Barcelona have completed the signing of midfielder Irene Paredes to bring the Spanish international back home after spending the last five years in France with Paris Saint-Germain.
Paredes is the third big catch of the week for Barça Femeni after the arrival of the Norwegian midfielder Ingrid Engen and the Swedish striker Fridolina Rolfo, both from Wolfsburg.
Paredes, who has been selected by Spain at two world championships (2015, 2019) and two European Championships (2013, 2017), has signed a two-year contract until the summer of 2023.
Earlier by Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao earlier in his career, the 30-year-old was part of the PSG side that eventually broke Lyons’ domestic and European dominance last season, breaking the league title away from the French giants and knocking them out of the Champions League.
“I’m glad to come to a club that has just made history. I am here to contribute and hope that the team can become even stronger, says Paredes to Barça TV.
“It’s a completely different team than the one I used to meet with Athletic about five years ago. Anyone can see that it has been grown as a club and individually. The players have worked hard but they have got the results. ”
“I talked to many players on the national team. They have said good things about the club and its plans, and they obviously helped me make my decision. ”
Barcelona’s strong recruitment makes it clear that the club does not want to rest on its laurels after a historic triple victory season 2020/21, which made them throw Chelsea in the Champions League final to lift the trophy for the first time.
Paredes is an experienced midfielder at the highest level / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
The absence of Andrea Pereira through suspension in the final forced Barça to a change that saw midfielder Patri Guijarro partner Mapi Leon in central defense. Parede’s arrival will only strengthen the depth in that position as the clubs look set to retain their titles in 2021/22.
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