MAURICIO POCHETTINO could launch a new era at Barcelona by raiding old club Spurs.
The Argentine coach is being heavily linked with the Nou Camp job with the writing on the wall for Quique Setien.
Already under huge pressure after surrendering their LaLiga crown to Real Madrid, last night’s 8-2 Champions League humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich looks to be the final nail in Setien’s coffin.
Reports immediately emerged suggesting he had been sacked after the quarter-final embarrassment but the ex-Real Betis boss is yet to be officially given the boot.
And if Pochettino joins the Catalan giants to take up his first post since leaving Tottenham in November – he could arrive with England skipper Harry Kane on board.
Kane has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most potent goal threats, banging in 143 league goals in 210 appearances.
And Spurs reportedly knocked back Barca’s approach last year and instead turned their attention to Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez.
But with Poch at the helm the two could become team-mates in Catalonia with an ageing and injury prone Luis Suarez, 33, likely to be moved on.
Harry Kane and Mauricio Pochettino could be reunited at Barcelona[/caption]
The former Liverpool star has been linked with a move to Qatar and to David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
Flop Antoine Griezmann has failed to deliver the goods since moving from Atletico Madrid and will most likely be sold to raise funds with the club struggling financially in the pandemic.
Giovani Lo Celso was brought to North London by Poch but only after Spurs had fought off Barca for his signature.
And after some impressive performances in the middle of the park the Argentine duo could be reunited at the Nou Camp.
An emotional Gerard Pique offered to quit after being part of the defence that shipped EIGHT goals.
Pique said the side had hit “rock bottom” and the 33-year-old could be moved out of the starting XI to allow some new young blood to come through.
One such prospect is RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano.
The 21-year-old centre-back was outstanding earlier this week when Spurs’ conquerors Leipzig beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 to make the last four.
The French ace was named man of the match and has been linked with a move to Barca for the last FOUR years.
Portuguese right-back Nelson Semedo was horribly exposed by Bayern’s Alphonso Davies on a torrid evening for the Blaugrana.
Semedo is unlikley to have much of a future at Barca after a terrible display and could be flogged as part of Poch’s squad overhaul.
Dayot Upamecano could help fix Barcelona’s defensive problems[/caption]
His replacement on the right of defence could be Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo.
Cancelo has proven LaLiga experience with Valencia and has previously been linked with a move to Barca from City.
There was even talk of a shock player-swap transfer between the two clubs with Semedo and Cancelo exchanging places.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
