Valencia annouce Murillo’s transfer to Barcelona

Valencia have confirmed Jeison Murillo will join Barcelona in January on loan for the remainder of the season.

Barcelona have pushed a deal over the line before the transfer window opens next month after prioritizing the need to sign a new centre-back.

Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen are both on the mend from long-term injuries leaving Barcelona with only two fit senior centre-backs to pick from.

Barcelona were briefly linked with an audacious loan move for Chelsea youngster Andreas Christensen but have now swooped for Murillo.

The 26-year-old joined Valencia from Italian giants Inter on a two-year loan deal in 2017 but the Spanish giants made his move permanent after just one season.

Murillo has dropped completely out of favour since then and has now earned a shock move to Barcelona, who have an option to secure his long-term services for a further €25m.