PSG signs Spanish defender Yuri Berchiche from Real Sociedad

FC-Barcelona's-Lionel-Messi,-left,-duels-for-the-ball-against-Real-Sociedad's-Yuri-Berchiche-during-a-Spanish-La-Liga-soccer-match-at-the-Camp-Nou-stadium-in-Barcelona,-Spain,-Saturday,-Nov.-28,-2015.-(Manu-Fernandez/AP)

FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi, left, duels for the ball against Real Sociedad's Yuri Berchiche during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015. (Manu Fernandez/AP)

Paris Saint-Germain has finalized its first signing of the summer by hiring Spanish left back Yuri Berchiche from Real Sociedad.

PSG said in a statement on Friday that Berchiche is contracted through June 2021.

PSG was looking for a replacement for Maxwell, who retired at the end of the season. Berchiche will be competing with Layvin Kurzawa for a starting spot.

Berchiche was a key element of the Real Sociedad team that finished sixth in La Liga, playing 35 matches. He also scored three goals and delivered four assists.

PSG, which finished runner-up to Monaco in the French league, has been struggling to attract top players. The club is also engaged in a power struggle with midfielder Marco Verratti, who reportedly wants to leave for Barcelona but PSG does not want to negotiate.

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