative Esteve Calzada.

Versatile and skilful midfielder

Born in Reus in 1993, Joan Àngel Román is a versatile and skilful midfielder and has the ability to beat a man on either wing or play in the middle or just behind a striker. After a few years in the Espanyol academy, he moved to Manchester City and joined their under 16 team. He played against Barça’s Youth A team this season in the Miniestadi as part of the NextGen Series. Román has been an international at all the youth levels for Spain.

“Being in England for three years has helped me to mature a lot and to become physically stronger,” admitted the B team’s first signing of the season, who went on to comment that he was very happy to come to the Club and “I’m raring to start and start learning. When I heard Barça were interested in me, that was my priority. I can assure you that I’ll work hard and give everything I can out on the pitch.”

Source: fcbarcelona.cat