Barca take up buyback option on midfielder Denis Suarez

Madrid, July 5 (IANS) FC Barcelona confirmed on Monday that they have taken up their option to buy back midfielder Denis Suarez from Villarreal for 3.25 million euros ($3.6 million).

Suarez returns to the Camp Nou Stadium on a four year deal with the option of a fifth and with a buyout clause set at 50 million euros, Xinhua reported.

The deal means the former Celta, Manchester City and Barca-B team player returns to Barcelona two years after joining Sevilla on a loan deal and then being sold to Villarreal.

Suarez scored five goals and gave 11 assists in 48 appearances for Villarreal last season and was key in helping the club finish fourth in the Spanish league table and reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.

He was included among the promising young players named by Vicente del Bosque with Spain's preparations for this summer's European Championship and made his international debut in a preparation game against Bosnia-Herzegovina on May 29.

A skillful player with pace and excellent vision, Suarez could be viewed as a long-term replacement to 31-year-old Andres Iniesta and will add youth and talent to Luis Enrique's squad for next season.

--IANS

sku/