Government clarifies Al Mana aviation fuel project at Sokhna based on usufruct, not land sale    Lebanese Army Commander Rudolf Heikal holds critical security talks in Paris    Egypt partners with global firms to localise medical imaging technology    The Long Goodbye: Your Definitive Guide to the Festive Season in Egypt (Dec 19 – Jan 7)    Helwan Castings to manufacture unique strategic products for Middle East markets    Al-Sisi affirms support for Sudan's sovereignty and calls for accountability over conflict crimes    Egypt flags red lines, urges Sudan unity, civilian protection    EGX closes in red zone on 18 Dec.    "Property Egypt" platform launched to drive foreign currency inflows    Egypt, Jordan renew electricity exchange agreement for 2026    Oil prices rise on Thursday    Egypt's Al-Sisi offers to host talks to support DRC peace process in call with Tshisekedi    Egypt's Abdelatty proposes hospital project, infrastructure support in Gambia    Egypt explores opportunities to expand sustainable environmental investment in natural reserves    Egypt, China discuss sustainable Gaza ceasefire and Sudan truce    Central Bank of Egypt, Medical Emergencies, Genetic and Rare Diseases Fund renew deal for 3 years    Egypt's SPNEX Satellite successfully enters orbit    Egypt unveils restored colossal statues of King Amenhotep III at Luxor mortuary temple    Egyptian Golf Federation appoints Stuart Clayton as technical director    4th Egyptian Women Summit kicks off with focus on STEM, AI    Egypt's PM reviews major healthcare expansion plan with Nile Medical City    UNESCO adds Egyptian Koshari to intangible cultural heritage list    UNESCO adds Egypt's national dish Koshary to intangible cultural heritage list    Egypt calls for inclusive Nile Basin dialogue, warns against 'hostile rhetoric'    Egypt recovers two ancient artefacts from Belgium    Egypt, Saudi nuclear authorities sign MoU to boost cooperation on nuclear safety    Giza master plan targets major hotel expansion to match Grand Egyptian Museum launch    Australia returns 17 rare ancient Egyptian artefacts    China invites Egypt to join African duty-free export scheme    Egypt warns of erratic Ethiopian dam operations after sharp swings in Blue Nile flows    Egypt golf team reclaims Arab standing with silver; Omar Hisham Talaat congratulates team    Egypt launches Red Sea Open to boost tourism, international profile    Sisi expands national support fund to include diplomats who died on duty    Egypt's PM reviews efforts to remove Nile River encroachments    Egypt resolves dispute between top African sports bodies ahead of 2027 African Games    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Barcelona agree to sign Vermaelen from Arsenal
Reuters Published in Ahram Online on 09 - 08 - 2014

Barcelona have moved to strengthen their defence by agreeing to sign Belgium centre back Thomas Vermaelen from Arsenal on a five-year contract, the La Liga club said on Saturday.
Barca did not publish any financial details on their website (www.fcbarcelona.es) but Spanish media said they had agreed to pay about 19 million euros ($25.48 million) for Vermaelen.
The 28-year-old defender joined Arsenal in 2009 after a nine-year stint at Ajax Amsterdam and quickly became a fan favourite while also being promoted to club captain.
Vermaelen's career has been hampered by injury and he made only 21 appearances in the 2013-14 season after falling behind Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker in the pecking order.
Barca's defence was a weak point last season, when they failed to win major silverware for the first time in six years, and coach Gerardo Martino was replaced by former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Luis Enrique.
Vermaelen will compete for a place with Spain international Gerard Pique, Frenchman Jeremy Mathieu, who joined last month from Valencia, and Barca academy graduate Marc Bartra.
Javier Mascherano has mostly played in central defence since joining Barcelona from Liverpool in 2010 but after his performances in midfield for Argentina at the World Cup he is widely expected to feature there for the club next term.
Barca start the La Liga campaign, when they will be chasing a fifth title in seven years, at home to Elche on Aug. 24.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.)
http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/108106.aspx

Clic here to read the story from its source.