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      Neymar set to sign lucrative new PSG contract after ‘accepting Barcelona cannot afford transfer’

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      NEYMAR is reportedly ready to rule out a return to Barcelona and commit to Paris Saint-Germain.
      A five-year deal with the Ligue 1 club is now on the agenda for the Brazilian following multiple transfer sagas involving his old team.

      Neymar, 28, is set to finally end talk of a move to Barcelona and sign a new PSG contractCredit: Getty – Pool

      According to FootMercato, Neymar told PSG bosses that he wanted to sign a fresh contract during their run to the Champions League final.
      Bayern Munich beat Les Parisiens in their first trip to the showpiece match, with RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta conquered in the knockout rounds.
      It was after PSG’s victory over the Serie A side that the 28-year-old is said to have made his mind up on staying.
      Currently earning north of £600,000-a-week, Neymar is reportedly content with a contract on the same terms.

      He is said to have communicated his desire directly to PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, although negotiations are not expected to be completed overnight.
      PSG are thought to be focusing on renewing Kylian Mbappe’s contract as a matter of greater urgency.

      The Frenchman, 21, is a massive target for Real Madrid next summer, with both players’ deals expiring in 2022.
      Ruled out until the end of the month with a groin injury, Neymar has two goals and four assists to his name in 2020-21.

      A move back to Barcelona was strongly touted last year and the winger even told PSG he wanted to leave.

      However, the Catalans are now fighting a crisis on and off the pitch.
      Lionel Messi’s summer bid to move away came amid heavy financial losses, accentuated by the coronavirus pandemic.
      And, having been thrashed 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Barcelona have made their worst start to a LaLiga campaign in 18 years.

      Neymar asks to be subbed after just 25 minutes of PSG’s clash with Basaksehir after apparent groin injury More

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      PSG wanted to sign Thiago but ended up with his brother Rafinha instead, reveals pair’s dad

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN were forced to settle for Rafinha Alcantara after failing with bid for brother Thiago, it has been revealed.
      Liverpool did not sign Spain international Thiago until mid-September but their move for the playmaker was long in the making.

      Thiago Alcantara (right) became a target for Paris Saint-Germain before he joined LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Ligue 1 side were instead pushed to sign his brother, Rafinha (left)Credit: Reuters

      With PSG suffering an injury crisis in midfield, they turned to the 29-year-old but, according to the players’ father, Mazinho, they arrived too late.
      That led them to consider other options with Mazinho urging Les Parisiens’ sporting director Leonardo to consider his other son.
      He told France Football, via GFFN: “I had already spoken with Leonardo a while ago, but it was for Thiago.
      “Leonardo wanted to sign him for PSG, but Thiago had already found an agreement with Liverpool.

      “We then spoke about Rafa but he wasn’t part of Leonardo’s plans at that moment. I think that he must have thought about it, that he realised the nature of the opportunity and that it would be a coup to sign him.
      “When he began talks again, Leonardo had changed his mind. And everything accelerated on the final day.

      “It was on Monday that we had to work hard to convince both clubs.
      “We were scared, but thanks to God, five or six hours before the deadline, we found an agreement.

      “Leonardo wanted Thiago, he got Rafinha. And for Rafa, it was a dream to join such a club.”
      The Alcantara clan is a considerable one in footballing terms, with dad Mazinho, 54, part of the Brazil side that won the 1994 World Cup.
      Both players came through the ranks at Barcelona with Thiago joining Pep Guardiola in moving to Bayern Munich, before his recent switch to Liverpool.
      The Reds have been unable to enjoy their £25million signing with only one start to his name.

      Coronavirus kept the midfielder out of the side for a week before he was injured in the challenge that earned Richarlison a red card in last month’s Merseyside derby.
      Rafinha, who chose to represent Brazil, has put together an unexpectedly solid start to life in Paris.
      Three Ligue 1 starts have come in convincing wins over Nimes, Dijon and Nantes while he has come off the bench twice in the Champions League.
      PSG are said to have paid as little as £2.7m for the 27-year-old, who was unwanted at Barcelona after a loan spell at Celta Vigo.

      Ex-Brazil midfielder Mazinho (left) has spoken of PSG’s attempts to sign his sons

      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in good spirits looking forward to Thiago Alcantara signing More

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      Barcelona president defends role in Lionel Messi transfer saga as under-fire Bartomeu fights to keep job

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      UNDER-FIRE Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has defended his role in this summer’s sensational Lionel Messi transfer saga.
      The football world was stunned when the six-time Ballon d’Or winner demanded a transfer from his boyhood club.

      Josep Maria Bartomeu has insisted he put Barcelona’s interests ahead of his own and Messi’s

      Lionel Messi has decided to stick it out for one more season at BarcelonaCredit: Reuters

      Messi had grown disillusioned with matters on and off the pitch, and the 8-2 Champions League thrashing by Bayern Munich proved the final straw.
      He was also understood to have been furious that best pal Luis Suarez was exiled by new boss Ronald Koeman.
      The Uruguayan would later go on to be sold to rivals Atletico Madrid.
      Messi eventually withdrew his transfer request and agreed to stay for one more sesason, with his contract expiring next summer.

      Now Bartomeu, who along with the board are facing a vote of no confidence, has said that he put the club first during the entire saga.
      Speaking at a press conference, as reported by ESPN, the 57-year-old said: “I was accused of wanting to force a transfer for financial reasons to ‘balance the books.
      “That’s not true. I defended the interests of the club, accepting the consequences that refusing Messi’s decision to go to one of our rivals would entail.”
      Manchester City and a reunion with his old boss Pep Guardiola emerged as the most likely destination for the Argentine superstar.

      Messi was furious at how the club was being ran this summerCredit: AFP or licensors

      But in the end Messi, and his father and agent Jorge, were persuaded to see out the remainder of his contract rather than go to war with the club in the courts.
      And Bartomeu is even hoping the 33-year-old will extend his contract with the Catalans in the summer.
      He added: “Messi had a contract in vigour. The option to rescind the deal unilaterally had expired.
      “And the most important thing was to start a new sporting cycle with Messi in the team.
      “I understand he may be angry about not leaving. I tried to explain to him and his family that we could not let him go. He’s the key to Koeman’s project.
      “I hope in the future he says he’s happy, that he wants to renew his contract with the club and that he ends his career here.”
      If Messi does indeed decide to go for a new challenge next summer, he has been warned he could ‘damage his reputation’.

      That warning came from LaLiga president Javier Tebas who also turned on Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar for leaving the Spanish top flight.
      Tebas, 58, told AFP: “We’ve been lucky to enjoy him for so many years but Messi should think very carefully about what he does next.
      “If Messi left Barcelona, that reputation he has now and that has worked so well for him would be very damaged.
      “It’s true he could get a better offer financially but the reputation he has after more than 20 years, I think he has to hold onto that.
      “It wouldn’t be a drama. Cristiano Ronaldo left, Neymar left.
      “Neymar went to PSG and I haven’t seen the French league reaching a super level because of him.
      “That’s the reality. People who think the players are the ones who define a competition are wrong and I’m glad they think that way because they won’t grow.”

      Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez reunited for first time since striker’s Barcelona axe as they arrive at airport together More

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      Arsenal were ‘really close’ to Philippe Coutinho transfer but Koeman blocked move as Barcelona couldn’t sign replacement

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      ARSENAL missed out on a deal to sign Philippe Coutinho because Barcelona could not sign a replacement, it has been claimed.
      Several teams were keen on the Brazilian playmaker after his loan spell at Bayern Munich.

      Philippe Coutinho has started the season in good form, hitting two goals for BarcelonaCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Under Quique Setien, it appeared the 28-year-old had no future at the Nou Camp with Barcelona also desperate for cash.
      However, Ronald Koeman took charge and has given Coutinho a new lease of life.
      At the start of the autumn transfer window, Barcelona were planning on selling the ex-Liverpool star with Tottenham and Arsenal alerted to his availability.

      And the Gunners were ‘really close’ to a deal before Koeman pulled the plug, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
      The Catalans’ attempts at bringing in new attackers ahead of the new season were hampered by their inability to get Ousmane Dembele off their books.
      Memphis Depay was lined up as a replacement for the Frenchman but Liverpool and Manchester United did not meet Barcelona’s demand of a permanent sale.
      Furthermore, the winger was intent on remaining in Spain and is being given a fresh chance in the Blaugrana side.

      New boss Koeman has also handed Coutinho a reprieve – and yielded instant results.

      In each of his four starts this season, the 28-year-old has bagged a goal or an assist.
      His latest strike came in the 5-1 Champions League demolition of Ferencvaros on Tuesday night.
      Koeman recently explained Coutinho’s return to form, telling Sport: “He’s a very good player. That’s it.
      “He’s a player that learned a lot in England, a lot in Bayern Munich.
      “My job as a coach is to get the best out of every player. And that starts by putting them in their position. I think that generates more confidence.
      “All that helps but it starts with the quality in the player and Coutinho’s a great player.”

      Arsenal, meanwhile, brought back Dani Ceballos on loan to bolster their attacking midfield options.
      The North London club were themselves unable to offload an expensive talent going to waste, in Mesut Ozil.
      But a hefty spending spree nonetheless brought in Gabriel Magalhaes, Willian, Thomas Partey and tied Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to a new contract.

      Kia Joorabchian says Arsenal have been warned it will take ‘big numbers’ to secure Coutinho transfer from Barcelona More

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      Memphis Depay ‘reaches Barcelona transfer agreement to move in January from Lyon’ after failed summer switch

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      BARCELONA are ready to go back in for Memphis Depay this January after failing with a deadline day swoop.
      The Lyon forward, 26, was left upset having all-but signed for the LaLiga side – before they decided against completing the deal.

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      Memphis Depay is once again waiting on a transfer to BarcelonaCredit: EPA

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      Dutch coach Ronald Koeman is a big fan of his countrymanCredit: EPA

      Reports suggest Barcelona were only able to afford Depay if Ousmane Dembele left.
      But the winger could not complete a move to Manchester United, with the Catalans demanding a permanent transfer.
      Once again, a January move for Depay is based around Barcelona making room for the Dutchman.

      According to Spanish newspaper Sport, a deal is agreed with both the player and Lyon.
      However, either Dembele or Martin Braithwaite must leave first to ensure Barcelona keep on top of their massive wage bill.
      A £95million purchase in 2017, 23-year-old Dembele has struggled to maintain form and fitness.
      Blaugrana boss Ronald Koeman has reportedly sent the winger in for extra training as he enters the last chance saloon at the Camp Nou.

      Meanwhile, emergency February signing Braithwaite, 29, is said to want to stay with the club.

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      Sport’s front page on Friday with a deal said to be agreed

      But Barcelona will reportedly accept a decent return on the £16m they invested in the Danish striker, who has scored once since arriving.
      In contrast, Depay has been on fire for Lyon, reviving his career in France after a flop spell at Manchester United.
      The forward already has four goals to his name this season, including an opening day hat-trick against Dijon.
      And former Netherlands national team coach Koeman, 57, is said to have expressly asked for Depay’s signing.

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

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      Man Utd star Paul Pogba ‘interested’ in Barcelona transfer as skint Spanish giants eye shock free swoop for midfielder

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      PAUL POGBA is ‘interested’ in a shock free transfer to skint Barcelona, according to shock reports.
      The Frenchman’s Manchester United future remains unclear with just one year left to run on his current contract – although the Red Devils do have a 12-month extension clause.

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      Paul Pogba is reportedly open to signing for Barcelona on a free transfer next summerCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

      And according to Mundo Deportivo, the Catalan giants are hoping to take advantage by landing Pogba for nothing next summer.
      The LaLiga side are struggling for cash and were unable to spend big in the transfer window this summer as a result.
      So the report suggests they will make a swoop for the World Cup winner, 27, with a Bosman agreement able to be arranged as early as January.

      Bayern Munich defender David Alaba is also out of contract at the end of the season and is another target for Barca – although Juventus appear favourites to sign the Austrian.

      Pogba is thought to be a big admirer of the Nou Camp outfit and would be open to a move.
      He revealed in 2019 he is ready for a new challenge but a switch to Real Madrid was the most likely destination for the midfielder.
      But Pogba opened another can of worms surrounding his club career while away on international duty by declaring it a ‘dream’ to play for Los Blancos.
      The midfielder said: “I heard a lot of noise that I was going to leave and I was going to leave to clubs left and right.

      “Today, I am still at Manchester United and I am fighting to try to take the club even higher.
      “Yes, all footballers would like to play for Real Madrid. Maybe it is a dream. It is a dream for me, why not one day?”
      Pogba, who has started all three Premier League games this season and scored in the Carabao Cup win over Brighton, added on his contract renewal: “Nobody has said anything to me. I have not spoken with Ed Woodward.
      “I have not been spoken about an extension. For the moment, I am at Manchester United and I am thinking above all to hit my top form.
      “I think that there will be a moment where the club comes to speak to me and maybe offers me something, or not.
      “For the moment, nothing has happened.” More

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      Barcelona eye ‘January bargains’ in transfer window with Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum and Eric Garcia on shortlist

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      BARCELONA are reportedly set to revive their interest in Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum and Eric Garcia in January.
      La Liga giants Barcelona failed in their attempts to sign the trio in the summer with the club lacking funds due to being hit by the Covid-19 crisis.

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      Lyon striker Memphis Depay failed to secure a move to Barcelona in the summerCredit: Icon Sport – Getty

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      Spanish media claim Barca want to bring in Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum and Eric Garcia in 2021

      Ronald Koeman’s side recently announced after-tax losses of £88million due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

      The Nou Camp side even had to slash players and staff’s wages by 70 per cent after feeling the full economic impact of the deadly virus.
      As a result, Barca were unable to land their main targets – a striker in the shape of Lyon’s Depay and a centre-back in the form of Manchester City’s Garcia.

      And Liverpool midfielder Wijaldum was also of interest, and Barcelona are prepared to dip back into the market in the winter transfer window.
      The trio are all set to become free agents in 2021, and according to Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish side will look to secure their services in cut-price deals.
      They claim Barca will look to test City’s resolve yet again having had a £16million offer rejected for him on deadline day.
      But the Citizens could keep him on their books to provide cover if needed, leaving it likely that Barca will sign him on a free transfer.

      Wijnaldum will also be monitored to see whether they can reach a deal with the Reds.

      Meanwhile Barca will have to offload one of Ousmane Dembele or Martin Braithwaite if they want to bring in Depay in January.
      Depay has spoke of his failed move to the Nou Camp as he claimed ‘certain rules stopped it’.
      And Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has confirmed that the Dutchman will push to join Barcelona in the New Year.
      Aulas revealed: “He is going to do everything he can to find himself in a position where he moves there in January.
      “Rudi Garcia, he fought with everything he had for Memphis to stay.
      “I have not abandoned the idea of extending [Depay’s] contract, but as he has always said no, it looks difficult to do.”

      FIFA 21 guesses that Barcelona’s Ansu Fati will win the Ballon d’Or in 2034 More

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      From Neymar and Martinez to De Ligt and Depay, Bartomeu failed to sign an entire team’s worth of stars as he faces axe

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      BARCELONA’S president Josep Maria Bartomeu is facing the Nou Camp axe.
      The man who was at war with superstar captain Lionel Messi during a spectacular summer transfer saga, will face a vote of no confidence.

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      Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu Credit: AFP or licensors

      More than 16,000 fans signed a motion against the Catalan giants’ hapless chief to trigger a referendum.
      Bartomeu is guaranteed to be out by March with a presidential election scheduled and the 57-year-old unable to seek another term.
      Despite Messi reluctantly being convinced to stay this season, Bartomeu’s stewardship has been slated for a number of failed signings.
      SunSport casts an eye over a whole team of stars whose moves never materialised.

      Andre Onana

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      Ajax keeper Andre Onana has been linked with BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Ajax shot-stopper Andre Onana has caught the eye with some impressive performances between the stick and was previously linked with a move to Chelsea.
      But Spanish outlet Sport claims Barcelona have been targeting the 24-year-old.
      A former youth star at Barca, Onana is yet to be lured back to the Nou Camp.

      Inigo Martinez

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      Inigo Martinez’s move to Barcelona collapsedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      In 2017 Barcelona were monitoring defender Inigo Martinez with then boss Ernesto Valverde keen on poaching him from Real Sociedad.
      A five-year deal was in place before Sociedad president Jokin Apperibay pulled the plug.
      Martinez fumed at Apperibay for going back on his word as Barca missed out on another class operator at the back with the player sold to Atheltic Bilbao in January 2018.
      Matthijs De Ligt

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      Matthijs de Ligt chose Juventus over BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      After excelling in the heart of Ajax’s defence in 2019, centre-back Matthijs de Ligt was high in demand.
      The ball-playing defender won the Golden Boy gong in 2018 and became the Dutch club’s youngest ever aged just 19.
      But Barcelona lost out in a head-to-head transfer battle with Juventus as De Ligt opted for Serie A to become a ‘more complete player’.
      Eric Garcia

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      Eric Garcia has long been linked with a return to BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Manchester City centre-back has refused to pen a new deal with his heart seemingly set on a return to Catalonia.
      After cutting his teeth at La Masia, the 19-year-old has consistently been linked with a move back but a transfer has yet to transpire.
      Although he is likely to arrive for nothing when his City deal expires next summer, Barca have made hard work of bringing him back into the fold.

      Marco Verratti

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      Marco Verratti turned down Barcelona to stay at PSGCredit: AFP or licensors
      Barcelona reportedly had looked at landing Marco Verratti in a big-money deal in 2016.
      The Catalan club wanted him to fill the void left by Xavi but despite offering a huge pay day, they failed to land their man and he remained at PSG.
      Adrien Rabiot

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      Adrien Rabiot joined Juventus after a Barca move fell throughCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Like De Ligt, midfielder Adrien Rabiot plumped for Juventus over a move to Barca.
      In the summer of 2019 he had looked certain to arrive after running down his PSG deal.
      But a move collapsed with some reports claiming he saw himself playing further up the field than a No6 role and an alleged disagreement over a signing-on fee.
      Willian

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      Willian left Chelsea for Arsenal rather than the Nou CampCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Brazilian Willian, 31, ditched Chelsea for Arsenal this summer on a free but could easily have left Stamford Bridge for the Nou Camp.
      Bartomeu is said to have had TWO bids for the wideman – a £50m offer in 2018 before Chelsea rejected the £20m put on the table in January.
      Memphis Depay

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      Barcelona could not get a deal for Lyon’s Memphis Depay over the lineCredit: Reuters
      The former Manchester United flop looked set to reunite with his former international boss Ronald Koeman at Barca.
      But the Lyon skipper’s £25m move to Spain came unstuck largely thanks to Barcelona’s dire financial state.
      With the club unable to offload Ousmane Dembele’s hefty wages to United in a loan deal, Depay’s move fell through.
      Neymar

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      Neymar is yet to return from PSG to BarcelonaCredit: AFP or licensors
      Ever since he joined PSG from Barca for just shy of £200m in 2017, Neymar has been linked with a dramatic return.
      And Messi is thought to have urged the board to bring back his old MSN pal.
      But despite the speculation, the French giants held firm – refusing to sell their prized asset.
      Lautaro Martinez

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      Barcelona failed to poach No1 target Lautaro Martinez from Inter MilanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez was Barca’s No1 target to fill the void left by Luis Suarez’s departure this summer.
      But the skint Catalan giants balked at his £90m price tag and were forced to end their pursuit of the 23-year-old Argentine.
      Rodrigo

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      Leeds signed Rodrigo ahead of BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Before Leeds star Rodrigo was firing in equalisers against Manchester City, he was another man linked with Barca.
      Valencia reportedly wanted £50m for the striker in January which was too much for Bartomeu and Co.
      And Leeds snapped up the 29-year-old Spaniard for £35m in the summer window.
      Manager – Xavi

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      Barcelona legend Xavi manages Qatari side Al Sadd Credit: AFP or licensors
      Club legend Xavi was linked with a fairytale return to replace Quique Setien at the helm.
      Bartomeu hinted the Al Sadd boss would be on his way back ‘sooner or later’.
      But he signed a new deal with the Qatari side and Ronald Koeman was brought in instead.

      Watch as furious Barcelona fans break into Nou Camp in support of Lionel Messi and demand president Bartomeu resign More