Barcelona transfer news

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      Barcelona ‘contact Man City over Gabriel Jesus’ as they eye transfer for striker to replace outgoing Luis Suarez

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      BARCELONA have reportedly contacted Manchester City over a move for Gabriel Jesus.
      The Brazilian striker has allegedly been identified by the LaLiga giants as a potential replacement for Luis Suarez.

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      Barcelona have reportedly contacted Man City over a move for Gabriel JesusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The 33-year-old has been told he is no longer wanted at the Nou Camp by new boss Ronald Koeman.
      That discussion also factored into Lionel Messi’s decision to hand in a transfer request, with the forward unhappy at the treatment of best pal and neighbour Suarez.
      The pair’s families share a close bond and regularly holiday together.
      Barcelona legend Carles Puyol made vocal his support of Messi on Tuesday evening.

      The treble-winning former captain tweeted: “Respect and admiration, Leo. All my support, friend.”
      Suarez replied with two clapping hands emojis but he will not decide his next move until his lawyers have agreed an exit deal with Barca.
      Now according to GloboEsporte in Brazil and AS in Spain, City ace Jesus is the man they hope to replace the Uruguayan.

      And it has been claimed Barcelona have already made contact with the relevant officials at the Etihad over a possible deal.

      It is not the first time the star, 23, has been linked with a move away from Manchester.
      Both Juventus and Inter Milan are also believed to have enquired about him in the past. More

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      What is a burofax and why did Lionel Messi have to use it to tell Barcelona he is leaving?

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      LIONEL MESSI told Barcelona he wants to leave – by sending them a fax.
      In a world of modern technology, that may come as a surprise to many football fans.

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      Lionel Messi FAXED Barcelona to tell them he wants to leave this summerCredit: EPA
      But there is a reason for it.
      According to AS, Messi used a ‘burofax’, a service provided by Spain’s postal service, to inform Barca of his shock decision.
      It is used “where it is necessary to prove that the document was delivered and also the contents of that document”.
      And with the transfer bombshell shocking the football world, Messi is clearly keen to get everything covered legally.

      As SunSport has previously reported, many football managers, chairman and agents prefer the old-time, safe simplicity of the churning fax machine.
      These documents slowly splurge out for them to see and touch, rather than virtual messages through emails or texts.
      But the key reason is that the legal world still prefers written documents and hand-written signatures to electronic notification.
      A burofax can also be sent in person at a post office or on-line on the Spanish Postal Service website, but the picture of Messi using the fax machine is far better.

      And with Messi and Barcelona seemingly at war over the transfer, it could well go through the courts.
      His current deal expires in 2021 with a £630million release clause.
      But when he signed his last deal, the Atheltic write how he added a stipulation allowing him to terminate his contract at the end of the 2019-20 season – which Messi attempted yesterday.
      This is where the club and player are at loggerheads, because the clause only comes into effect if Messi asked to terminate his contract before June 10.
      However, the Argentine’s legal team are arguing that because the season was extended over the coronavirus pandemic, the clause should still apply until the end of August.
      Barcelona’s final game of the season came in the 8-2 humiliation against Bayern Munich on August 14.

      Messi’s reps are arguing that if the pandemic happened next year, Messi would be expected to see out the campaign, past the expiration of his contract.
      The 33-year-old has cut a disconsolate figure many times this season, none more so than after Barca’s 8-2 drubbing at the hands of eventual Champions League winners Bayern in the quarter-finals.
      Manchester City have moved to favourites to sign the little magician, with Messi said to be in contact with his old Nou Camp boss Pep Guardiola about a move.

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      Messi has only ever signed to play for Barcelona – now he is set to leave the clubCredit: Reuters

      Lionel Messi transfer request – Furious Barcelona fans protest against president Josep Maria Bartomeu outside Nou Camp More

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      Lionel Messi follows just four clubs on Twitter including Man City and Chelsea as wantaway Barcelona hero eyes transfer

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      FANS of four clubs are dreaming of signing Lionel Messi after a Twitter discovery – and they include both Manchester City and Chelsea.
      The legendary forward stunned Barcelona by handing in a transfer request to leave the club on a free.

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      Lionel Messi only follows four clubs on Twitter… and they include both Man City and ChelseaCredit: PA:Press Association
      The six-time Ballon d’Or winner sent a fax to chiefs on Tuesday demanding Barca exercise a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for nothing with immediate effect.
      However, the club believe that the clause has in fact expired, with the 33-year-old superstar under contract until the summer of 2021.
      Club and player seem set for a legal battle over the clause, with Barcelona believing it expired on June 10 and that a €700m (£629m) buy-out clause is still valid.
      Messi and his representatives will argue that an extension should be granted as the coronavirus pandemic delayed and extended the season into July and August.

      Either way, speculation over who he will join next continues to intensify with a host of clubs linked with a move.
      However, eagle-eyed social media users believe they may have narrowed down his potential new employers to just four teams.
      And it is all on the fact that the quartet are the only clubs he follows on Twitter.
      Barcelona are one, with his boyhood team back in Argentina, Newell’s Old Boys, another.

      However, supporters of both Man City and Chelsea are starting to believe the impossible could become reality after discovering their sides are also followed by the icon.

      Messi was left fuming at the humiliating 8-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.
      He held crunch talks with new manager Ronald Koeman just one day after the Dutchman replaced Quique Setien, informing the new boss of his plans to leave.
      The Argentinian was then said to be furious that information of that meeting was leaked to the Spanish and then international press.

      He is also unhappy at the treatment of best pal and neighbour Luis Suarez who was told he has no future at the club.
      The pair’s families share a close bond and regularly holiday together.

      Barcelona legend Carles Puyol made vocal his support of Messi on Tuesday evening.
      The treble-winning former captain tweeted: “Respect and admiration, Leo. All my support, friend.”
      Suarez replied with two hands clapping emojis.
      Clubs across Europe are now scrambling for his signature.

      Manchester City are believed to be keen on the Argentine forward and there is strong interest from Inter Milan as well.
      Ladbrokes have City and – a Pep Guardiola reunion – as 5/2 favourites, with Inter priced at 3/1, Manchester United at 6/1 and Paris Saint-Germain at 7/1.
      And according to Radio Catalunya, Etihad boss Guardiola, who spent four seasons with the star at Barca, has held talks with the player.
      Together the pair won two Champions League trophies and three LaLiga titles.

      Andy Murray says Lionel Messi is going to sign for Hibs after he submits transfer request at Barcelona More

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      Lionel Messi demanded Barcelona transfer after boss Ronald Koeman told superstar his ‘privileges are over’

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      LIONEL MESSI demanded his Barcelona transfer after new boss Ronald Koeman reportedly told the superstar his “privileges are over”.
      The club captain, 33, faxed the board to inform them he wants to quit after growing furious with their treatment of him and, most recently, Luis Suarez.

      Lionel Messi decided he wanted to quite after being told his ‘privileges’ were being stripped away by ‘inflexible’ new boss Ronald Koeman
      He held a personal talk with Koeman following the Dutchman’s appointment as Quique Setien’s replacement last week.
      In their discussions, Messi revealed he sees his future outside the club.
      But according to Diario Olé via AS, Koeman told Messi in their meeting: “Your privileges in the squad are over, you have to do everything for the team.
      “I’m going to be inflexible, you have to think about the team.”

      Speaking publicly last week about the Messi situation, Koeman said: “He’s still got a contract and is still a Barcelona player.
      “At this point I need to speak to him because he is the captain.
      “We need to work with him and speak with various players. We need to make some decisions but in Messi’s case I hope he stays with us.

      “I don’t know if I have to convince Messi [to stay], whether it’s that or not. He is the best player in the world and the best player in the world you want in your team, you don’t want him playing against you.
      STOP MESS-ING WITH LEO
      “As a coach I would love to work with Messi because he wins matches. If he’s at the ability and level he has always shown I’d be more than happy for him to stay.”
      But the latest report adds the removal of any “privileges” and Koeman being “inflexible” were enough to convince Messi to demand the club he joined 20 years ago allow him to leave.
      Messi told the directors he has decided he will quit after this major fallout – with their treatment of Suarez also thought to be a contributing factor.
      Ex-Liverpool star Suarez has reportedly been told by Koeman he will be sold this summer and Messi, one of his best mates, is fuming and wants out.
      Former Nou Camp and Spain skipper Carles Puyol, 42, who was Messi’s club-mate for nine years, publicised his allegiance: “Respect and admiration, Leo. All my support, friend.”
      Suarez, 33, responded with two emojis of clapping hands.

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      Koeman was brought in to replace Quique Setien by Josep Maria Bartomeu but both men are wanted out by supporters in order to keep MessiCredit: EPA
      ‘MESSI SI BARTO NO’
      But Barcelona fans are understandably desperate for the Argentine to stay with many taking to the streets outside the Nou Camp to insist the club keep Messi.
      Angry supporters congregated at the club’s stadium and protested against president Josep Maria Bartomeu, demanding his resignation.
      It is understood the board will meet imminently with some colleagues calling for Bartomeu to quit from his position – and all on Messi’s side may get their wish with reports that the president will indeed step down.
      Board members Jordi Moix, the economics and assets vice president, and treasurer David Bellver have already allegedly offered their resignation.
      Fans made their feelings known by directing obscene gestures – aimed for Bartomeu – at the stadium as well as holding up ‘Messi 10’ replica shirts in support of their beloved hero.
      Some chanted: “Bartomeu, dimissió,” meaning, “Bartomeu, dismissed.”
      Others sang: “Please Messi don’t leave, we all love you here,” to the captain who joined La Masia aged 13 and has scored 634 goals for their team.
      The hashtag “#MessiSiBartoNo” – literally meaning “Messi yes, Barto no” – is trending.

      Guillem Balague claims Messi has a “clause that he had agreed in his last contract by which he can go for free”.
      He says Barcelona believe the clause expired at the end of June, meaning Messi’s £630million buyout fee stands, but the superstar is convinced it is still active until the end of August due to the coronavirus crisis.
      Manchester City are believed to be keen on the Argentine forward and there is strong interest from Inter Milan as well. Ladbrokes have City as 5/2 favourites, with Inter at 3/1, Manchester United at 6/1 and PSG at 7/1.

      Barcelona fans congregated outside the Nou Camp to show their support for the club captain

      Lionel Messi transfer request – Furious Barcelona fans protest against president Josep Maria Bartomeu outside Nou Camp More

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      Barcelona to demand £631m release clause for Lionel Messi if furious star hands in transfer request amid Koeman row

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      BARCELONA’S board will demand clubs pay Lionel Messi’s £631million release clause should he hand in a transfer request, according to reports.
      The Argentine’s future remains in serious doubt after a torrid season on and off the pitch for the Nou Camp side.

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      Barcelona could refuse to sell Lionel Messi unless an interested club meet his £631m release clauseCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But with one year left to run on his contract and Barcelona determined to keep their star man, it may not be easy for Messi to get out even if he wants to.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, the Barca board will simply turn around and tell Messi, 33, a club would need to match his mammoth release clause to sign him – otherwise he is not for sale.
      And that is pretty much impossible with no club likely to stump up more than three times the world-record transfer fee Paris Saint-Germain paid Barcelona for Neymar in 2017.
      However, if a deal could be reached between the player and the club that would see Barca accept an affordable price, PSG could be in line to make a move and reunite Messi with Neymar.

      Manchester City – with Pep Guardiola in charge – and Inter Milan are also thought to be monitoring the situation, with the Italians weighing up an approach.
      Immediately after the Blaugrana lost 8-2 to Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Messi is claimed to have told the club he wanted to leave.
      Following Quique Setien’s dismissal at the Nou Camp, Ronald Koeman was appointed on a two-year deal, with Messi cutting short his holiday to meet the Dutchman.
      It was reported by Catalan radio station RAC1 that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner told Koeman that he is seriously considering his future at Barca.

      And Argentinian news outlet Clarin have now stated that Messi has been left ‘furious’ that news of the meeting has been made public.
      Koeman spoke about the situation with Messi earlier in the week, as he said: “He’s still got a contract and is still a Barcelona player. At this point I need to speak to him because he is the captain.

      “We need to work with him and speak with various players. We need to make some decisions but in Messi’s case I hope he stays with us.
      “I don’t know if I have to convince Messi [to stay], whether it’s that or not. He is the best player in the world and the best player in the world you want in your team, you don’t want him playing against you.
      “As a coach I would love to work with Messi because he wins matches. If he’s at the ability and level he has always shown I’d be more than happy for him to stay.”

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      Man City are the favourites to sign Messi this summer

      Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman says he doesn’t know if he has to convince Messi to stay More

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      Mourinho to give Ryan Sessegnon Tottenham first-team chance after rebuffing Barcelona and Celtic loan transfer interest

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      RYAN SESSEGNON will be given a shot in the Spurs side next season after Jose Mourinho reportedly rebuffed huge loan requests.
      Barcelona and Celtic both came calling in search of a temporary move for the 20-year-old, according to The Athletic.

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      Ryan Sessegnon is set to stay at Spurs and be given a go under Jose MourinhoCredit: Reuters
      Sessegnon made a £25million switch from Fulham after they were relegated last summer but failed to have the desired impact in his first season at Tottenham.
      The English youngster made just 12 first-team appearances after struggling with injury.
      He saw the manager who signed him, Mauricio Pochettino, sacked and replaced with Mourinho in November.
      Sessegnon is comfortable anywhere on the left-hand side and will be given more of a chance to shine in Mourinho’s starting XI in the upcoming campaign.

      Spurs have had plenty of interest in a loan move for the highly-rated England Under-21 international.

      Reports suggested he could be in line for a return to old club Fulham after Scott Parker’s side won promotion back to the Premier League in the Championship play-off final.
      Sessegnon made his name at Craven Cottage after bursting on to the scene as a 16-year-old.
      And his twin brother Steven still turns out for the West London side.

      But the report states Spurs also fielded interest from European big-hitters AC Milan, Ajax and Bayer Leverkusen.
      However, Spurs have got him on a strength and conditioning plan to try and bulk up and show he can excel under Mourinho this year.

      The club are not thought to be entertaining the thought of letting him leave.
      And he made a flying start to preparations for the new campaign after notching Spurs’ first goal in pre-season today.
      Sessegnon bagged a goal after just six minutes in a friendly match against League One Ipswich Town at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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      Ryan Sessegnon scores Spurs’ first goal against Ipswich Town in pre-seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Tottenham stars Sessegnon and Sanchez ‘jog side-by-side together in London amid coronavirus social distancing warnings’ More

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      Furious Luis Suarez orders Barcelona board to tell him if he is up for transfer as Ajax plot £13.5m bid for striker

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      FURIOUS Luis Suarez has demanded the Barcelona board tell him if he is up for sale or not as transfer talk hots up.
      The forward, 33, remains in the dark about his future at the Nou Camp.

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      Luis Suarez hit out at Barcelona and demanded they tell him what is going on with his future at the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Following the 8-2 hammering by Bayern Munich and immediate shake-up with Quique Setien and Eric Abidal sacked, the majority of the squad are in the shop window.
      But in an interview with El Pais, Suarez blasted the club for their lack of communication and insists he does not know where he stands.
      He said: “There is talk of some names that the president gave, of changes that can be made, but nobody told me that they want to do without me.
      “If this is the desire of the club, it would be good if the person in charge who chooses speaks directly to me.

      “Better so than filter if I am one of those who want them to leave. It remains to be seen.
      “I also want the best for the club and my idea today is to continue, but if the club decides that I am expendable, I have no problem talking to those who decide.”
      Ronald Koeman replaced Setien this week and has been charged with managing the overhaul and then steadying the Barca ship.
      Suarez is thought to be one of the players the club are willing to sell with only seven not on the market, including Lionel Messi, whose own future is in serious doubt.

      Ajax are monitoring the Suarez situation as they consider a move for their former forward while reports suggested they have already offered £13.5million.
      Juventus may also be tempted to make a move, especially with Andrea Pirlo potentially losing Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala.
      Suarez, who refused to single out blame for the 8-2 humiliation, admitted he would even be willing to take on a reduced role next season – but just needs to be communicated to regarding what the club want.
      He added: “Koeman? I haven’t talked to him yet. 

      I would accept a substitute role. If the coach thinks I have to start from the bench, I have no problem.
      Luis Suarez

      “As long as they count on me, I want to continue contributing as much as I can.
      “I would accept a substitute role, as I accepted it throughout my career.
      “The competition is always good and if the coach thinks I have to start from the bench, I have no problem helping the team with the role they give me. I can still contribute a lot to this club.”

      Quique Setién sacked: ESPN’s Sid Lowe discusses what went wrong for former Barcelona manager More

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      Inter Milan plot Lionel Messi transfer after Europa League final following Barcelona legend’s crisis talks with Koeman

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      INTER MILAN are plotting to launch a sensational Lionel Messi transfer after the Europa League final, according to reports.
      The Serie A giants take on Sevilla in the Europa showpiece in Cologne tonight.

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      Lionel Messi is being lined up by Inter Milan for what would be an incredible transfer this summerCredit: AP:Associated Press
      But after the match is done, La Gazzetta dello Sport reckon their attention will turn to their transfer window and landing Messi.
      The Barcelona great, 33, could be on course to leave his boyhood club after a series of disagreements and fallouts with the board.
      He held crisis talks with new manager Ronald Koeman on Thursday, cutting his holiday short for the personal chat.
      And according to RAC1 he dropped the bombshell that he sees his future away from Barcelona, the club he joined aged 13 and for whom he has scored 634 goals.

      Even though Barca president Josep Bartomeu said on Tuesday that he will be staying put, Messi is thought to be giving serious consideration to leaving.
      He has one year left on his current contract and reportedly added that he sees himself more “out of the club than in it”.
      And despite links surrounding a reunion with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Inter are the favourites should Messi leave.

      The Argentine icon’s dad, Jorge, has even splashed out on a luxury pad in an exclusive region in Milan, further suggesting a move for his son could be imminent.
      And their former president Massimo Moratti reckons Suning Holdings, Inter’s current owners, have “everything it takes” in their power to prise Messi away from the Nou Camp. 
      Barcelona are very interested in signing Lautaro Martinez so there is the outside possibility of a swap deal of some kind being agreed, although a clause in his Nou Camp contract could see him quit for free.

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      La Gazzetta dello Sport reckon Inter’s attention will turn from the Europa League final straight to signing Lionel Messi

      A look at the career of Lionel Messi as rumours circulate the Barcelona captain is looking to leave Camp Nou More