Barcelona signing Luuk de Jong was a personal recommendation of coach Ronald Koeman.

Sport says internally there was some reticence but Koeman said he knew the forward perfectly and was convinced that they could get good performances from him at Barca.

Koeman stood up for Memphis and it turned out well and now he backed De Jong.

The Barca coach is convinced the aerial ability of the Sevilla striker can add to their attack this season.

Barca are paying €1m for the 12 month loan.