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Spain and European champion "Barcelona" has finally found a replacement for Henrik Larsson. The news agency "Reuters" reports that on Wednesday the Catalonia super club will sign a four-year contract with the captain of the Icelandic national team and former forward Eidur Gudjohnsen. This news has also been confirmed by "Barcelona" itself.
Before that, the medical staff of "Barcelona" will still examine the health and physical capabilities of the Icelandic national team captain to withstand physical loads. The new club acquisition is expected to be presented at a press conference immediately after the end of the World Cup match between the Spanish and Ukrainian national teams in Germany.
According to various sources, "Barcelona" could pay "Chelsea" between 8 and 12 million euros for the Icelander, and E. Gudjohnsen will earn almost as much in Catalonia as in London - about 3 million euros per year.
In 2000, E. Gudjohnsen moved from "Bolton Wanderers" to London's "Chelsea". At that time, the London club paid 4 million euros for the forward.
The 27-year-old captain of the Icelandic national team spent six years in the ranks of the "blues" and played 263 matches. He has 78 goals to his name.
It was also reported in the world media that the Icelandic national team captain was wanted by "Manchester United," offering 12 million euros.
It is believed that Iceland did not go to Manchester because the strategist of the "blues," Jose Mourinho, unwilling to strengthen one of the biggest competitors in the Premier League, vetoed the permission to sell E. Gudjohnsen to "The Red Devils."
Immediately after "Chelsea" gave official permission on Tuesday evening to start negotiations with "Barcelona," E. Gudjohnsen went to the capital of Catalonia.
Iceland will be the first purchase of "Barcelona" this year.
It should be noted that after this season, Henrik Larsson left the club, returning home, and defender Gabri left for Amsterdam's "Ajax," along with former "Barcelona" assistant coach Henk Ten Cate.
It is reported that the team will still decide what to do with Maxi Lopez and Santi Ezquerro, who have not yet established themselves in the squad.
According to the latest reports, "Barcelona" has already agreed to loan Maxi to "Mallorca," although it was thought that the forward would supplement the squad of Tarragona's "Gymnastic" upon their return to La Liga.
