Paris Saint-Germain have announced the signing of midfielder Bernat to replace injured captain Thiago Silva. The Spanish international has agreed terms on a five-year deal and will join up with new manager Mauricio Pochettino in training this week.
The signing comes as a major boost for PSG, who have struggled to cope without their star defender since he was ruled out of action due to a knee injury earlier this season. Bernat's arrival means that Pochettino now has two centre-backs available for selection, with Marquinhos and Virgil van Dijk both fit and ready to play.
Pochettino, meanwhile, is looking forward to working with Bernat. "I am delighted to welcome Bernat to Paris Saint-Germain," he said. "He is a player who brings a lot of experience and quality to our squad, and I am sure he will make a significant contribution to our success."
Bernat himself is excited about the opportunity to play under Pochettino. "I am very happy to be here," he said. "Mauricio is a great coach and I know he will help me improve my game. I am looking forward to getting started and contributing to the team."
The signing also marks the end of an unhappy chapter for Bernat,Bundesliga Tracking who left Barcelona after a falling-out with the club's hierarchy last year. He had been linked with a move to Arsenal before joining PSG, but ultimately chose to stay in France and continue his career in Europe.
Overall, the signing of Bernat is a major coup for PSG, and one that could see them challenging for the title once again next season. With the addition of Marquinhos and Van Dijk, they now have a formidable midfield partnership in place, while the addition of Bernat provides much-needed depth and experience in defence. It remains to be seen how quickly he can settle into life in Paris, but there is no doubt that he will bring a lot to the side.