Football news: Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal finally available for Barcelona as FIFA ban ends
It has been six months since Barcelona signed Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal. However, they were not able to register the players since there was a ban imposed on them by FIFA for two consecutive transfer windows which deterred them from registering any players.
With the ban getting lifted from this January transfer window, both Turan and Vidal are now available to feature for the mighty Catalans in the upcoming matches.
Previously, Barcelona had tried to register Turan on an event of a long-term injury to Rafinha before the ban was lifted but the effort failed.
Both the players will now be available for selection on Wednesday when Barcelona will take on Espanyol in the first leg of the Copa del Rey round of 16 match.
"They are players with the right personality to play in this team." Luis Enrique, Barca coach said, as reported by ESPN.
Vidal has not played any matches since he signed for the Catalan giants and Turan has featured for six matches in Turkey colours and both of them are fit to feature against Espanyol, reported Catalan newspaper Sport.
Defender Vidal who signed for £13 million (AUS $26.5 million) has been given the number 22 jersey while 28-year-old Turkish midfielder Turan will wear the No. 7 shirt.
"It has been a difficult four months as we have had two players who have been keen to play and we have wanted to see them in action.” Robert Fernandez, technical secretary of Barca stated.
Arda Turan has 87 caps for his national team cost Barcelona £26 million (AUS $53 million) won the La Liga title with Atletico Madrid and played the Champions League final under Diego Simeone.
Right back Vidal has featured for Sevilla in the Europa League final, winning the competition and has been tipped to eventually succeed Dani Alves.
Barcelona currently sits at the second position in La Liga, two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid but has a game in hand. They are also in the last 16 of the Champions League where they will face Arsenal.