Barcelona loses highly rated Cucurella as Eibar triggers purchase option

Marc Cucurella impressed on loan at Eibar from Barcelona and the Basque club has subsequently triggered its purchase option.

Eibar has made Marc Cucurella's loan from Barcelona permanent after triggering its purchase option following an impressive debut season in LaLiga.

Left-back Cucurella had been an important player for Barca's second string, but it allowed him to depart on loan this season and Eibar has taken up the option to keep him, reportedly paying €2million.

The 20-year-old featured 31 times in the league, nailing down a first-team role on the left flank as his energetic style of play and penchant for darting runs saw him catch the eye.

Cucurella scored his only goal in the 2-2 draw with parent club Barca on the final day of the season.

Although Eibar has triggered its option on Cucurella, Barca is rumoured to be planning on buying the player back in order to sell him on for a bigger profit, or alternatively to compete with Jordi Alba in the first-team squad.

Barca's buy-back clause is rumoured to be €4m.