Barcelona and Argentina midfielder, Javier Mascherano has signed a new 4-year-deal that will run until 2018 and has a buy-out clause set at €100m. Just a matter of weeks ago it appeared as though Mascherano’s days at Barca may have been numbered as a host of sides were linked with him but new boss, Luis Enrique obviously has other ideas.

At 29 this will probably be Mascherano’s final contract with Barcelona who obviously value his versatility. In Spain, he is asked to cover at centre defence more often than not while with Argentina he is still preferred in his natural position of defensive midfield.

Currently with the Argentina squad as they prepare for the World Cup, Mascherano scored his third goal for the national team last Friday against Trinidad and Tobago and celebrated this new contract with a key role in today’s victory against Slovenia.

Napoli were one of the teams keen to recruit Mascherano this summer but this new deal will put an end to any transfer speculation. Barcelona had a poor season and will be hoping that 2014/15 will see them back at the top of European football.