The former Palmeiras defender is flying to Spain today for his signing ceremony and said: "I am aware that this is a unique opportunity and I'm ready to seize it. I am tremendously motivated and ready to begin work, either at Barca or where the club tells me I am to go."

Bayer Leverkusen are expected to sign the Brazil international, 21, on-loan for this season and Henrique added: "The most important thing is that I will be a Barca player and the club has decided to go for me.

"I think Bayer is a very good option, because it is a big club in Germany, which will allow me to get used to European football and will give me the opportunity to continue to grow as a footballer before making my final move to Barca."