Rodrigo Caio Had a Medical with Barcelona Before They Signed Jeison Murillo

Sao Paulo defender Rodrigo Caio said he had a medical with Barcelona before the Spanish champions completed the loan signing of Jeison Murillo from Valencia. 

Murillo completed his move to the Camp Nou on Thursday, but Caio said he was also an option for Ernesto Valverde's side, per GloboEsporte (h/t Peform via AS).

"I did the medical and it was positive. They had two options: Murillo or me, and they signed him. It had already happened and by the time I left the test room, Murillo was chosen. Just knowing there is interest from them leaves me happy. It's a sign that they're following me and know my potential."

Murillo will spend the rest of the season with Barcelona. The club also have the option to make the deal permanent for a fee of €25 million, per the club's official website. 

The Colombian has said he wants to spend more than half a season at Barcelona and "will work hard to stay here longer," per Xavi Hernandez at Marca.

Spanish football journalist David Cartlidge offered his view on the move:

Barcelona have sought to strengthen in defence due to injuries to centre-backs Thomas Vermaelen and Samuel Umtiti. 

Vermaelen has torn a calf muscle and is not expected back until mid-January, per the club's website.

Meanwhile, Umtiti may not return from a knee problem until February's UEFA Champions League clash with former club Lyon, per Javier Miguel at AS.

The injuries meant that prior to Murillo's arrival Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet were the club's only fit senior centre-backs.

Murillo is an experienced defender who will be expected to adapt quickly. He arrived at Valencia from Inter Milan but has struggled to make an impact under Marcelino this season and has made only one league outing.

JOSEP LAGO/Getty Images

The defender has also had spells with Spanish sides Granada, Las Palmas and Cadiz which may explain why Barcelona opted for him over Caio. 

The Brazilian has spent his entire career at Sao Paulo, although he has been capped four times by the Selecao.

Barcelona technical secretary Eric Abidal spoke about how the club chose between the two defenders, per Goal's Patric Ridge:

"It's true that one of the names that we considered to sign at centre-back could have been Caio, but we took a decision and we chose Murillo. As a player, I could have signed with other clubs, but in the end, I signed with Barcelona. These things happen in football and they have to respect our decisions."

Murillo will act as back-up for Barcelona for the rest of the season, but he should get chances to stake a claim given Valverde will need to rotate his squad in the second half of the season.