Abidal: Barcelona aren't changing philosophy, just adapting to the transfer market Transfer Market - Barcelona Satisfied with quickfire Vidal deal

Any sense that Barcelona are straying from their traditional transfer market model has been refuted by Eric Abidal, who insists the club are simply basing their business on what they already have.

At the age of 31, Arturo Vidal is a somewhat different signing to what Blaugrana fans have become accustomed to, although technical secretary Abidal pointed out the younger players he was hoping to sign before opting for the Chilean.

"You talk about a philosophy, but there were other players [Barcelona were interested in]," the Frenchman stated to reporters.

"I think we have to adapt to the squad and make it as strong as possible. The coach has to have decisions to make."

Like the arrival of Malcom, the purchase of Vidal from Bayern Munich was completed in double quick time, a factor which Abidal is more than comfortable with.

"I don't know if we have a plan to sign quickly players or not," he went on.

"I know we have a team that works internally, that puts names on the table and, from there, decisions are made.

"If we can sign as quickly as possible, all the better. We are adapting to the situation and the market. The quicker [the deals] are, the better."

The midfielder is seen as a direct replacement for Paulinho and the characteristics that Abidal listed of his new signing were remarkably similar to that of the recently sold Brazilian.

"Everyone knows the profile of the player because of his past," added the former left-back.

"He is a player with character, who gives a lot in the centre of the pitch, not only in defence but in attack.

"[He brings] goals, that arrival into the box. A player with a profile like that, we know we need. He is happy here and wants to win titles."