Barcelona officially confirm departure of former Manchester United defender

Barcelona have officially confirmed that former Manchester United defender Ona Batlle will leave the club following another trophy-filled season in Spain.

The announcement arrives during a period where current and former United players continue to be linked with Barcelona.

Marcus Rashford spent last season on loan with the Catalan side.

However, uncertainty remains over whether they will pursue a permanent move.

They missed the deadline to activate his reported €30 million buy option.

This latest departure, however, is now fully confirmed.

Barcelona announced on their official website that Ona Batlle will leave at the end of the season after winning 12 trophies during her second spell in Catalonia.

The Spain international returned to Barcelona from Manchester United in 2023 after previously progressing through La Masia earlier in her career.

Since returning, Batlle established herself as one of the club’s most important defenders.

Primarily a right-back, she also impressed when used centrally and became a regular starter under both Jonathan Giraldez and Pere Romeu.

Her penultimate appearance for the club ended in memorable fashion.

Barcelona Women secured another UEFA Women’s Champions League title last weekend after beating OL Lyonnes 4-0 in Oslo.

That victory handed Batlle a European trophy in her final game for the club.

Across her second spell at Barcelona, she made 113 appearances and scored 14 goals.

Reports have linked Arsenal with a possible move for the 26-year-old ahead of next season.

Batlle’s departure also continues a busy summer involving former Manchester United players across Europe.

Today, Marseille appointed a new sporting director amid uncertainty surrounding Mason Greenwood’s future.

Meanwhile, Bristol City confirmed goalkeeper Radek Vitek had returned to United following his impressive loan spell.

For Ona Batlle, though, her time at Barcelona has now officially come to an end after another hugely successful chapter in her career.