Marc Bartra will leave Barcelona after Borussia Dortmund activated the player’s €8 million release clause, Barcelona confirmed .
La Masia graduate Bartra has been a first-team squad member at Barca for six years, playing more than 100 senior games, but without ever really nailing down a first-team spot.
“FC Barcelona announce that German club Borussia Dortmund have informed them of their desire to activate the buy out clause for the player Marc Bartra, according to which the Club is obliged to facilitate the transfer of the player for the price of 8 million euros,” the statement said.
The 25-year-old had been fifth choice for Barca coach Luis Enrique behind Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Thomas Vermaelen and Jeremy Mathieu during the 2015-16 season, completing 90 minutes just seven times across all competitions over the campaign.
Bartra last week said that playing so few games last season meant his release clause had been reduced to just €8m, which fueled initial speculation from potential suitors such as Tottenham, Liverpool, Valencia and Sevilla.
Barcelona director Robert Fernandez said on Thursday that defender Dani Alves was also leaving after winning 23 titles in eight years with the Spanish champions, while striker Neymar was set to renew his contract.
Dortmund was also busy on Thursday, with midfielder Ilkay Gundogan joining Manchester City on a four-year deal.
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