As Victor Valdes prepares to complete a move to Manchester United, we rank all the former Barcelona players currently in England…
Former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has accepted an offer to join Manchester United, according to reports made by the BBC. The Spain international, who has been training with United in his bid to recover from a serious knee injury, has agreed an 18-month contract.
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Valdes will become the latest in a long-line of Premier League players to have played for the Spanish giants. Below, we rank and rate the ten other former Catalan stars currently plying their trade in England’s top division:
10) Hector Bellerin (Arsenal)
The 19 year-old full-back began his career with Barcelona, playing as part of the academy between 2003 and 2011, before joining Arsenal. Made his Premier League debut in 2013, and has been called upon more regularly this season.
9) Jordi Gomez (Sunderland)
Remained with Barcelona until 2008 but never made into the first team. Eventually joined Swansea City on loan, before spells with Wigan and now Sunderland – whom he joined in the summer transfer window.
8) Marc Muniesa (Stoke City)
The young defender did make two first-team appearances for Barcelona before joining Stoke in 2013. Has started to become an important player for Mark Hughes’ side this season, and has even scored a couple of goals.
7) Alex Song (West Ham United)
The Cameroon midfielder joined Barcelona from Arsenal, but returned to the Premier League on loan in the summer transfer window. He has proved a crucial addition for the Hammers, helping their brilliant start to the campaign.
6) Bojan Krkic (Stoke City)
Scored 26 goals in over 100 league appearances for Barcelona before disappointing spells with Roma, AC Milan and Ajax. But has looked decent at Stoke so far this season, chipping in with several useful goals.
5) Samuel Eto’o (Everton)
Scored 108 goals in 145 league games for Barcelona during one of their most successful periods, before enjoying further success at Inter Milan. Moved to the Premier League with Chelsea last season, before joining Everton.
4) Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s club captain was another never to make a first-team appearance for Barcelona, instead joining Rangers in 2002. From there he joined Everton, before making it to the Gunners in 2011, helping them win the FA Cup last year.
3) Cesc Fabregas (Cheslea)
The Spanish midfielder joined, or rather re-joined Barcelona from Arsenal in 2011, but never quite reached top form at the Camp Nou, and moved on again, this time to Chelsea, during the summer transfer window.
2) Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
Another player who never reached his full potential at Barca, having joined the club from Udinese in 2011. He joined Arsenal this summer, and has been a huge hit at the Emirates Stadium, already scoring ten league goals.
1) Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
Never really stood out at Barcelona, but came into his own after joining City, helping them to two Premier League titles in three years, an FA Cup and a League Cup. Has scored 45 league goals from midfield in 153 games.
SEE ALSO: Manchester United transfer news