FC Barcelona News: 16 August 2011; Barca Sign Fabregas and Rodri, AC Milan Want Thiago

Cesc Fabregas signs until 2016 | FCBarcelona.cat
Cesc has finally joined FC Barcelona, after signing a contract for the next five seasons. His buyout clause will be 200 million Euros. It was just after 13.00 when Cesc Fabregas signed his contract with FC Barcelona that will keep him at the club for the next five seasons, meaning that Cesc will be wearing the Barça shirt until 2016.

Cesc Fàbregas: "It’s the toughest challenge of my life" | FCBarcelona.cat
"I'm ready to take on whatever role I’m given. I’ve chosen the harder path, but the most rewarding for me" said a Cesc Fabregas with very clear ideas. He also explained that coming to Barça, and weighing up the other options, "is the toughest challenge of my life". His initial goal, however, is "to improve a little what is already the best team in the world".

Cesc back in Barca's bosom - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
When a 13-year-old Cesc Fabregas was upset by the divorce proceedings his parents were undergoing, he received a gift from his idol Pep Guardiola - a signed first-team shirt that had scrawled on it: "One day you will be Barcelona's No.4."

Sevilla’s Rodri set to undergo medical ahead of Barcelona switch - Goal.com
"Sevilla FC forward Rodri will be in Barcelona [Monday evening] to have his medical. Barcelona are interested in the player to join their B team. "As the first stage of the process in terms of leading to an agreement between the clubs, Rodri will have a medical, as is always the case in these types of moves."

La Liga - Milan make Thiago enquiry - Yahoo! Eurosport
AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has revealed he has contacted the agent of Barcelona's Thiago Alcantara over a possible move to the San Siro but his advances were rebuffed. The 20-year-old midfielder has been in great form in pre-season for Barca and he is been labelled as a natural successor to the likes of Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez at the Nou Camp.

Atletico Madrid sign Dong Thap's Samson Kayode and loan him out to Sporting Braga - report - Goal.com
Atletico Madrid have snared striker Samson Kayode from Vietnamese side Dong Thap, according to a report in Marca. The 22-year-old Nigerian move to the Vicente Calderon on a free transfer after two years at the Vietnamese club, with the player reportedly coming to Atletico's attention through one of their scouts.

Rubin snap up Valdez | Sky Sports | Football | Primera Division | News
Valdez, who is believed to have cost Rubin €5million (£4.3m) has signed a four-year contract with the Russian outfit. Hercules were relegated to the Segunda division at the end of last season and their poor financial state meant they had to cash in on the striker.