Barcelona splash out €33m on Saviola

Another brilliant Argentinian may be parading his skills in the UEFA Champions League this season after FC Barcelona confirmed the signing of Club Atlético River Plate's 19-year-old striker Javier Saviola on a six-year deal.

'I hope he will live up to Barcelona'
"I am very happy that the player is at last part of Barcelona football club," Saviola's representative Alfredo Cabrera told reporters. "I now hope the player will be able to live up to a great club like Barcelona." The teenager is reported to have joined the Catalan club for a fee of €33m and will be presented to the media on Friday at the Camp Nou stadium.

Record goal tally
Saviola, nicknamed 'The Rabbit', was in the spotlight at the recent FIFA World Youth Cup, scoring a record eleven goals in Argentina's triumphant campaign. He scored a hat-trick for the hosts as they beat France 3-1 to reach the semi-finals and then added two more in a 5-0 demolition of neighbours Paraguay before scoring another in a 3-0 victory over Ghana in the final.

Fifth signing
Saviola is the fifth signing by Barcelona since the end of last season. Swedish international defender Patrik Andersson, French defender Philippe Christanval and Brazilian duo Fabio Rochemback and Geovanni have already been officially presented as Barcelona players.

Third qualifying round
Barcelona, who finished fourth in the Spanish league last season, will take part in Friday's draw for the third qualifying round of the Champions League.