Hleb's Move to Barcelona Official

Today, the Catalan Giants announced the official signing of Aliaksandr Hleb from England's Arsenal. He will arrive in Barcelona around 1 p.m. and will continue to go through the medical processes until 7 tonight. After the tests are completed at the Barcelona Hospital, it is expected that he will be presented as an official member of FC Barcelona sometime tomorrow.

Hleb will be the sixth signing for Barcelona in this very active, and I would say productive transfer window, following Caceres, Keita, Pique, Alves, and Henrique. Even though it is a recent signing, it was one that took weeks to finalize. Much speculation surrounded Hleb's satisfaction at Arsenal at the end of the season, and he was linked with a move to Barcelona or Inter Milan for much of the summer. Now that Hleb has been purchased, it seems the Russian Arshavin will most likely go to Arsenal due to the fact The Gunners will have the extra cash, and Barcelona no longer have the need. I would still love to acquire the little maestro, but it's a slim possiblity.

With the departure of Ronaldinho, one could assume that this signing is helped by the funds provided by AC Milan, and the need for a creative force on the left, but Hleb will most likely be filling the shoes of another departed Barca member, Deco.

Deco's ability to pentetrate defenses with his passing and brilliance was key to much success for Barcelona, and that style of play is exactly what makes Hleb a good signing for the club. He's not a goal scorer, but the Belarus international has terrific vision, an uncanny work ethic, and a passion for playing. The signing of Hleb will stir up the depth chart for that left attacking forward position, with Iniesta, Bojan, and possibly Henry (if Eto'o plays up top). But as far as this fan is concerned, Hleb looks to be the right kind of player for what Peppy G is re-constructing at the Nou Camp.