Hector Bellerin has Joined Boyhood Club FC Barcelona on a Free Transfer

Hector Bellerin, AS Roma, Villarreal, Barcelona

Hector Bellerin completed a sensational return to FC Barcelona from Arsenal on deadline day of the 2022-23 summer transfer window after the Gunners terminated his contract. The Spanish international returns to the club where he began his career, after spending a decade at the North London side and reviving his career last season with a strong campaign at Real Betis on loan.

Hector Bellerin has joined Barcelona on a one-year deal without an option for a second, giving him the chance to prove himself until next summer. Barca manager Xavi Hernández wanted a new right-back after offloading Sergino Dest from his squad, and with the American joining AC Milan on loan, there was a clear need for a replacement at the position.

Hector Bellerin, Barcelona — Image Obtained Via Transfermarkt

The Spanish full-back is the chosen man to take on the challenge. A move away from the Emirates seemed imminent for the 27-year-old defender with the player himself pursuing a transfer. Multiple clubs expressed interest in the Spaniard including Real Betis and Villarreal, but the player decided on moving to Camp Nou.

Arsenal Career

Hector Bellerin has won three FA Cups and three FA Community Shields in the 10 years he has spent at Arsenal. To add to that, he also helped Real Betis win the Copa del Rey last season. The Spaniard was an integral part of the team till Unai Emery was the manager.

However, the 27-year-old failed to impress Mikel Arteta and fell down the pecking order after Arsenal signed Takehiro Tomiyasu. Bellerin scored nine goals and assisted 29 times in 239 games for the Gunners since his move in 2011 (stats via transfermarkt).

Hector Bellerin is a product of the La Masia academy and that could help him settle quickly at Barcelona very well. The Spanish giants have had a great transfer window so far despite facing a huge financial crisis. The defender settled in well in Spain during his stint with Betis and it does look like the Spanish environment suits him better than the English settings.

Hector Bellerín to Barcelona, here we go! Been told it’s all agreed, one year contract with NO option for further season. Bellerín will sign until June 2023 in the next hours. 🚨🔵🔴 #FCB #DeadlineDay

Medical scheduled, contract will be terminated by mutual consent with Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/4ezoTWm2vH

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2022

The Gunners have had concerns over Tomiyasu’s fitness quite often since last year. Nevertheless, Arteta has gone to Ben White to do the job at right-back in the opening matches of this season. This showed that there is no place for the Spaniard in Arteta’s plans.

White is being used as a temporary option. The English international does not have the necessary attributes to become a long-term option in that position and the Gunners will go back to Tomiyasu eventually. Arsenal have done splendid business in this summer transfer window and could use the remaining funds to sign Douglas Luiz from Aston Villa in January.

Bellerin wanted to leave and the feeling from Arsenal’s side also seemed mutual. They have moved on from the Spaniard. Mikel Arteta is now working wonders at the club and experimenting by bringing Bellerin back might have disturbed the flow. Moreover, if the player himself is not willing to play for the club, then the pursuit there itself is over. Letting the player leave will also help him get his career back in line.

Arsenal should now focus on the season ahead. They are trying to get back into the Champions League after narrowly missing out last season. Tomiyasu is now Arsenal’s first-choice right-back and has impressed in many of the matches he has played. The Gunners could have used the left-over funds to get one extra signing that would have further improved the squad depth.

Hector Bellerin has been away from the limelight for quite some time now, something that he wasn’t used to during his peak years at Arsenal. Signing for Barcelona will mean that he will get more game time, while also playing at the highest level and challenging for trophies.

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