Barcelona transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona ‘considering buying MLS franchise to help convince Lionel Messi to stay with new deal before heading to US’

      by

      BARCELONA would reportedly consider buying an MLS club to persuade Lionel Messi to stay with the club.
      Blaugrana presidential hopeful Xavi Vilajoana is behind the plan to fit in wtih the star striker’s dream of playing in the United States.

      Lionel Messi could see out his career in MLS after confirming his dream moveCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Messi’s contract runs out in June and, with Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain lurking, his future is up in the air.
      He recently said he was very keen to move to the States and play in the MLS before he retires.
      However this summer may be too early for the 33-year-old to head Stateside and AS report on a plan to keep the player in Spain until he is ready for the switch.
      Vilajoana is said to want an MLS franchise under the Barcelona umbrella, allowing a seamless transition across the Atlantic when Messi desires.

      The plan also involves re-signing Luis Suarez from Atletico Madrid to reunite the pair, who are best pals off the pitch and forged a hugely successful partnership on it.
      Buying an MLS team would be a hugely expensive process.

      When St Louis City and Sacramento Republic complete the 30-team league in 2023, no more franchises will be accepted – meaning Vilajoana would have to buy an existing team.
      Manchester City could already offer such a route for Messi given their ties with New York City FC.

      In fact, Barcelona attempted to land an MLS team under president Joan Laporta in 2009 but failed to agree a deal for a Miami-based club.
      Messi has reportedly already purchased a plush apartment in the city with David Beckham’s Inter Miami one club linked with the superstar.
      Speaking last month, the forward stated his desire to move to the USA.
      He told La Sexta: “I always wanted to live in the United States.
      CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700

      I can only imagine him in a Barcelona shirt and I’ll do everything possible to ensure he continues.
      Joan LaportaPresidential Candidate

      “It is a great country and I would like to play in Major League Soccer at some point, but not at this moment in my career.”
      Former president Laporta is back in the running to succeed Josep Maria Bartomeu in the elections on January 24.
      As the frontrunner for the post, the 58-year-old believes Messi will sign a new contract if he is part of a winning side.
      Laporta told The Guardian last month: “I can only imagine him in a Barcelona shirt and I’ll do everything possible to ensure he continues.
      “I know Leo and what he’s interested in is winning. The best players see immediately if the team is competitive.
      “It’s not about money, never has been; if it had, he would have taken very different decisions throughout his career.”

      Fellow candidate Agusti Benedito has admitted his ‘pessimism’ at keeping Messi past the summer.
      He told ESPN: “I would have liked him to say in his interview the other week that his desire is to stay at the club, but he didn’t and now we have to wait and see.
      “The truth is I am pessimistic. Remember that in August, he said he wanted to leave after 20 years and now he’s still not cleared up what he wants to do.
      “The most likely outcome I see is that he leaves us in the summer.”

      Barcelona legend Lionel Messi collects record 7th Pichichi Award More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona joined by Juventus, Inter and AC Milan in Memphis Depay transfer chase as they battle for cut-price Lyon star

      by

      BARCELONA face competition from a host of Italian giants if they are to land Memphis Depay in January, according to reports.
      Juventus, Inter and AC Milan are all named as tracking the Lyon star, whose contract expires in June.

      Memphis Depay is a wanted man in the January transfer windowCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The Dutchman’s summer move to the Nou Camp collapsed amid Barcelona’s financial woe.
      But Depay’s imminent contract expiry could make him more affordable in January.
      That has led to interest from the Serie A trio, according to France Football, via Mundo Deportivo.
      Inter, who suffered a Scudetto blow on Wednesday by losing at Sampdoria, could seek a replacement for the outgoing Christian Eriksen.

      Juve and AC Milan face off tonight with the Old Lady back in seventh and seeking fresh impetus under Andrea Pirlo.
      The same cannot be said for Milan and a win at the San Siro would hand them a four-point lead atop Serie A.
      Over in LaLiga, Barcelona find themselves off the pace and have Depay and Manchester City defender Eric Garcia on their radar this month.
      However, Ronald Koeman will be aware that the club likely needs to shift high-earning reserves before buying.

      CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700

      He said earlier in the week: “Every coach always looks to the month of January and how the squad can be improved, just like I do.
      “I have made a list of possible injuries and players that would be interesting to bring in. It depends on the club.
      “If it’s not possible, I can depend on the players I have already.”
      Lyon narrowly hold first place in Ligue 1 ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Lens and will be more than happy to keep Depay for longer.
      Club chief Jean-Michel Aulas recently tweeted his club captain to say: “You feel at home here and you are also an exceptional man who sets an example, shows ambition.
      “You can stay as long as you want!”

      What will happen in the future, we will see… I am here now, lots of clubs could be interested.
      Memphis Depay

      The forward, 26, has eight goals and four assists in 2020-21 and insisted last month that he is focused on Lyon.
      Depay stated: “To be honest, we have a great team here and I am focused here because I do not know what will happen next year.
      “All that I know, is that I am a Lyon player and captain. I am here to win matches, to be important for the team.
      “I do not have in my head what my future will be. I am 100 per cent focused here.
      “What will happen in the future, we will see… I don’t have anything to say on that. I am here now, lots of clubs could be interested.”

      Memphis Depay seems to take cheeky dig at Man Utd owners the Glazers in rap ‘Big Fish’ More

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi admits he still ‘doesn’t know’ if he will leave Barcelona but will do ‘what is best’ for himself and club

      by

      LIONEL MESSI admitted he “doesn’t know” whether he will leave Barcelona but will do “what is best” for himself and the club.
      The Catalan giants’ skipper could depart at the end of the season when his contract expires, after initially expressing his desire to quit the Nou Camp last summer before making a dramatic U-turn.

      Lionel Messi revealed his future at Barcelona is still unclear

      Messi said he will make the best call for himself and the club where he has spent his entire careerCredit: AFP or licensors

      Speaking to Spanish journalist Jordi Evole in a wide-ranging interview with Spanish TV station La Sexta, Messi – who can start talking to other clubs from January 1 – said: “I don’t have anything clear until the end of the year.
      “Now I am only thinking about finishing the season and winning titles.
      “I know there are a lot of people at Barca who still love me, but I’m going to do what is best for the club and for myself.
      “Besides, I want to live in Barcelona and be involved in the club in some way when I retire.

      “I don’t know if I’m going to leave, but if I do, I would like to leave in the best way possible and be able to return to the club in the future.
      “Barcelona are much bigger than any player. I hope that every time the club have to, they will do good things to lift important titles.”
      When pushed on “very bad” Barcelona’s slow start to the season under new boss Ronald Koeman, Messi confessed it will be “difficult” for them to return to their best but he will “fight for everything”.
      He added: “I’m excited even though the club is going through difficult times. These are difficult times, as for everyone.

      “The club is really bad, very bad, it will be difficult to get back to where we were.”

      Messi revealed he does not regret filing his transfer request in the summer and explained what was going through his head.
      He said: “It was far from easy for me to say I wanted to leave the club and the city… the family wanted to stay here, this is their home but I genuinely felt it was time to go.
      “Yes [I would send the transfer request again] it was a manner of making a point and expressing my feelings. It was me telling the club that I wanted to leave.
      “Luis Suarez’s departure had nothing to do with the decision but I felt it was crazy the way his exit was handled and that Barcelona let him go to a direct rival.”
      Messi confirmed he is still in daily contact with close pal Suarez – who moved to Atletico Madrid – and that they share a WhatsApp group with old team-mate Neymar.
      He said: “Yes [We have a WhatsApp group], we speak a great deal and I speak to Luis every day.
      “Last time I spoke to Neymar was after the Champions League last 16 draw. [when his PSG side drew Barcelona].”

      Barcelona legend Lionel Messi collects record 7th Pichichi Award More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona trying to convince Riqui Puig, 21, to sign new deal with doubts over future putting Man City on transfer alert

      by

      BARCELONA are trying to convince midfielder Riqui Puig to sign a new deal amid concerns over his future, reports say.
      The Spaniard’s contract expires next summer, and Manchester City and Bayern Munich are among the interested clubs.

      Barcelona are trying to convince Riqui Puig to sign a new dealCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But according to Fichajes, the LaLiga giants are pushing Puig to commit his future to the Nou Camp.
      It would mean they avoid losing the 21-year-old on a free at the end of the season.
      But Barca bosses could find it hard to talk Puig into the proposal, with the promising talent having made just four appearances this season.
      And their case will not be helped after manager Ronald Koeman aimed a dig at out of favour playmaker, suggesting he is not working hard enough.

      Koeman, who was asked about Puig, said: “I like people who work every day to improve, and who take opportunities with both hands.
      “Sometimes it’s not just about quality.
      “There may be players who don’t do enough in training for the coach to give opportunities.”
      The Dutchman does not think Puig’s work ethic is up to scratch and has left him out despite the team’s unimpressive league form.

      Barcelona were held to a 2-2 draw against Valencia this month but bounced back to beat Valladolid 3-0.
      The recent result leaves Barca fifth in the table and eight points behind leaders Atletico Madrid, who still have a game in hand.
      But despite their struggles, Puig remains out of favour and with an uncertain future under Koeman.
      The midfielder was recently blasted by Koeman in front of his team-mates after being accused of leaking information about a dressing room bust up.

      Lionel Messi arrives home in Argentina for the holidays ahead of transfer speculation More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd fighting Barcelona for Yusuf Demir transfer with 17-year-old Rapid Vienna ace latest wonderkid being eyed

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly battling Barcelona for the signature of Rapid Vienna’s 17-year-old wonderkid Yusuf Demir.
      Kronen Zeitung reports the Red Devils are chasing the Austrian playmaker but face competition from the Catalan giants.

      Rapid Vienna wonderkid Yusf Demir is being chased by Manchester United and BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Demir has broken into Rapid’s first team and featured against Arsenal in the Europa League this season.
      The report states Demir could find himself at the Nou Camp but not until the summer at the earliest.
      The talented youngster’s agent, Emre Ozturk, sparked major transfer rumours by sharing a photo online of him in Barcelona.
      Demir’s representative captioned the shot ‘ready for meeting’ ahead of a potential move to LaLiga.

      However, despite many presuming he was holding talks over Demir’s future, the player’s agent claimed he was on a business trip of a different nature.
      He said: “I’m not in Barcelona because of Yusuf Demir, but because of Shkodran Mustafi from Arsenal, whom we also represent.”
      Demir has made ten appearances in the Austrian Bundesliga so far this season, notching one goal and two assists.
      The player’s management are reportedly exploring the ‘general conditions’ with Barca and are seeking assurances about what the Blaugrana have planned for their highly rated prospect.

      Demir has a contract until 2022 which he signed at just 15 and has impressed European giants playing as an inverted winger.
      The left-footed star has quick feet and is technically gifted with a great range of passing and would fit in well in Spain.
      But United are also keen on the player as the Red Devils continue their shift in recruitment strategy towards younger stars rather than targeting already established pros.
      Uruguayan Facundo Pellistri, 19, arrived at Old Trafford on deadline day and fellow teenager Amad Diallo is expected to seal the £37million deal that was agreed with Atalanta back in October next month after the arrival of his Italian passport.
      And United have been heavily linked with bringing in Moises Caicedo, 19, on a five-year deal from Independiente del Valle in his native Ecuador.
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Man Utd set to hand Mason Greenwood new long-term contract in 2021 after breaking into Solskjaer’s first-team More

    • 275 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi opens up on ‘very bad time’ in summer after failed Man City transfer – but focus is back on Barcelona

      by

      LIONEL MESSI has revealed the ‘very bad’ experience he went through when trying to force a move from Barcelona in the summer.
      A trophy-less season at the Camp Nou saw Ronald Koeman installed and several big-name players sold.

      Lionel Messi says he is ‘excited’ for Barcelona’s trophy chances this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      With best pal Luis Suarez among those binned, Messi attempted to trigger a release clause embedded in his contract.
      Yet he backed down when Barcelona threatened a legal battle, citing that the clause had expired amid the coronavirus pandemic.
      Recounting the incident on Spanish TV, Messi admitted the unhappy episode affected his form at the start of the season.
      In a snippet of a lengthy interview with LaSexta, via Marca, he stated: “I’m actually doing well today.

      “It’s true that I had a very bad time in the summer. It came from before.
      “What happened before the summer, the way the season ended, the burofax and all that…

      “Then I carried it with me a bit at the beginning of the season.”
      A draw at home to Valencia on Sunday left Barcelona eight points off the pace in the LaLiga title race.

      Although 33-year-old Messi has been edging back towards his best form, scoring nine goals in 17 appearances.
      The Argentine declared that he is willing to fight for titles with the Catalan club and is ‘excited’ for the challenge.
      He added: “I’m fine today, and I feel like seriously fighting for everything that’s ahead of us.
      “I feel excited. I know that the club is going through a difficult time, at a club and team level.

      Everything around Barcelona is difficult, but I am looking forward to it.
      Lionel Messi

      “And everything around Barcelona is difficult, but I am looking forward to it.”
      Messi’s future may be a step closer to being resolved when Barcelona’s presidential elections take place on January 24.
      The new chief will have to secure the forward’s future soon, with his existing deal expiring in June.
      Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are thought to be circling in case the superstar becomes available.

      Ronaldo and Messi are both named in the Ballon d’Or all-time best XI

      Neymar sensationally admits he wants to he wants a reunion with Lionel Messi next year More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City ‘the best place’ for Lionel Messi, claims Pablo Zabaleta as former club eye transfer along with PSG

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY is “the best place” for Lionel Messi if he leaves Barcelona, according to former Argentina team-mate Pablo Zabaleta.
      City legend Zabaleta, 35, tipped Messi – who is in the last year of his contract at the Nou Camp – to prosper under old boss Pep Guardiola.

      Lionel Messi has been urged to join Manchester City if he leaves BarcelonaCredit: Rex Features

      Former Man City defender Paolo Zabaleta said the club is the best place for his old Argentine colleagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The former West Ham right-back suggested Messi might “want to go and enjoy a few years'” in the Premier League.
      Messi had looked set to quit the Catalan giants last summer after expressing his desire for a new challenge, but made a U-turn on the decision and eventually decided to stay.
      City have long been linked with a move for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner and were the frontrunners to take him away from the Blaugrana before Messi opted to remain after his kids cried at the news he was leaving.
      Zabaleta told Stadium Astro: “It is sad to see Messi in that situation.

      “I never thought he would be in a final year of his contract at Barcelona.
      “The team is not playing well and it seems that he is not enjoying his football. We will see what happens with Messi at the end of the season.
      “He has a close friend in Sergio [Aguero] at Man City and has worked with Pep at Barcelona before, so they know each other. Some of the people on the board also know Messi.
      “If Messi decides that he wants to leave Barcelona, that he wants to go and play in a different league, in a different country, of course Man City would be one of them.”

      Ronaldo and Messi are both named in the Ballon d’Or all-time best XI

      Zabaleta claimed every player dreams of a stint in the Prem and suggested Messi would fit in well at City as there are some familiar faces at the Etihad for the 33-year-old.
      He added: “Every player would like to have an experience in the Premier League.
      “The Premier League is the best in the world and maybe he wants to go and enjoy a few years there.
      “Man City would be the best place for him because he knows people there. 
      “I would like to see Messi, if he decides to move on to another club, in England as it is a lovely place to play football. 

      “Man City would be the best place for him because he knows people there. ”
      Pablo Zabaleta on Lionel Messi

      “He needs to enjoy football again because at the minute it seems like he is not enjoying it all.”
      Messi has bagged five goals and two assists in 11 league games for a struggling Barcelona side that languish down in eighth – but is able to strike up talks with other clubs as soon as January.
      Barcelona presidential candidate Emili Rousaud claimed the club’s skipper will leave if he does not agree to a pay cut as the cash-strapped side can’t afford to keep him.
      And City will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain after the French giants reportedly warned their club stores to prepare to the Argentine’s arrival.
      The Ligue 1 champs are supposedly growing more confident of landing Messi and have advised their shops to prepare for an influx of shirt sales if the deal goes through.

      Watch as Lineker tells spine-tingling story of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic rivalry in BT Sport advert More