Barrios returns to Europe with Spartak

FC Spartak Moskva have signed Paraguay striker Lucas Barrios from China's Guangzhou Evergrande FC for a reported fee of €7m.

Barrios, 28, has penned a three-year deal with the Russian Premier-Liga leaders. "Spartak are the biggest club in Russia and well-known in Europe for competing in the Champions League and Europa League," said the Argentinian-born player.

Barrios won two German titles and scored 39 goals in 83 Bundesliga appearances during a spell with Borussia Dortmund between 2009 and 2012. "I have never played against Russian teams in official matches, but I know some Spartak players from other leagues. For example, [new signing] Tino Costa and also [former FC Schalke 04 midfielder] José Manuel Jurado, who I faced in Germany's Ruhr derby."

Barrios has registered six goals in 23 international outings and was named the best player in Paraguay in 2010. He is the capital club's fourth addition this summer, following the acquisitions of Denis Glushakov, Costa and Araz Özbiliz.

Spartak were paired with FC St Gallen in the UEFA Europa League play-off draw, with the first leg taking place in Switzerland on 22 August.