Barcelona said Wednesday they have signed 31-year-old keeper Claudio Bravo, the widely anticipated new recruit to help boost their defences after the departure of Victor Valdes.

The Chilean international is signing up with Barcelona for the next four seasons, the club said in a statement.

"At 1.85 metres (6 feet, 1 inch) tall, Claudio Bravo is noted for his calmness between the posts, his leadership skills, and lots of agility," Barcelona said.

Bravo spent eight years with Real Sociedad and has captained his national side -- now contesting the World Cup in Brazil -- since 2008.

He heads to the Camp Nou along with Barcelona's other new keeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Former Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes said goodbye in May after 12 seasons with the club.