Bundesliga side RB Leipzig have announced the signing of Ilaix Moriba from Spanish side Barcelona.
The deal is reportedly worth an initial €16 million but could rise to €22 million with bonuses.
With the Guinea-born midfielder’s deal set to expire next year, Barca opted to cash in on their youth product rather than risk losing him for free next summer.
Moriba graduated to Barca’s senior squad in January after 11 years in the club’s academy ranks, but ultimately decided against extending his contract at Camp Nou.
The 18-year-old had reported interest from the Premier League but instead opted to continue his career in Germany.
“I’m very happy to be able to join RB Leipzig,” Moriba told the club’s official website.
“It’s a very exciting club, one that has always preferred to play attacking football, which fits perfectly to me.
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“I’m confident that Leipzig is the right place for me to take the next step in my career and continue my development, which is what informed my decision.
“Now, my full focus is on settling in at the club, within the team and the city in order to be able to play to my best as quickly as possible. We have big goals this season and I can’t wait to take on this challenge at Leipzig.”
Earlier on in the summer, Barcelona president Joan Laporta indicated that Moriba had failed to compromise in negotiations over a renewal during a press conference.
The contract disagreement led to Moriba being exiled from the Blaugrana squad and their B team.
He joins Leipzig who finished second in the Bundesliga after trying but failing to catch up with eventual champions Bayern Munich.
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