Barcelona confirm signing of Man Utd defender Ona Batlle
Ona Batlle will join Barcelona when her Manchester United contract expires at the end of the month, both clubs have confirmed.
90min had earlier reported in May that Batlle had reached an agreement to return to Barcelona.
Barcelona teased an announcement on Monday morning with a tweet comprising solely of a home emoji, reflected the fact that Batlle was born and raised in the local area and began her career in the club’s youth ranks from the age of 12.
That was soon followed by confirmation from both clubs, with Manchester United releasing a short statement which thanked Batlle for her service since 2020 and Barcelona sharing the first images of the player in their famous red and blue kit.
Batlle, who was recently named in Spain’s World Cup squad after choosing to make herself available for selection once more, has signed a contract with Barcelona until 2026.
T'estàvem esperant, Ona 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/UgszxuzTW7
— FC Barcelona Femení (@FCBfemeni) June 19, 2023
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“It has always been my dream to be in the Barça first team,” she said.
“It's true that I left, but I did it with the mindset that I could come back. I'm really looking forward to and excited to share the dressing room and experiences with the players I'll be with."
"For me, Barça has always been in my heart and it's not easy to say no. From the first moment I have had it in mind. I have a lot more experience than when I left. I've been travelling, even to England, where I've been very happy but I'm very happy to be able to come back and continue my career here. I will leave my skin there and enjoy it, which is the most important thing."
Batlle will compete with England star Lucy Bronze, who has just one year left on her contract, to become the club’s starting right-back. Alternatively, Batlle has proven her versatility over the years and is an equally capable left-back, a position Barcelona in which Barcelona lacked last season.
It marks a double blow for Manchester United, who confirmed the similar departure of star forward Alessia Russo last week. The England striker is expected to join Arsenal on a free transfer.