Barcelona have officially completed the permanent signing of 18-year-old Ecuadorian defender Josué Caicedo from LDU Quito, bringing an end to months of speculation over the highly rated left-back’s future.

Caicedo developed at LDU Quito and broke into the club’s first-team setup despite his age. His performances attracted interest from several European clubs, with Barcelona emerging as the leading contender for his signature.

The young defender has now begun life in Catalonia with Barça Atlètic. Barcelona said Caicedo trained with the team for the first time on Tuesday before completing another morning session on Wednesday and formally signing his contract at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

“Josué Caicedo is living his first days as a Barça player,” the club said in a statement.

Barcelona described the formal signing as the final step in his incorporation, following weeks of work on the legal arrangements surrounding the move. Caicedo is expected to continue his development with the club’s reserve side as he adapts to Spanish football.