TRANSFER NEWS: Barcelona sign Brazil defender Emerson Royal from Real Betis

Barcelona have made their third signing of the week with Brazil defender Emerson Royal joining from Real Betis after Argentina striker Sergio Aguero and Spain centre-back Eric Garcia joined.

The 22-year-old right-back initially joined Barcelona from Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro in January 2019 in a three-way deal also involving Betis, which saw the full-back join the Andalusian club on loan.

Barca have now exercised their option to bring Emerson back to the Nou Camp.

Officially announcing the switch on Wednesday, a Barca statement read: “FC Barcelona have informed Real Betis Balompie that they are exercising their right to bring back Emerson Royal from July 1 after two seasons on loan at the Andalusian club.

“Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil on 14 January 1999, Emerson Aparecido Leite de Souza Junior, better known as Emerson Royal, is an attacking right-back who will be involved in the upcoming Copa America with the Brazilian national team.

“The defender will bring pace and an attacking dimension to the right-wing as the Brazilian has scored five goals and created 10 assists with Betis, the club at which he has played since a three-way agreement was reached involving Atletico Mineiro in January 2019.”