Luis Enrique gave his backing to Barcelona’s decision to sign Douglas, while Josep Maria Bartomeu also played a pivotal role.
Mundo Deportivo reports that Juan Cuadrado was Barca’s first choice but when Fiorentina refused to lower their €40m demands, Barca began to look elsewhere.
Sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta put Douglas’ name to Enrique, who gave the go-ahead, and Barca set the wheels in motion.
Representatives from the club travelled to Brazil to speak with Sao Paulo, who initially wanted €6m for the right-back.
But the Barca party produced a signed letter from President Bartomeu which said they were not to go over €4m, forcing Sao Paulo’s hand.
The Traffic agency, which owned a significant portion of Douglas’ rights, made up the difference as Douglas wanted the move.
It’s expected that Douglas will go straight into Enrique’s squad and compete for a place with Dani Alves and Martin Montoya, rather than be sent out on loan to another European team.
