Best possible midfield siging regarding his profile. Hope he delivers for a season or two. Frenkie would have been too inexperienced (we are already trying to integrate more than enough youngsters), Thiago and Pjanjic more of the same (we have Arthur and Rakitic for that) and Pogba far too expensive (wouldnt like another galactico signing either). Were there other options?!
Edit: And he doesnt block future prospects too much.
I went through all 5 stages of grief yesterday. Was furious at the beginning, but mostly because of many 'ifs'. Now I think it's a low risk, high reward signing. Hoping for the best, would suit us well if manages to keep form.
I know he is a fighter and his work ethics on the pitch are not to be questioned. I am just worried about his knees and whether he can stay trouble-free off the pitch. To me it is still an open question.
That said, as long as he wears our badge I will support him wholeheartedly.
Would have gone with meh given how EV will lineup with so many players of the profile he likes (aka CL campaign 17/18). But let's be optimistic and hope EV utilizes his resources better this time. Honestly, the Barca squad is actually good this season (barring injuries).