Barcelona Confirm Signature Of Teenage Defender Santiago Bueno From Penarol

Barcelona have reached an agreement to sign Uruguayan starlet Santiago Bueno from Penarol, the La Liga champions have confirmed.

The centre back, 18, has signed on at the Nou Camp until the summer of 2019, although there is an option to stay for a further three seasons after that.

Reports in Catalonia claim Barca will pay an initial fee of €1 million. Penarol will also retain 20 percent of the centre-back’s rights and could receive another €5m based on the number of first team appearances he may go on to make.

Speaking to Uruguayan radio station Sport 890, the player’s agent Pablo Boselli said: “It is the result of two years of work. They (Barcelona) determined that Santiago has qualities and projection similar to those of [Gerard] Pique.

“Technically he is very good and he is intelligent to move around on the pitch, factors that led to Barcelona making a concrete offer to Penarol.”

“Barcelona and CA Penarol have reached an agreement for the transfer of Santiago Bueno,” a statement from the club read on Tuesday.

“The player will be a Barca player until June 30, 2019, with the option of three additional seasons.

“The Uruguayan defender is currently taking part in the South American Youth Championship with his country. When his participation in the tournament ends, he will join up with the Blaugrana.”