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      Lionel Messi is a God but maybe the current mess Barcelona are in shows even he is running out of footballing miracles

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      THINGS are bound to look better after a 4-0 win.
      I’m not talking about West Ham’s against Wolves, although that certainly brightened our start to the season.

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      LIonel Messi decided to stick around at Barcelona – but it might just be for one more seasonCredit: AFP or licensors

      No, it was Barcelona’s against Villarreal.
      In Catalonia at least, Barca are regarded as the biggest club in the world, the best-supported club in the world — with the best player in the world.
      The fact they failed to win LaLiga last season, they haven’t won the Champions’ League in five years, lost a fortune and two managers in a few months and that Lionel Messi was set to go elsewhere a few weeks ago is considered by millions of supporters to be temporary and misleading.
      That may well be. But even the current Barca are regarded by the owners as a mess brought about by the policies of the people who voted them onto the board.

      Because, as you may well know, the club is owned by the supporters.
      This is both a strength and a weakness.
      Strength is the democratic connection between supporters and the club; weakness can be in overall management structure.
      No fewer than 11 of 21 directors have left in recent times.

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      Ronald Koeman is the new man in the Barca dugoutCredit: Reuters

      In the immediate post-Pep Guardiola years, the team maintained their success rate, winning LaLiga repeatedly and the treble in 2014-15.
      This was quite a feat for Josep Maria Bartomeu, who was appointed emergency president in 2014 before being elected two years later.
      Neymar’s sale to Paris Saint-Germain in the same year coincided with a change in fortunes.
      Soon the erosion was to become a landslide.
      And there is no doubt that the ageing team was badly mishandled. Led by Messi, the veteran players oozed power.
      Managers came and went — Gerardo Martino, Luis Enrique, Ernesto Valverde, Quique Setien.

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      Messi is sticking aorund for another year, then tipped to join Manchester CityCredit: AFP or licensors
      Players did the same and nearly £1billion was spent on no fewer than 28 of them.
      Neymar broke away from the famous MSN formation, departing for a world-record £200m, and now Luis Suarez has gone to Atletico Madrid, leaving only the unhappy Messi.
      Most of us would be happy on a reputed £600,000-a-week but the great Argentinian knows a slump when he plays in it.
      He already seems determined to leave at the end of his contract next year and he will re-start his career at 34, possibly with mentor Guardiola at Manchester City.
      Like Sir Alex Ferguson, Guardiola has the ability to re-create champions.
      Bartomeu said he will not stand for re-election next year, deserting new boss Ronald Koeman, once renowned as a free-kick scorer during six seasons at Barca.

      As a manager of nine clubs, including Southampton and Everton, free-kicks are about all his teams have won.
      And this Barcelona is no free-kick of a job. He has been chosen, I suspect, to be the tough guy Bartomeu requires.
      The haste and lack of appreciation with which Suarez was hustled away to Atletico is Koeman’s statement.
      Messi was so upset he claimed his mate was ‘thrown out.’
      Messi is a God in Catalonia but he is running short of football miracles.
      Barcelona’s dependence on him may have become a deadweight and it is certainly possible that a new president will have a clearer view once he goes.

      Sergino Dest absolutely butchers kick-ups at Barcelona unveiling before saving himself with sublime bit of skill More

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      Barcelona announce £23.5m Sergino Dest transfer from Ajax with poignant social distancing video in empty Nou Camp

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      BARCELONA confirmed the signing of Sergino Dest from Ajax with a poignant video inside an empty Nou Camp.
      The American right-back, 19, completed a transfer from the Dutch outfit on a five-year deal.

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      Right-back Sergino Dest has signed for Barcelona on a five-year deal

      Barca beat Bayern Munich to Dest’s signature and paid £19million up front for him with an extra £4.5m in add-ons while his release clause is set at more than £360m.
      He takes the No2 shirt vacated by Nelson Semedo, who joined Wolves in September.
      And Barcelona announced the deal with a special video on Twitter.

      Captioned “Shhhhh…” the clip showed Dest walking out of the tunnel, up the steps on to the Nou Camp pitch.
      With the ground empty, the only noise in the video is Dest’s footsteps and whispering: “Wow… unbelievable,” as he takes it all in.
      Ajax, in typical classy fashion, replied: “Take care of him.”
      A second video released by the LaLiga giants captured the new signing making his way to the stadium, in the changing room and then in his kit on the pitch doing skills with the ball.

      Born in Almere, Netherlands, Dest joined the Ajax academy nine years ago and progressed through the ranks before making his first-team debut in July.

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      Dest walked out of the tunnel and up the steps on to the Nou Camp pitch

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      The American teenager kissed the badge after completing the transfer from boyhood club Ajax

      He made 35 appearances last term, scoring twice and assisting six, as his performances attracted the attention of the Catalan club.
      And the teenager – who opted to represent the USA in international football and has three senior caps – took to Twitter for the first time to say thank you to Ajax.
      He shared an emotional video with a series of photo and short clips of his time at the Amsterdam club.
      Dest wrote: “Just a boy from Almere Stad who grew up with a dream of playing for Ajax.
      “I’m blessed to have represented this club for the last nine years.
      “Thank you to everyone at Ajax, and a special mention to the fans, you will always hold a special place in my heart.”

      Just a boy from Almere Stad who grew up with a dream of playing for Ajax. I’m blessed to have represented this club for the last 9 years. Thank you to everyone at Ajax, and a special mention to the fans, you will always hold a special place in my heart. 🙏🏼 @AFCAjax ❌❌❌ pic.twitter.com/ScV5wkhe1X
      — Sergiño Dest (@sergino_dest) October 1, 2020

      Wolves welcome new signing Nelson Semedo from Barcelona in £29m transfer More

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      Barcelona make Memphis Depay No1 transfer target with Ronald Koeman wanting Lyon forward into link-up with Lionel Messi

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      BARCELONA have made Memphis Depay their no.1 target as Ronald Koeman bids to gift Lionel Messi a new strike partner, reports say.
      The Dutch manager is reportedly insisting on a fresh forward man after the departure of Luis Suarez to Atletico Madrid.

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      Ronald Koeman has previously managed Memphis Depay when he was Holland bossCredit: AFP or licensors

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      Sport report that Depay is now seen as the no.1 target for Barcelona

      And Depay, who has long been linked with the Spanish club, is seen as the perfect replacement to link up with Messi.
      Barca hit four past Villareal in their opening La Liga game over the weekend but, according to Sport, Koeman was still left wishing for more going forward.
      He said he hoped the club can still “occupy [the striker] position” and added that it’s “always good to have other possibilities.”
      Without Depay, Koeman is left with only Martin Braithwaite as an out-an-out striker.

      The ex-Manchester United man came off the bench to help Lyon to a 1-1 draw away at Lorient on Sunday as speculation on his future grows.
      But reports have previously suggested that finances may continue to be a stumbling block to getting the transfer over the line.
      Covid-19 has hit Barcelona hard and they’ve rushed to get highly-paid players off the wage bill, with Suarez swiftly following Arturo Vidal.
      But even with those deals done, the Catalan club still may not have enough financial muscle to secure Depay.

      Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas even tweeted that his Barca counterpart, Josep Maria Bartomeu, told him the same thing in person earlier this month.

      He wrote that he was informed that Barcelona were ‘suffering a lot’ from the aftershocks of the pandemic and there was ‘no possibility’ of them stumping up the cash.
      Despite this, they are still being linked to Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez.
      The Argentine is rated at £83million by his club but he is another who is believed to be way beyond the club’s price range.

      Olympique Lyonnais star Memphis Depay shows off his physique as he works out at his luxury villa More

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      Watch moment Atletico Madrid player Luis Suarez bid farewell to his Nou Camp locker after leaving Barcelona

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      THIS is the emotional moment Luis Suarez emptied his Barcelona locker for the last time.
      The 33-year-old Uruguayan has made a shock £3.7million move to LaLiga rivals Atletico Madrid.

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      Luis Suarez stands by his Barcelona locker for the last timeCredit: EPA

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      It was a family affair as the striker invited his three children into the moment

      New Barca boss Ronald Koeman decided the former Liverpool striker was not in his plans for the future.
      Suarez gave a tearful exit interview on Thursday, where he spoke of the move coming as a ‘surprise’ before thanking Barcelona for ‘having faith in me’.
      He then made his way to the Barca dressing room to clear out his locker for the final time.

      A photo of him was on the front, with Sergio Busquets having the locker to the right.
      Suarez posed in front of the metal cabinet alongside his three children, Delfina, Benjamin and Lautaro.
      Speaking about his move to Atletico, Suarez said: “This is such a surprise, I didn’t really have anything prepared.
      “I just want to say the club has always had so much confidence in me since 2014 when they signed me.

      “In the conditions that I came here, surrounding me from the mistake that I made with the confidence they had in me, it wasn’t easy to accept.

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      The 33-year-old Uruguayan makes the walk to his locker for the last time

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      Luis Suarez admitted the move to Atletico Madrid came as a ‘surprise’

      “The coaches and my team-mates, the way they accepted me when I came, it was amazing.”
      At his last press conference as a Barcelona player, Suarez also revealed how he was told to ‘watch out’ for Lionel Messi when he joined the Catalans.
      He went on to become best friends with the Argentinian.
      Suarez added: “Many people tell you about Messi when you arrive at Barca.
      “They say, ‘watch out for Leo’, he’s another striker. [But] many things are invented.”
      WAGE CUT
      It has been revealed that Suarez will reportedly face a SIXTY PER CENT wage drop after joining Atletico Madrid.
      Marca reports that Suarez will earn around £8.3million a year with his new club.
      That works out at £160,000 a week – he was earning a whopping £405,000 a week at the Nou Camp.
      But Barca have been very vocal about how the coronavirus pandemic has hit their finances.
      And seemingly the time is right to get Suarez off the wage bill.
      Suarez leaves the Camp Nou as the club’s third-highest goalscorer of all time following 198 strikes in 283 appearances for the club.
      Since his move from Liverpool, he has also won four LaLiga titles, four Copa del Reys and the Champions League and Club World Cup in 2015.

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      Suarez got emotional at his last ever presser with BarcelonaCredit: Barcelona FC

      Suarez breaks down in tears in Barcelona as he gives a fond farewell to the club More

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      Barcelona step up striker transfer chase with Memphis Depay and Lautaro Martinez top targets to replace Luis Suarez

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      BARCELONA will reportedly sign a new striker in the coming days to replace Luis Suarez at the Nou Camp.
      The 33-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by new boss Ronald Koeman, who allowed him to join rivals Atletico Madrid.

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      Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez is reportedly a target for BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Lyon ace Memphis Depay could replace Luis Suarez at the Nou CampCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      And according to AS, the Bluagrana will act fast in their pursuit to bolster their frontline.

      They state that both Lyon star Memphis Depay and Inter Milan marksman Lautaro Martinez are the club’s top two targets.
      Argentine international Martinez is believed to be the No1 priority for Barca, but it is unlikely he will be brought in.

      It has been said that Barca – who face competition from Real Madrid in the race to sign him – cannot afford to match Inter’s £83million asking price.
      Due to this, it has been claimed that a deal for Depay is more likely to happen, with the player available for a cut-price fee as he has just one year on his contract in France.
      SunSport reported earlier this month how Barca have agreed a £22million deal to bring Depay to Catalonia.
      The ex-Manchester United forward has already confirmed the LaLiga side’s interest in him but he remained tight-lipped on his future.

      Depay – who played under Koeman for the Holland national team – said: “We have to wait to see what happens.

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      “I know about the interest from Barcelona, but I can’t say any more right now.
      “I’ll speak with Lyon soon and we’ll see.
      “I haven’t even spoken much about this with my agent.”

      Suarez breaks down in tears in Barcelona as he gives a fond farewell to the club More

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      Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger wanted by Barcelona in shock transfer if they fail to land Man City’s Eric Garcia

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      BARCELONA are reportedly lining up a surprise swoop for Chelsea outcast Antonio Rudiger.
      The defender is said to be unhappy at Stamford Bridge having failed to make an appearance in the early weeks of the season.

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      Frank Lampard has cast doubt over Antonio Rudiger’s futureCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And, with Frank Lampard admitting the player could soon leave, reports have emerged of a possible destination.
      German publication Kicker and Spanish newspaper Sport both believe Barcelona have Rudiger in their sights.
      The centre-back, 27, is seen as an alternative to Manchester City starlet Eric Garcia, who wants to return to Spain.
      First on Barcelona’s wish list is Garcia, 19, who is reportedly available for around £16million.

      But, with his contract up next summer, he could stay in Manchester and leave for free in June.
      That has prompted Barcelona to consider their options, although an alternative purchase will only be completed if Samuel Umtiti leaves.
      However, Mundo Deportivo have claimed there is no interest in Rudiger coming out of the Camp Nou.
      It is becoming increasingly apparent that Rudiger can leave Chelsea for the right price.

      Left out of the squad for the Blues’ Premier League openers and the Carabao Cup thrashing of Barnsley, the Germany international’s career in West London appears to be all-but over.
      Fikayo Tomori appeared in the defeat to Liverpool before starting alongside new signing Thiago Silva last night.
      Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma have started both Premier League matches while Malang Sarr and Ethan Ampadu are hopeful of first-team action in the coming years.
      After the Barnsley win, manager Lampard admitted Rudiger and Ruben Loftus-Cheek could leave the club.
      He said: “The situation with both is that they weren’t in the squad.
      “I had a similar answer from the other day, they just weren’t in the squad. That is just a choice at the moment.

      “Again with the centre-halves I can’t have them all in the squad. I keep getting asked about the size of the squad.
      “There might be movement, we know that, but nothing is concrete so don’t read too much into those selections at the minute.
      “It will have to be things which are right for the club and individuals and me and in terms of what happens in the next couple of weeks.”

      Antonio Rudiger shows off his football skills in Chelsea training More

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      Man City confident of landing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde in £64m transfer… then will let Garcia quit for Barcelona

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      MANCHESTER CITY are confident of landing target Jules Kounde in a £64million swoop – and only then will let Eric Garcia go.
      Etihad chiefs are looking to kill two birds with one stone and end their pursuit of the Sevilla defender along with allowing wantaway Garcia to flock to Barcelona.

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      Jules Kounde appears to be edging closer to a move to Manchester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      The fate of Garcia reportedly rests on the outcome of City’s Kounde pursuitCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Kounde is seen as a solution to Man City’s perceived defensive problems and would follow Nathan Ake into the club to help patch up the back four.
      In a boost for Pep Guardiola, reports say the 21-year-old is “ready” to come to Manchester.
      Journalist Fabrizio Romano says the Frenchman is now just waiting on the two clubs to reach a deal, having already made up his mind.
      He added that City are “convinced” the player will join the club.

      Reports have long linked Kounde to the Premier League runners-up and it is believed his role in helping Sevilla to the Europa League crown impressed scouts.
      City’s move has also coincided with their pursuit of Kalidou Koulibaly being halted over a disagreement with Napoli over the asking price.
      If the club can secure Kounde, that opens the door for Garcia to leave.
      The defender has so far refused to sign a new contract at the Etihad and instead intends to remain at the club during the final year of his deal.

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      The £41m Nathan Ake may not even be Man City’s most expensive defensive signing this summer. Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      He would then depart for Barca on a free next summer, reports suggest.
      This is despite claims that City have weighed up a take it or leave it £14million offer to force the Spanish club’s hand.
      Now, it is reported that the two clubs have agreed a deal worth £18million – but it will only come in place once Kounde is secured.

      The defensive reshuffle comes after the £41million signing of Ake last month.
      The defender was relegated with Bournemouth in July but was seen as a step up on City’s current crop of defenders.
      Guardiola has been a centre-back short since club legend Vincent Kompany left to join Anderlecht.

      Nathan Ake post emotional video to Bournemouth fans after completing move to Man City More

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      Barcelona ‘considering Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose as transfer replacement for Depay and Martinez’ this summer

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      BARCELONA are reportedly considering a move for Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose to replace outgoing Luis Suarez.
      Sport reports the Catalan giants have identified Jose as an alternative to previous targets Lautaro Martinez and Memphis Depay.

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      Willian Jose could move from Real Sociedad to Barcelona to replace Luis Suarez

      New Barca boss Ronald Koeman is thought to have sensationally axed Uruguayan striker Suarez in a brutal one-minute phone call.
      And the 33-year-old was in tears leaving the club’s training ground for the ‘last time’ on Wednesday.
      He is expected to complete a move to LaLiga rivals Atletico Madrid – where he could be joined by compatriot and free agent Edinson Cavani.

      After six years at the Nou Camp, Suarez departs as the club’s third highest goalscorer of all time with 198 strikes in 283 appearances.
      The search to replace him and find a new No9 has proved tricky for Barca chiefs.
      Their No1 target was Inter Milan’s Martinez, 23, but the club balked at the Serie A side’s £83million asking price.
      A potential deal got messy and complicated after reports El Clasico rivals Real Madrid had also launched a bid.

      Koeman and Barca then turned their attention to former Manchester United flop Memphis Depay.

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      Lautaro Martinez looks set to remain an Inter Milan playerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Ronald Koeman and Memphis Depay worked closely together with HollandCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The manager and Lyon star Depay worked together with Holland and the 26-year-old was seen as a cheaper alternative until Koeman last week confirmed no deal was in place.
      But now a third name is in the mix, Sociedad’s Brazilian Jose who first interested Barca in January.
      The 28-year-old bagged 11 goals and an assist in 37 league appearances last term but has a hefty release clause of £64m.
      The report states, however, that cash-strapped Barca could snare their man for as little as £28m with Sociedad prepared to come down.
      Barca’s sporting director Ramon Planes is believed to be behind the move as he is a big fan of the forward.
      Jose missed the opening game of this season’s LaLiga campaign after testing positive for Covid-19 and only this week returned to training.

      Luis Suarez breaks down in tears while leaving Barcelona training for ‘last time’ as Atletico transfer ‘confirmed’ More