Birmingham have completed the signing of defender Giovanny Espinoza from Barcelona Sporting Club.
Ecuador defender moves to St Andrews
Birmingham have completed the signing of Ecuador international defender Giovanny Espinoza from Barcelona Sporting Club.
The centre-half, who has amassed more than 80 caps for his country and appeared in two World Cups, has signed a two-year deal at St Andrews.
Espinoza has previous experience of playing in Europe after a spell with Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem during the 2007/08 campaign.
The imposing defender becomes manager Alex McLeish's fifth summer signing following the arrivals of compatriot Christian Benitez, Scott Dann, Stephen Carr and Joe Hart.
McLeish has also seen a bid accepted by Cardiff City for defender Roger Johnson as he strengthens his squad ahead of their Premier League return.
Objective
The club's latest signing is eager to secure a regular starting berth with Blues and has set his sights on ensuring they retain their top-flight status.
Espinoza told the club's
official website: "I'm very much looking forward to playing for this club.
"It's a new step in my football career and I hope I can help the team. I think I can bring experience to the defence as I've played a lot of games at club level and for the national team.
"My objective is the same as the team, to first of all help the club remain in the Premier League.
"Personally I hope to establish myself in the team, give 100 per cent in every game and play as much as possible."
