Barcelona adds another free transfer with Arsenal’s Héctor Bellerín

The latest Barcelona addition in a busy transfer window is Arsenal wing-back Héctor Bellerín. The Spaniard’s contract is a significant pay cut, and it only lasts one season at Camp Nou. 

Barcelona does not pay any transfer fee to the Gunners. That being said, Arsenal included a 25% sell-on clause in the deal. Should Barcelona sell the forward in the future, Arsenal receives a quarter of that fee.

Bellerín is a natural replacement for Sergiño Dest. The American right back departed Barcelona earlier in the day, joining AC Milan on a loan deal.

Héctor Bellerín joins FC Barcelona

Earlier in his career, Bellerín garnered acclaim for being one of the top full back prospects in Europe. However, a significant knee injury in January 2019 dealt a hammer blow to his stock and value at the Emirates. Yet, a loan spell with Real Betis in the previous campaign showed great progress in the Spanish international’s return to form.

Betis emerged as the favorites to acquire the defender on a permanent deal during this summer transfer window. Nevertheless, Barcelona gets their man at the back via Héctor Bellerín. With Dest gone, the now-former Arsenal player likely receives a wealth of opportunities this season in Spain and Europe.

Previously a mainstay in Arsenal’s defense, Bellerín fell down the pecking order at his position by manager Mikel Arteta. In fact, usual center back Ben White started every match for Arsenal at the right back position while Takehiro Tomiyasu has recovered from injury. Cedric Soares is also a right back option for Arteta at Arsenal.

Now 27, Bellerín will look to build off of his successful season with Betis last year. The right back rejoins Barca after being on Arsenal’s books for the last 11 years. Bellerín was previously in Barca’s youth setup up until 2011.

The fullback could make his senior debut for the club on Saturday, when Barca play away to Sevilla. Bellerín could also make his home debut for his hometown club on Tuesday, when Barca faces Viktoria Plzeň in their first Champions League game of the 2022/23 campaign.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire