Barça show belief in Valdés
Friday, July 15, 2005
Article summary
Spanish champions FC Barcelona have agreed to extend the contract of No1 goalkeeper Víctor Valdés until 2010.
Article body
'Ensuring continuity'
Barcelona expect the 23-year-old to sign the deal in the next few days, possibly during the club's pre-season tour of Denmark. Sporting director Aitor 'Txiki' Beguiristain said: "This is another step forward in our aim of ensuring continuity among the players who form the spine of the team." As part of the new terms, Barça have quadrupled Valdés's buy-out fee from €25m to €100m.
Undisputed No1
Valdés, a homegrown product, made his debut in the 2-2 draw with Club Atlético de Madrid in September 2002. Last season, he consolidated his No1 status, making 35 league appearances and playing all of the club's UEFA Champions League matches en route to the last 16.
Mario loan
Meanwhile, the 2005/06 Champions League group-stage entrants have announced that defender Mario Álvarez will continue on loan with Segunda División side Real Valladolid in the coming campaign.
