The meeting to define Emerson's first week in Barcelona

Right back Emerson Royal will soon take the first steps on his journey as a Barça player. The Brazilian defender is due to arrive in Barcelona on Saturday following a three-week post-tournament break after representing Brazil in this summer's Copa América.

His last game of the tournament was on 11 June, in which Brazil played against Leo Messi's Argentina in the final. Despite only playing the last 15 minutes, he was one of Brazil's brightest players on the night in what was a disappointing team performance. Following the defeat, Emerson has enjoyed a three-week holiday in his home town of São Paulo.

A BUSY WEEK AHEAD

Emerson is due to begin pre-season training on Monday 2 August, following his €9 million transfer from Real Betis (initially, both sides had paid €6 million each to Atlético Mineiro in a joint ownership deal, but this transaction now means that Barça own the player outright). Before he can train, the player will need to undergo a PCR test. He will also take another one in Brazil before flying to Spain.

Barça officials will sit down with the player's entourage today to decide upon the exact date of his official presentation as a Barça player. This is likely to be on 5 or 6 August, although there's a chance that it could take place as early as Tuesday 3.