Irene Paredes signs for Barça

Irene Paredes has joined the Barça women’s team. The now former París Saint Germain has signed until 30 June 2023, following on from Ingrid Syrstad Engen and Fridolina Rolfö who have also been recruited to the side that will be coached by Jonatan Giráldez. She put pen to paper in the Estadi Johan Cruyff in the presence of director Xavier Puig and the manager of women’s football, Markel Zubizarreta.

The commanding 30-year-old centre back is a powerful player who is especially good in the air. Born in Legazpi in the Basque Country, she first played for Real Sociedad and then for their local rivals Athletic Club, with whom she won the league in 2016. She then departed for France, where she finally won the league title season, the first ever for PSG.

Considered one of the best defenders in the world, she is also the captain of the Spanish national team, so she is more than familiar with a number of Barça players.

What she says

"I’m delighted to come to a club that has just made history. I’m here to contribute and hope the team can get even stronger."

“It’s a completely different team to the one I used to face with Athletic five or so years ago. Anyone can see that it’s grown as a club and individually. The players have worked hard but they have got the results.”

“I spoke to a lot of the players on the national team. They have said good things about the club and its plans, and they obviously helped me to make my decision.”