FC Barcelona News: 6 July 2012; Jordi Alba Signs Contract, Thiago Ruled Out of Olympic Games

Jordi Alba signs his contract with FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona
The first signing of the 2012/13 season is official. A few minutes ago, Jordi Alba Ramos signed his new contract in the FC Barcelona offices, which binds him to the club for until the end of the 2016/17 season. The buyout clause has been set at 90 million euros.

10,000 fans greet Jordi Alba at the Camp Nou | FC Barcelona
This afternoon, FC Barcelona’s new left back, who learned to play football in the Club’s youth system, donned the Barça strip for the first time since he left the club. This Thursday Jordi Alba trotted out onto the pitch with the number 18 on his back to the delight of the more than 10,000 fans that came to the Camp Nou to see Barça’s new signing.

Jordi Alba: "I believed in myself" | FC Barcelona
Sporting a giant smile across his face, Jordi Alba simply couldn’t hide his joy throughout his first press conference as an Azulgrana. "I’m happy to come home, with my family and my people. I’ve realised my dream," he said to the press with vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu and football director Andoni Zubizarreta at his side.

Alba passes medical | FC Barcelona
He was at Barcelona Hospital before 9.00 for resonance, X-rays and blood and urine tests. He then moved on to the Centre Mèdic de la Ciutat Esportiva, where he had a number of strength and resistance tests to take, as well as being measured and weighed, as well as undergoing densitometry, cardiology and muscular echography.

Thiago suffers Olympic woe - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
"Tests were conducted today to assess the state of Thiago's tibia injury and confirmed that the injury had not been overcome," Barca said on their Twitter feed. "Thiago will continue with the recovery process in coming weeks and will not be able to be given the all-clear before the Olympic Games," they added.

Andoni Zubizarreta: "We value Keita and we want him in the team" | FC Barcelona
During Jordi Alba’s presentation press conference, Andoni Zubizarreta was very clear when he was asked about Seydou Keita's future. The football director also lamented the fact that Thiago, who is injured, will not be able to participate in the Olympic Games. Zubizarreta also warned that the Club will not openly discuss possible signings with the media.

Guardiola will return to coaching next year, says Estiarte - Goal.com
Manel Estiarte, former director of external relations at Barcelona, has stressed that Pep Guardiola will return to coaching again next year. The 41-year-old trainer left the Barca bench at the end of the 2011-12 campaign, stating that he felt exhausted after four stressful seasons in charge of the Catalans, and adding that he intended to take a year-long sabbatical.

Real Madrid youngster Carvajal to join Leverkusen - Goal.com
Real Madrid youngster Dani Carvajal is on the verge of joining Bayer Leverkusen, Goal.com understands. It had been expected that the 20-year-old defender, who lines out for Real Madrid Castilla, would be integrated into the senior squad this season to provide additional cover for first-choice right-back Alvaro Arbeloa.

Filipe Luis extends Atletico contract - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
The once-capped Brazil international, 26, has been a regular fixture for Los Rojiblancos since joining from Deportivo in 2010. "Last season was the best of my career and right now I feel important in the dressing room," Luis said on the Atletico website. "I hope to fulfil my contract because Atletico Madrid will return to be where they deserve to be and I'm happy to form part of the history of the club."

Roque Santa Cruz close to Betis return - Goal.com
Betis are keen to strike a deal for Santa Cruz, Goal.com understands, but have hit problems due to the 30-year-old's elevated wage demands of around €90,000 per week. The Andalusians have significant debts and are unlikely to agree to such a figure, meaning the player himself will have to accept a pay cut to return to the Liga side this summer.

Mallorca take Arizmendi on loan - Yahoo! Eurosport UK
Arizmendi, who made his only senior international appearance to date for Spain in 2007 against England, is renuited with head coach Joaquin Caparros. The two had previously worked together at Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax and Deportivo la Coruna.

Lafita, presented at Getafe | LFP
For the next three seasons Lafita will play for Getafe, and during his presentation as a player he did not mark his goals, but said he thinks Getafe is building a very solid team: "I am seduced by this project- it is ambitious. Getafe has a very good squad and at this moment we can´t state our exact objectives".

Lekic leaves Osasuna | LFP
Dejan Lekic and Osasuna have agreed to terminate their contractual relationship. Both parties have had several negotiations over recent days in order to analyze the trajectory of the two years that the player has played in the side from Navarre along with the intentions, perspectives and sporting and economic proposals of both parties for the future, and finally there was no agreement.

Varas to be a goalkeeper at Celta | LFP
Celta now has its first signing ahead of next season, Javi Varas, a goalkeeper to defend the goal in the upcoming campaign in la Liga. The keeper from Seville comes loaned for a year, and expects to bring his best to the Vigo based club: "I come very excited and willing to work to help achieve league safety."