Barcelona have announced that Carles Alena is set to join Getafe on a permanent basis.

The Catalan giants are in a dire financial state and supposedly cannot register new arrivals such as Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay until they trim their wage bill further.

Alena was expected to be one of the players moved on by the cash-strapped Blaugrana, with the 23-year-old struggling to make a consistent impact during his time at the club.

Now, Barcelona have confirmed that Alena will sign for Getafe permanently following a successful six-month loan spell, writing in a statement: "FC Barcelona and Getafe CF have reached an agreement for the transfer of Carles Alena.

"Barca reserve the right to 50% of any future sale of the player, a buy-back option, plus first right of refusal on any offer. FC Barcelona would like to thank Carles Alena for his commitment and dedication and wishes him all the best for the future."

Alena quickly became a regular for Getafe last term and started 15 La Liga games during his loan spell, notching up two goals and two assists in that time.

The Spain Under-21 international leaves Barcelona after netting three goals in 44 appearances for the club, and he is believed to have penned a five-year deal with Getafe.