This was definitely a close race between Inter Milan and Barcelona as both clubs were hoping in landing the Argentinian from Premier League club Liverpool. Although Inter Milan did put in a offer for Liverpool first since it was known that Hodgson has decided to sell the player only for the right price, Barcelona were still able to sign Mascherano as the Spanish champions went on to announce the signing on their official site.
With both sides having agreed to a deal that will see Mascherano at Camp Nou for 4-years, the price for Mascherano has not been stated. It was however said that Liverpool were holding out for a fee of €30.5 million for his services but various Spanish reports are stating that Barcelona set their price at €22 million.
Regardless of how much the deal was, it was definitely a big blow to Inter Milan who were hoping in signing the midfielder.
Roy Hodgson was hoping to keep Mascherano at Liverpool and even stated that he will not be looking into selling him but after Mascherano refused to play for the English club, Hodgson pretty much had his hands tied up and selling the 26-year old was the right thing to do for the club.
Mascherano will now be partnered up with Argentina National teammate Lionel Messi who urged Barca to sign his fellow teammate and it seemed to work. Both players could not be any happier as they are really good friends and playing along-side each other at Barcelona will just make the Spanish champions look even more dangerous as they look to defend their title.
It’s a great day for the Barca fans as they went on to acquire Mascherano who is definitely one of the best in his positions.
Happy to see Mascherano make the switch to Barcelona ? Expecting big things from the midfielder ? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.