Oleguer signs new deal at Barça
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Article summary
FC Barcelona have agreed a new contract with Oleguer Presas, while loaning Sergio García to Levante UD.
Article body
Another four years
Oleguer's new deal will run until June 2008 and Barcelona have increased the his buy-out fee to €30m. The 24-year-old joined from UEA Gramenet and after spending the 2001/02 season with the Barcelona B team, he made his senior debut for the Catalans in November 2002. Together with Rafael Márquez, he will likely form coach Frank Rijkaard's first-choice central defensive partnership for the coming campaign.
First-team experience
García, meanwhile, has opted to spend a year gaining first-team experience with Primera División newcomers Levante rather than face another season on the bench at Camp Nou. He made just four first-team appearances last season and Barcelona have included a clause in his contract ensuring that he plays a minimum number of matches for Bernd Schuster's side.
Potential
The 21-year-old played an important role in helping Spain to the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship final and Barcelona acknowledged his potential in March when they extended his contract until June 2007.
