Emerson Royal completes move

We are delighted to announce the signing of Emerson Royal from Barcelona, subject to international clearance and a work permit.

The right-back has signed a contract with us until 2026 and will wear the number 12 shirt.

Born in São Paulo, the Brazilian international started out in his homeland with spells in the youth systems at Palmeiras, São Paulo and Grêmio before joining Ponte Preta in 2015. He graduated to their senior squad, making his senior debut in 2017, before transferring to Atlético Mineiro in 2018, where he made 23 appearances in Brazilian Serie A during the following season, scoring once in a 5-2 home victory over Sport Club Recife in September, 2018.

In January, 2019, he joined Real Betis Balompié in Spain and went on to make 79 appearances, scoring five goals, over the next two-and-a-half seasons.

Following his participation at the Copa America with Brazil, Barcelona acquired his services over the summer having previously been involved in his move from South America, and he has made three La Liga appearances for Barca since the beginning of the current season.

Part of Brazil's Toulon Tournament-winning side at Under-23 level in 2019, Emerson made his senior international debut against Heung-Min Son's South Korea in November of that year and won three further caps at this summer's Copa America as Brazil were beaten in the final by Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero's Argentina.

Emerson will travel to London from Spain later this week.