Mascherano pens Barcelona extension

31 July 2012 15:17

Barcelona have announced that Javier Mascherano has officially signed a new contract with the club until 2016.

The versatile Argentine midfielder, who can also play at centre-back, has developed into a key player at the Catalan club since completing a 22-million-euro transfer from Liverpool.

He has now added two years to his previous deal, which expired in 2014, to put an end to all speculation surrounding his long-term future at Camp Nou.

Meanwhile, Barca have also revealed that Mascherano's release clause is now set at 100 million euros.

The 28-year-old has made 97 appearances for the Blaugrana, although he has yet to break his duck in front of goal.