Joan Verdu joins Espanyol

Joan Verdu returns to his home town, having signed a four-year deal with Barcelona-based Espanyol.

Verdu spent the last three seasons at Deportivo la Coruña but failed to come to a new agreement with the Galician club. His contract expires on June 30, allowing Espanyol to sign the 26-year-old without having to pay a transfer fee.

The attacking midfielder began his career at local rivals FC Barcelona but never truly broke through at the Blaugrana.

At Deportivo, the player scored nine goals in 85 appearances.