Barcelona chief Andoni Zubizarreta admits they've been scouting Marc-Andre ter Stegen for two years.
Ter Stegen is joining Barca in a Bosman transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach.
"For Ter Stegen, the process began two years ago and involved many technical reviews because I sensed that because of some decisions around Victor Valdes we would have to have some options," said Zubi.
"He has all the qualities to play for Barça in the one on one, with plenty of room to improve, being a player on the field with personality."
For the big stories and the banter follow us on Twitter: @tribalfootball