Barcelona Transfer News: Paco Alcacer Discusses Move, Latest Gabigol Rumours

New Barcelona forward Paco Alcacer knows he'll have to adapt to a new role at the Camp Nou and be happy with fewer minutes, while the Catalans are considering legal action against Santos over the transfer of Gabriel "Gabigol" Barbosa to Inter Milan.

Alcacer was officially presented to the fans and media on Thursday after making a summer move from Valencia to Barcelona. As reported by ESPN FC's Samuel Marsden, he understands he's in for a lot of changes:

"

It's a step forward in my career as a footballer. The manager will now decide what role I have. It's a long season and anything can happen—everyone is here to add what they can to the team.

Sergi Roberto is one example to follow. He started as a central midfielder and has ended up playing a number of positions—right-back, right wing...

So I will play where the manager decides, no problem. I'm keen to grow as a player alongside the best players in the world. It's a privilege.

"

Alcacer has long been touted as one of Spain's top young talents at the striker position and underlined that status in 2014, when he made his debut for the national team. He replaced a struggling Diego Costa, who would later pick up an injury, and scored in his first start against Macedonia.

Manu Fernandez/Associated Press

At Valencia, he quickly shot to fame but seemed to hit a ceiling last season, going on a lengthy barren streak and failing to lift the team to new heights. A change was needed, and Barcelona recognised his potential and brought him in.

He's unlikely to play much at first, and Soccer Memes couldn't help but have some fun at his expense:

He'll have a clear role to play, however, as an effective and opportunistic scorer who can have a big impact as a substitute. Alcacer is strong in space but can also play inside the box, acting as the goal thief Barcelona sometimes lack.

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar all like to have the ball at their feet―Alcacer can play away from the ball and dive into the box to meet crosses or loose balls, adding a new dimension to the Blaugrana attack.

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

He also has the raw speed to be a success on the wing, and his versatility should help him gain minutes in case of injury to any of the regular starters. As far as depth goes, the Catalans could do far worse than Alcacer, who finds himself in a solid situation to have a big bounce-back year.

Meanwhile, director of professional sports Albert Soler confirmed the Blaugrana are exploring their legal options when it comes to the Gabigol saga.

Barcelona obtained a first option on the Brazilian forward in 2013, and per Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte (h/t Sport EN), said option required Santos to give the club a three-day notice when they accepted a bid. They only gave the Catalans one day before selling Gabigol to Inter, however.

Clive Mason/Getty Images

Per Soler, the club is looking into the possibilities: “The club are in a legal process. We had a preferential option on the player which wasn't complied with by Santos. We're studying all the legal possibilities to take the case forward, but it's a legal matter, not a sporting one.”

Per Juan Jimenez of AS, Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has also spoken about the possibility of suing Santos. The Brazilian club did the same thing to the Catalans last year, per Football Espana.

Gabigol was a wanted man all summer long after breaking out in the wake of Neymar's departure to Catalonia. A move to Barcelona was hinted at, although the recent history between the Blaugrana and Santos made such a transfer unlikely. Here's a look at the player Barcelona missed out on:

Fans might be in for yet another ugly legal battle between Santos and Barcelona, and the shaky relationship between the two clubs will not improve as a result.

The Brazilians still have a number of top talents in their ranks, including the fantastic Thiago Maia, so it may not be wise antagonising Santos even further.