Argentine World Cup midfielder ends speculation surrounding his future by penning new deal at the Nou Camp.
Experienced Barcelona and Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano has poured water on the speculation surrounding his future by agreeing a new contract with the Catalan club, extending his stay until 2018.
Mascherano had been linked with moves to Manchester United and Liverpool this summer as uncertainty surrounded much of the Barcelona squad after the appointment of new manager Luis Enrique.
A former favourite at Anfield, Mascherano has become a key part of the Barcelona machine since joining the club in 2010, showing his commitment to the cause by often playing in an unfamiliar role at the heart of defence.
A club statement has confirmed that the midfielder agreed a contract extension ahead of his appearance for Argentina in the World Cup, ending any hope of a return to England for the anchoring midfielder.
Mascherano’s contract includes a buyout clause of £81 million, an eye-watering figure that is likely to dissuade any potential suitors from making a bid, allowing Enrique to make Mascherano a central part of his long term plans for the club.
Barcelona are looking to bounce back in 2014/15 after a frustrating season by their impeccably high standards, the La Liga club having lost out on the title to Atletico Madrid on the final day, been beaten by fierce rivals Real Madrid in the final of the Copa del Rey and been knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter final stage, also by Atletico.
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