Ernesto Valverde: 'Arturo Vidal can do very well at Barcelona'

Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has said that he is excited about midfielder Arturo Vidal's arrival at the club.

The La Liga giants announced on Friday evening that they had reached an agreement with Bayern Munich for the 31-year-old's transfer, with the move reportedly worth £27m.

Speaking to TEAMtalk, Valverde said that Vidal offers his side a new dimension in midfield.

"He's a player that we hope will give us energy in the midfield," the manager said. "He has plenty of experience, numbers that show he's played in many matches and made his mark in them, plus he's very aggressive. He can do very well for us. He's similar to Paulinho, a different profile to what we have.

"I understand the opinions [that he doesn't fit into Barca's style] or, better yet, I accept them. However, last year there was a lot of controversy when Paulinho arrived before anyone saw him play. After that, he did well for us. At a club like ours, there is room for everyone, regardless of their style.

"It's all about enriching our famous DNA and not moving away from it. Some arrive, they fit in and enrich it. Abidal is a perfect example and he fitted in perfectly. We hope he helps us at decisive moments in the Champions League. He has incredible statistics and is very consistent, no doubt."

Vidal is Barcelona's fourth signing of the transfer window, following the arrivals of Malcom, Clement Lenglet and Arthur.