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      Barcelona sack sporting director Eric Abidal after disastrous end to season and failings in transfer market

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      BARCELONA have sacked sporting director Eric Abidal to continue their major shake-up.
      In the aftermath of the LaLiga giants’ 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Abidal becomes the second major casualty of the Barcelona hierarchy.

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      Eric Abidal has lost his job amid Barcelona’s massive overhaulCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      On Tuesday, the Catalans confirmed their former left-back’s exit after two years in the role.
      He follows coach Quique Setien in leaving the club at the end of a first trophy-less campaign in 12 years.
      A statement read: “FC Barcelona and Eric Abidal have reached an agreement for the ending of the contract that united the two parties.
      “The Club would publicly like to thank Eric Abidal for his professionalism, commitment, dedication and the close and positive nature of his relationship with all aspects of the blaugrana family.”

      Abidal was a surprise appointment to oversee Barcelona’s transfers in 2018.
      The defender was a popular player in his first six years at the club, where he won eight major trophies while battling liver problems that eventually required a transplant.
      His first summer in charge saw little star power arrive but Clement Lenglet, Arturo Vidal and Arthur Melo were competent first-team players alongside the flop that was Malcom.

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      The appointment of Quique Setien did not go to plan for Abidal or BarcelonaCredit: AFP or licensors
      Antoine Griezmann was the marquee signing of last summer and his £108million move has so far failed to set the world alight.

      Meanwhile, the decision to sack Ernesto Valverde and replace the two-time LaLiga winner with Setien has backfired considerably.
      After Abidal suggested the players “weren’t satisfied or working hard” under their former coach, the Frenchman was on the end of a barb from Lionel Messi.
      The Argentine stated: “The heads of the sports department have to take their responsibilities too and above all own the decisions they make.

      Ronald Koeman spotted at Barcelona airport and set to replace Quique Setien as manager after ‘advanced talks’ with club
      “Finally I think that when you talk about players, you have to give names because if not, it makes everyone dirty and gives air to things that are said which are not true.”
      Mundo Deportivo report that Abidal’s assistant, Ramon Planes, has been handed the reigns on an initial temporary basis.
      The club’s woes in the transfer market certainly last much longer than just Abidal with £940million splashed in the last five seasons.
      And the cracks around the Camp Nou have opened up after the shock Champions League hammering at the hands of Bayern.

      Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said after the defeat: “There are some decisions that we had already made, and others that we will make over the next few days.
      “Announcements will be made from next week, we need to make decisions after things have calmed down.
      “Today is a day for reflection. Tomorrow we will try to raise our fans’ spirits following such a heavy defeat.”
      Presidential elections are planned for next spring although Bartomeu, having served two terms, cannot stand again. More

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      Marc Overmars ‘working to bring Luis Suarez back to Ajax in shock transfer from Barcelona after being put up for sale’

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      ARSENAL legend Marc Overmars is reportedly working on a deal to bring Luis Suarez back to Ajax.
      The Barcelona star, 33, is on the club’s transfer list, according to reports in Spain.

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      Luis Suarez could leave the Nou Camp after six yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And he could be set for a return to Dutch side Ajax – where Suarez spent four years before joining Liverpool in 2011.
      Uruguayan journalist Enzo Olivera claims Ajax’s sporting director Overmars is readying a bid for Suarez.
      Olivera told sports show Polideportivo via Football Inside: “Overmars wants Suarez and has opened the doors of the Johan Cruyff Arena for him.”
      The Uruguayan striker’s contract runs until next summer and Barca have an option to extend the deal for an extra season.

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      Luis Suarez was a prolific goalscorer in his first spell with AjaxCredit: PA:Press Association
      But the Catalan giants are planning a major squad overhaul after their 8-2 Champions League humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich.
      Just SIX players including Lionel Messi are safe from the axe – but the Argentine superstar has reportedly told the Blaugrana he wants to leave “immediately”.
      And an ageing and injury-prone Suarez could be moved on.
      He has also been linked with a move to Qatari side Al-Arabi with David Beckham’s Inter Miami battling for his signature too.

      But Suarez will undoubtedly have to accept a pay cut if he leaves the Nou Camp.
      Ajax – where Suarez has happy memories after scoring 111 goals in 159 games during his first spell – will not match his current wages.
      The veteran striker collects over £260,000 a week at Barca.

      Barcelona’s Luis Suarez shows he has all the right moves as he returns to training after injury More

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      Barcelona hoping to seal Neymar transfer by offering Griezmann and £54m with PSG star seen as only player to save club

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      BARCELONA are set to make a fresh approach to sign Neymar in an attempt to start the rebuild, according to reports.
      The Catalan giants are in disarray with the team humiliated by Bayern Munich, the manager about to be sacked and their best player at loggerheads with the board.

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      Reports in Spain suggest Barcelona will make a fresh approach to sign Neymar again
      And according to Sport in Spain, they are lining up a transfer offer to try and lure Neymar back to the Nou Camp.
      The report states Barca will bid £54million and offer Antoine Griezmann as part of a deal.
      They see their former forward, who left in 2017 to join Paris Saint-Germain for a world-record £198m, as the best option to help fix the dire problems as quickly as possible.
      The 28-year-old scored 105 goals in 186 appearances for the LaLiga club and formed a deadly attack with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

      But the Brazilian superstar also offers plenty of value off the field due to his strong marketing brand.
      It is thought Griezmann could be used as a bargaining chip.
      The Frenchman’s move from Atletico Madrid has not worked out quite as planned with 15 goals in 48 appearances.
      Neymar showed glimpses of his very best in the comeback win over Atalanta last week, except for a horror one-on-one miss.

      And based on performances like that, it is little wonder Barcelona are desperate to get him back to the Nou Camp.
      Quique Setien is set to be axed following the 8-2 Champions League thumping.
      Messi and the board’s relationship continues to deteriorate to the point where reports suggest he wants to leave the club.
      However, they face a tough task landing Neymar because PSG are determined not to let him go – regardless of the offer they receive.

      Club chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi insisted he will never sell Neymar nor team-mate Kylian Mbappe.
      He told RMC Sport: “Ney, with Kylian, is one of the best players in the world. He’s in the top three. Neymar was the man of the match, he was great.
      “He and Kylian will never leave. They’ll stay with PSG.”

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      Antoine Griezmann could be used as part of a swap deal, seeing the Frenchman join Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Reuters

      Neymar jumps on Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting during PSG post match interview More

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      How Barcelona could line up under Pochettino after raid on Tottenham for Harry Kane and Lo Celso with Pique axed from XI

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO could launch a new era at Barcelona by raiding old club Spurs. The Argentine coach is being heavily linked with the Nou Camp job with the writing on the wall for Quique Setien. Already under huge pressure after surrendering their LaLiga crown to Real Madrid, last night’s 8-2 Champions League humiliation at the […] More

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      Neymar and Mbappe will NEVER leave PSG, claims chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi in transfer blow to Barcelona and Real Madrid

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      NEYMAR and Kylian Mbappe will NEVER leave Paris Saint-Germain, according to club chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
      The star pair helped PSG mount an unbelievable late comeback to stun this season’s surprise package Atalanta 2-1 in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday night.

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      Neymar and Kylian Mbappe celebrate PSG’s winner in the Champions LeagueCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The French side scored two goals in injury time as strikes from Marquinhos and Stoke flop Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting secured their place in the last four.
      Over 200 fans celebrated the stunning victory back in Paris by letting off flares and chanting in the streets as their team reached the semi-finals for the first time in 25 years.
      And club president Al-Khelaifi was asked about the future of his two most prominent players after the game.
      He told RMC Sport: “Ney[mar], with Kylian [Mbappe], is one of the best players in the world.

      “He’s in the top three.
      “Neymar was the man of the match, he was great.
      “He and Kylian will never leave.
      “They’ll stay with PSG.”

      The news will come as a massive blow to Spanish El Clasico giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.
      Neymar joined PSG for a world record £198million in 2017 but has been consistently linked with a return to the Nou Camp ever since.
      Previous reports suggested the Catalan giants were not hiding the fact they would welcome a return for the Brazilian, who is contracted in Paris until June 2022.
      The player himself even reportedly told pals he wanted a return to Catalonia this summer after hopefully winning the Champions League.
      But Barca have been hit hard by the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
      And president Josep Bartomeu poured cold water on the prospect of breaking the bank to lure the 28-year-old back to Spain.

      He told BeIN Sports: “The financial situation isn’t good. We don’t expect to complete any expensive transfers.
      “And not just us, any side in football. Especially the big teams.”
      Barca’s arch rivals Real Madrid were also linked with a shock move for Neymar with president Florentino Perez apparently dreaming of a move.
      But Los Blancos have been more regularly rumoured to secure a deal for French World Cup winner Mbappe.
      The 21-year-old’s contract runs until the end of the 2021-22 season but Madrid were confident of forcing a sale next summer.
      Mbappe grew up with posters of Cristiano Ronaldo playing for the Galacticos on his wall.
      But last month confirmed he would remain at the Parc des Princes for at least another season.

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      Mbappe, who joined in 2017 from Monaco, said: “I just have to say that I’m here, I’m in the project for a fourth year.
      “For everyone, the directors, the supporters. I’m going to keep going, no matter what.
      “I want to help the team win trophies and be the best in the world.”

      Neymar jumps on Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting during PSG post match interview More

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      Barcelona want Man City star Bernardo Silva and could offer Nelson Semedo in shock swap transfer

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      BARCELONA are interested in signing Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, according to reports.
      The Portuguese midfielder started just 23 Premier League matches for City this season as he struggled to rediscover the form that saw him named their player of the year in 2018-19.

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      Manchester City Bernardo Silva is back in England after being holed up in PortugalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Barca hope to capitalise on Silva’s situation and could include right-back Nelson Semedo in a cash-plus-player swap deal.
      The Telegraph claims the La Liga giants hope to tempt the 25-year-old with a new challenge after three seasons at the Etihad.
      However, Barca’s limited post-coronavirus budget means they have prioritised swap deals this summer and hope to test City’s resolve by offering Semedo in part-exchange.
      Semedo, 26, has been on City’s radar for some time and is among a number of names the Blaugrana are looking to move on in the transfer window.

      Silva joined City from Monaco in 2017 for an initial £43.5million fee but would likely be valued much higher by City, even though the pandemic looks in the most part to have decimated transfer fees globally.
      Despite a downturn in form, the midfielder has still contributed eight goals and ten assists in 52 appearances this season.
      Asked recently about Silva, City boss Pep Guardiola admitted this season had been tough for the Portuguese due to the displays of Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez.

      “This season, maybe it was my fault or maybe Phil was more involved and Riyad maintained his level and the other players played good too,” Guardiola said.
      Silva was overlooked in favour of Foden for City’s Champions League last-16 win over Real Madrid on Friday night before coming on for the England under-21 international in the 67th minute.

      David Silva offered £52k a week, private jet and ‘elegant house’ by Lazio as Man City legend weighs up transfer More

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      Lionel Messi wants to finish career at Barcelona and will only quit in next three to four years, says Josep Bartomeu

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      LIONEL MESSI wants to finish his career at Barcelona, according to club president Josep Bartomeu.
      The Barca chief allayed fans’ fear the Argentine superstar could look to quit the Nou Camp after a turbulent campaign.

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      Barca president Josep Bartomeu says Lionel Messi will stayCredit: Reuters
      The Catalan giants’ skipper voiced his displeasure as Barca surrendered their La Liga crown to rivals Real Madrid last season.
      Rumours of a public rift with both team-mate Antoine Griezmann and manager Quique Setien suggested things weren’t all rosy.
      And the 33-year-old is being linked with a sensational move to Inter Milan as Antonio Conte’s side attempt to mirror the effect of Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Juventus.
      Six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi’s deal expires next summer and he is yet to put pen to paper on an extension.

      But Bartomeu is adamant Barca’s talisman will not be leaving for free next year.
      He told beIN SPORTS: “It’s not just me who says it, Messi says it himself.
      “He wants to finish his professional playing career at Barcelona and it’s the only club for him.
      “I don’t have any doubt that when he finishes his football career in three or four years it will be here at Barcelona.

      “Messi has it very clear. He’s been here since he was a kid, he knows the colours and is a part of the club’s history.
      “He is the best player in the world. Not just right now, but in the history of the game.
      “He’s at Barcelona and has made clear he wants to stay here.”

      Despite Bartomeu’s reassuring words, Inter are reportedly ready to offer the Argentine a four-year deal worth a staggering £235million.
      Barcelona host Napoli in the second leg of their Champions League Last 16 tie tomorrow night with the game poised at 1-1.
      A run in Europe could help offset some of this season’s damage but there are even reports that Setien will be fired if his side do not lift the trophy.

      Lionel Messi ‘to be offered four-year deal worth staggering £235m’ by Inter Milan as they pursue free transfer More

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      Man City ‘rule out Sergi Roberto transfer and not planning approach for Barcelona star’ despite Guardiola being fan

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      MANCHESTER CITY have not made an approach for Sergi Roberto despite talk of a bid for the Barcelona star.
      The Spaniard’s agent Josep Maria Orobitg has denied any suggestion that his client will leave the Camp Nou.

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      Sergi Roberto is set to stay despite Barcelona planning a clear out this summerCredit: USA TODAY Sports
      After reports that Roberto will be offered to City in their move for young defender Eric Garcia, Orobitg stated the right-back’s intention to stay with the Catalans.
      Manchester Evening News quote the agent as saying: “Sergi Roberto has no plans to leave Barcelona.
      “Now there are no clubs showing interest and Barcelona have not submitted any proposals for the player to us.”
      Pep Guardiola has long been described as a big fan of Roberto, 28, having given the La Masia product his debut back in 2010.

      Capable of playing in central midfield and the right side of defence, he is arguably the last academy player to come through Barcelona’s famous youth system and establish a long-term place in the first-team.
      According to Sport, City wanted to bring Roberto to Manchester when discussing Garcia’s future with the LaLiga side at the end of the season.
      It is said that Barcelona would prefer to let fellow right-back Nelson Semedo go as they attempt to push down their mammoth wage bill over the summer.
      Guardiola stated last month his desire to keep Garcia with just one year left on the centre-back’s contract.

      He said: “We are going to try convince him to stay here for many, many, many years.”
      With Orobitg, who also represents Guardiola, denying any City link to Roberto, MEN believe the club are focusing their efforts elsewhere.
      Defenders Pau Torres, Kalidou Koulibaly and Ruben Dias are reportedly Pep’s priorities after signing Nathan Ake and Ferran Torres.

      Man City could field two new signings next season

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