8. JEREMY MATHIEU, Barcelona
After years of relying on a thin defensive unit, Barcelona changed course and reinforced its squad by signing Jeremy Mathieu from Valencia for 20 million euros ($27 million) and Thomas Vermaelen from Arsenal for 19 million euros ($25.4 million) more. Given Vermaelen's history of injuries, Mathieu is set to be Gerard Pique's partner.
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Barcelona's newly signed French soccer player Jeremy Mathieu poses while wearing his new jersey during his presentation at Camp Nou stadium, in Barcelona July 24, 2014. [Photo/Agencies] |