FC Barcelona officially unveils Yerry Mina

FC Barcelona signed Colombia centre-back Yerry Mina to strengthen its defence. Y. Mina joined Barcelona from Brazilian side Palmeiras on Thursday on a five-year deal for a fee of 11.8 million euros ($14mn), the Catalan club announced.

He was officially presented at Camp Nou, in front of the Barca fans on Saturday.

The 6ft 5in (1.95m) 23-year-old is set to fill the void left by Javier Mascherano, who is on the verge of a 10mn euro switch to China's Hebei Fortune.

The Colombian international will be Barcelona's second signing of the January transfer window after Philippe Coutinho's 160 million-euro capture from Liverpool.

Mina has a 100mn euro release clause attached to his contract.

With Mascherano set to leave and injured young French centre-back Samuel Umtiti widely reported to be in talks with Manchester City, Barcelona had faced being left with only two recognised centre backs in Gerard Pique and Thomas Vermaelen.

"I'm in love with what I see. I hope to keep smiling here and to be able to succeed," said Yerry Mina.

After meeting Barca's legend Lionel Messi he said,"Messi is the best in the world. I was struck by his humility - it was very special."

"It's extraordinarily satisfying. I've always worked to get what I have now. I want to make history at Barça," he added.