Javier Mascherano to remain at Barca until 2016

Argentinian international Javier Mascherano this week put pen to paper in a contract renewal that will keep him at the club until at least 2016.

The midfielder 28, who sometimes masquerades as a centre back for the Catalonian giants has been rewarded for loyal service to his club since he was purchased from Liverpool for €24 million two years ago.

However, despite the renewal, with Barca still on the look out for defensive reinforcements and Carlos Puyol returning to training from injury, Mascherano may find it more difficult than ever to stake a first team place in Tito Vilanova’s side.

Former Barca boss Pepe Guardiola originally cast Mascherano as a centre back with some success during his four year tenure at the club but with Puyol back in the fray it seems likely Vilanova will stick to the well known partnership of Puyol and Pique in the centre of defence with Sergio Busquets also capable of playing there if needs be.