Barcelona outcast Martin Montoya agrees move to Valencia

Martin Montoya has agreed a move to Valencia as a free agent after Barcelona agreed to cancel his contract at the Nou Camp. Montoya has signed a four-year deal with Los Che after Luis Enrique declared the right-back surplus to his requirements.

The 25-year-old former Spain international used to be considered one of the most promising right-backs in Europe after Pep Guardiola handed him his Barca debut in 2011. Months later, Vicente Del Bosque rewarded him with a call-up to the senior national team ahead of Euro 2012, even though he was still playing regularly for the Barcelona reserves.

Montoya continued his progress in the following seasons and represented Spain in London 2012, alongside the likes of Manchester United trio David De Gea, Ander Herrera and Juan Mata.

A year later he played a key role for the Under-21 team that won Euro 2013, being the first choice right-back under current national team manager Julen Lopetegui ahead of Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal.

But the unmovable presence of Dani Alves in the Barcelona line-up blocked his breakthrough for the Catalans and ultimately hampered his development.

Last summer he was linked with Liverpool but eventually opted to move on loan to Inter Milan in order to secure more playing time. However, Montoya again struggled to make the impact expected in Serie A and in January was recalled by Barcelona before being dispatched to Real Betis for the second half of the season.

He made a good impression for the Seville-based side, starting 13 La Liga games to help them avoid relegation. It was not enough, though, to convince Barcelona manager Luis Enrique he merited a role in his plans for the new season, despite the departure of Alves to Juventus.

Instead, Aleix Vidal, originally a winger, and midfielder Sergi Roberto are expected to fill the gap this term as Brazilian flop Douglas Pereira is also out of favour and tipped to leave the Nou Camp before the end of the transfer window.

Montoya is just the latest player to leave as Luis Enrique continues his summer clear-out, following the departures of Alves, Adriano, Marc Bartra, Alex Song, Sandro Ramirez and Alen Halilovic.

"FC Barcelona and the player Martín Montoya have agreed to cancel the contract between both parties," the club claimed. "FC Barcelona wish the player great success in the next stage of his professional career."

Meanwhile, Valencia have announced his arrival at Mestalla on a four-year deal.