Emerson Royal left Barcelona for Tottenham Hotspur in a €30 million (£26 million) deal just 29 days after president Joan Laporta announced he had a €300 million release clause in his contract.
The Brazilian signed for the Blaugrana in a “joint financial operation” with Real Betis, with the two clubs sharing the transfer fee.
He spent two seasons with Betis before Barca outright purchased him in June for €9 million and handed him a three-year deal.
Emerson was officially unveiled as a Blaugrana player on August 2 and Laporta said he was “sure” that the player would “achieve a lot of success here and have a good time”.
He was also hopeful of the 22-year-old playing with the Catalan club for many years.
But that has not happened. After playing three games in La Liga with Barca this season, Emerson joined Spurs on transfer deadline day – subject to international clearance and a work permit being secured.
Emerson, who played at this summer’s Copa America with Brazil, has signed a contract with Spurs until 2026. He will wear the No.12 shirt and compete alongside Japhet Tanganga and Matt Doherty for the right-back berth in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Despite his spell at the Nou Camp ending up being very brief, Emerson shared his immense pride over fulfilling a childhood dream in pulling on the Barca shirt.
He penned an emotional message on Instagram page, writing: “Well, Barcelona, our meeting was very quick. I think you have heard that my childhood dream was to wear your shirt, to meet your fans, your home.
“That child who, when he was little, wore red and blue, opened his eyes and found himself in front of an older man, ready to defend you and help you honor you with everything he deserves.
“We all know, dreams have no size, they have no shape, or time. I woke up. And when that happened, I received all the affection of the fans, of the teammates of the club, I stepped on your field, with all my desire.
“Thank you for having lived a little of what I always imagined. We never know what to expect. We never know if the dream is a bit of reality or reality is a bit of a dream.
“Rejoice, Barcelona! I want to thank you for believing in that dreamy boy.
