Javier Mascherano, Barcelona Agree on New Contract: Latest Details and Reaction

Barcelona and star defender Javier Mascherano have agreed terms on a new contract, with the Argentina international set to sign his new deal on Monday.

The Blaugrana announced the news via Twitter:

Per Barcelona's official website, his new contract will last until the end of the 2018-19 season. 

The 32-year-old has been with the Catalans since 2010, forming a steady defensive partnership with Gerard Pique. In that time, he has won four La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies with the club.

Originally a midfielder, the Catalans moved Mascherano to their back line in order to make full use of his passing range, building a system based on possession and ball retention.

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Success was almost instant, and while current manager Luis Enrique has splashed the cash on pure defenders like Samuel Umtiti to provide more options, Mascherano is still a regular starter.

Per Sport's Tomas Andreu, he was linked with a move to Juventus during the summer, but this new contract all but eliminates the possibility of him leaving anytime soon.

The former Liverpool man is slowly nearing the end of a fantastic career, and in all likelihood, he'll start ceding more minutes to the likes of Umtiti in the near future.

He'll provide Barcelona with plenty of experience both in midfield and defence, however, and remains an important voice in the dressing room.