Barcelona have completed the signing of another former Manchester City player, as right-back Alpha Dionkou has joined on loan from Granada.
Dionkou, 20, left City in the summer for Granada after almost 100 appearances for the Blues at academy level. Last season, he was registered as a member of City's Champions League squad and was a regular in first-team training. While he never made a senior appearance, he was named on the bench twice in Carabao Cup games.
However, with the path to a first-team right-back spot limited by Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo, Dionkou left City in the summer to join Granada in La Liga. A loan to San Fernando CD followed this season, where he made 14 appearances, and now he has been confirmed to have joined Barcelona on loan without making an appearance for Granada.
Barcelona say they have the option to sign Dionkou permanently in the summer, and he will join their 'B' side for the second half of the campaign. He joins Eric Garcia, Ferran Torres and Sergio Aguero in signing for Barcelona having been at City in the last year.
“I’m a fast, hard-working player and I’m coming to Barcelona to learn and improve” he told Barcelona's website, while he posted on Instagram: "Grateful for the opportunity to wear these colors. Start the challenge!"
His post was met with messages of support from former City teammates James McAtee, Romeo Lavia, Finley Burns, Luke Mbete, Darko Gyabi, Juan Larios and current Barcelona defender Eric Garcia.
When he left City in the summer, Dionkou said: "It is time to close a chapter on my career. I only have words of gratitude to everyone I have met in this great club. This constant support has helped me to become a better person.
"You have given me the opportunity to fulfill my dream. I feel privileged to have worn the shirt of this amazing club during this time.
"The time has come to continue growing as a professional and seek new horizons that allow me to grow as a footballer. Thank you Cityzens [sic]."
