Barcelona transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi’s Barcelona replacement hits back after being named one of Premier League’s worst ever forwards

      by

      LUUK DE DONG has hit back at his critics after being named as one of the Premier League’s worst ever strikers. Back in the second half of the 2013/14 season, De Jong had a brief 12-game loan spell with Newcastle where he failed to score.
      Luuk de Jong has hit back at his critics after he was told he was named among the worst strikers in Premier League historyCredit: Getty
      De Jong had a goalless 12-game loan spell at Newcastle in 2014Credit: Getty
      De Jong has been on fire in the Champions League this season
      A decade on from then and he was told about him being ranked at No75 in a 2017 list of “the biggest flops”.
      In an interview with The Guardian, De Jong could not help but laugh at his ranking.
      Biting back, he said: “Really? When I only played 12 matches and not all of them from the start?
      “And not in my position, either? Oh well, that’s the football world, you know. I was young.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “I think I am better armed now to take on Premier League defenders.
      “It’s about your response to adversity – that makes the difference.”
      De Jong, 33, has come a long way since then, scoring for PSV in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund for starters.
      His pedigree in European competitions speak for itself, with 12 goals in 38 Champions League games and 17 in 48 Europa League games.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Former Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart also names him as the best header of the ball in Europe.
      Opta stats backing up that claim, with 77 goals being scored with the 6′ 2″ forward’s head including 13 of the 27 strikes the PSV captain has this season.
      I’m an ex-Premier League star who plays with Lionel Messi – but I’m richer than him at just 23 despite his $650m fortune
      De Jong puts this down to his upbringing – by Dutch international volleyball player parents who played with him in the garden or at the beach – which helped with his sense of timing.
      The Dutchman has also featured for Barcelona for one season, scoring seven goals in 29 games.
      But he admitted his time there was “strange” due to him being labelled as Lionel Messi’s replacement following the Argentine’s move to Paris Saint-Germain.
      He said: “That was very strange. Of course I was not brought in as his direct replacement.
      “No one can replace that man. I came there as a target man. But I was actually sitting at his place in the dressing room. That was nice.”
      One of the crowning moments of his career came after he was told he could leave the Camp Nou by Xavi, who had replaced Ronald Koeman after he signed De Jong.
      De Jong said: “After that I scored some important goals, mostly headers. At one point they sang my name at Camp Nou at every corner or free-kick.
      “You wouldn’t think it gets better than that. I am very proud of that.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Good times come with the tough however, and De Jong has credited his mental strength as part of the reason he is now the “best version of himself”.
      He said: “I never gave up. I always kept working hard and I think I am the best version of myself now.”
      De Jong arrived at Barcelona and was labelled as Lionel Messi’s replacementCredit: Getty
      De Jong scored seven times in his sole season with Barcelona and revealed he sat in Messi’s old seatCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona CRISIS as they are forced into fire sale to slash wages by £57m while facing threat of European ban

      by

      BARCELONA’S crisis situation looks set to go from bad to worse after the club were told by LaLiga they will need to slash their salary bill by £57MILLION.The Spanish giants have underwhelmed in the league this season, sitting in third place behind Girona and eight points behind league leaders Real Madrid.
      Barcelona saw their salary permit reduced by LaLigaCredit: Getty
      It means they will need to sell players to steer clear of a penaltyCredit: Getty
      The likes of Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski could all be sold as a resultCredit: Getty
      But that gap may stretch over the next few years after Barcelona’s financial situation got even worse amid a feared exodus of players.
      LaLiga announced the Blaugrana would be having their permitted salary limit cut down from £231m to 174m for the 2024/25 season.
      With the club’s real squad cost – the total of salaries and transfer amortisations – for this season officially budgeted at £421m, they are some way over budget and will need to make significant cuts.
      Add to this the fact Uefa are not accepting Barcelona’s plea to accept future media sale revenues in their FFP calculations, which could yet land the club a Champions League ban, and you have a far-from-ideal scenario.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      It means Barcelona will need to sell a host of their most valuable players to stay in line with the rules or face a transfer ban.
      And all this will happen while having to also convince a new manager to come in and take the reigns after club legend Xavi Hernandez announced he was stepping down at the end of the season.
      Big names who have been linked with the exit door include but are not limited to Frenkie de Jong – who remains on a colossal wage – Robert Lewandowski, Gavi, Raphinha, Ronald Araujo and Pedri.
      De Jong was linked with a summer departure to Manchester United two seasons ago before the move fell flat due to the Dutchman’s lack of stomach for a move.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      However, recent reports suggest the 26-year-old has changed his tune and is now open to an Old Trafford switch.
      With his contract up in 2026, Barca still have £65m to amortise when considering the transfer fee they paid to Ajax and the remaining value on his contract.
      Iconic stadium looks unrecognisable as new footage reveals crane on pitch and every single seat removed
      So if Man Utd come calling again they will smell a chance to make some money back, though De Jong is also said to be settled in Spain.
      Robert Lewandowski seems to have finally hit the other side of the mountain in his remarkable football career.

      He has been average this season despite four goals in his last three league games, and according to The Athletic “multiple sources” at the club would accept an offer for the 35-year-old forward.
      The Pole is reported to be earning a cool £22m a year, wages Barca would love to shift for a star on the decline particularly if Saudi Arabia were to reignite their interest in him.
      However, like De Jong Lewandowski is said to be happy in Catalonia.
      The likes of Pedri and Gavi are among the club’s most valuable assets.
      Selling even one of them would likely go a long way in easing the crippling situation Barcelona find themselves in.
      Who will be Barcelona’s next managerWHEN even a club legend like Xavi Hernandez feels he has to get out of the Nou Camp kitchen because he cannot take the heat any more, you do have to wonder if Barca are now a basket case.
      Whoever comes in will have to deal with a cash crisis that could yet see the Catalan giants banned from the Champions League next season – Uefa are still refusing to allow Barca to count the sale of future media revenues in their FFP calculations.
      Mikel Arteta emphatically denied suggestions that he was ready to leave Arsenal for his homeland. But, in the words of a famous ex-model: He would do, wouldn’t he?
      Win the Prem – or the Champions League – with the Gunners and Arteta might feel he has accomplished all that is possible in N5.
      However, Barca will also be looking at Alonso and De Zerbi, as well as former Bayern and Germany coach Hansi Flick.
      And there is at least one, potentially two, Champions League-winning managers who might fancy the challenge…

      Gavi, 19, has already been linked with a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain after Kylian Mbappe confirmed once and for all that he was leaving this summer.
      His £855m release clause likely won’t be triggered and Barcelona do see him as “unsellable”, but when the chips are down in football, money talks.
      Former Premier League star Raphinha seems to be a no-brainer sale option for the club given his dwindling importance after the emergence of Lamine Yamal and the form of Ferran Torres.
      The ex-Leeds star has already been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Man Utd, who could come knocking once again if they find out he is available in the summer.
      Araujo can consider himself unfortunate to be arguably the club’s most lucrative defensive asset.
      It is not that he is not wanted at the Camp Nou, far from it, but it is that there are far too many options already in the position.
      And with a host of clubs including Bayern Munich sniffing around at the 24-year-old’s availability, it may end up coming down to a financial call from the club’s point of view.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Premier League clubs will no doubt be keeping tabs on the situation in case any other stars become available.
      Add to all of this that Real Madrid will be able to spend almost £450m more in wages next year, and you have a recipe for domination likely does not feature Barcelona being the top dog. More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Luis Suarez reveals Arsenal ‘had Karim Benzema transfer all done’, before his bite on Chiellini changed everything

      by

      LUIS SUAREZ has claimed his infamous bite on Giorgio Chiellini caused Arsenal to lose out on signing Karim Benzema. The year was 2014 and Suarez was looking to leave Liverpool with both Real Madrid and Barcelona interested.
      Luis Suarez infamously bit Giorgio Chiellini in the 2014 World CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Karim Benzema was close to joining ArsenalCredit: Rex
      And Madrid already had Benzema on the way out and Suarez lined up for a replacement during the World Cup.
      But after the Uruguayan was caught biting Chiellini, he claimed Madrid lost interest.
      He instead decided to join Barca, meaning Madrid kept Benzema and Arsenal were left empty handed.
      He told La Mesa: “Before the 2014 World Cup, Real Madrid wanted to sign me and everything was on track.
      READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS
      “They were planning to sell Benzema to Arsenal, it was all done. “When the World Cup started, Barca joined the race, and obviously I preferred Barca.
      “With the bite situation, Madrid lowered their interest, and Barca became more interested.
      “In the end I had both options and I chose Barcelona because it was my dream.”
      Suarez was caught on camera biting into Chiellini’s arm during a group stage match between Uruguay and Italy.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      It came just a year after he did the same to Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic.
      Suarez was banned for nine international games by Fifa but his move to Barca still went through.
      Watch moment star gets booked for throwing Luis Suarez’s boot off the pitch as former Liverpool star rolls around
      He would go onto win four league titles and lift the Champions League during his time at the Nou Camp.
      And now Suarez is back with team-mates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets at Inter Miami.
      But Suarez did reveal plans to retire, saying: “Yes, I cannot be more sincere and the family already knows. The date is not yet set, but this is the last step.
      “I am prepared for this last challenge but it is also exhausting and I have to think about having a quality of life afterwards.
      Suarez opened up on retirement after signing for Inter MiamiCredit: Reuters More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona make Premier League manager top choice to replace Xavi but cash-strapped side may be put off by release clause

      by

      BRIGHTON boss Roberto De Zerbi is Barcelona’s top choice to be their new manager.But De Zerbi’s Seagulls release clause – said to be worth up to £10m – could prove a sticking point for the cash-strapped Catalan club.
      Xavi has already announced he will quit Barcelona at the end of the seasonCredit: EPA
      Roberto De Zerbi is wanted by BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      Reports in Spain claim De Zerbi has the support of key Barca figures to replace Xavi when the playing legend leaves the dugout at the end of this season.
      President Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, the former Chelsea and Barcelona star, both want the fiery Italian.
      They love the Seagulls’ style of football under De Zerbi, his commitment to youth, and his personality.
      De Zerbi’s agents, Edmundo Kabchi and Edoardo Cnajr, met Deco in Barcelona last Wednesday.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Although the talks were originally scheduled in order to discuss a contract renewal for another of their clients, defender Ronald Araujo, it is believed there were discussions about De Zerbi’s availability.
      When he replaced Graham Potter at the Amex in October 2022, he signed a four-year deal.
      Brighton and their head coach have been in talks for a couple of months about an extension which might well include a larger release clause.
      But even the current amount would be a problem for Barca as the club continues to juggle its fragile finances.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Xavi himself spent millions buying himself out of his contract at Qatari club Al Sadd in order to take over at the Camp Nou.
      De Zerbi could attempt something similar if he were desperate to force a move to Barcelona.
      Football’s weirdest contract clauses revealed including non-Arsenal agreement and a private jet promise
      But if the issue cannot be resolved, former Bayern Munich and Germany boss Hansi Flick is the Italian’s biggest rival for the job.
      Flick is now represented by super-agent Pini Zahavi, who has good connections with Barcelona and most recently managed to take Robert Lewandowski there from Bayern Munich. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Chelsea transfer boost as ‘Barcelona OPEN to offers for star man as relationship with chiefs deteriorates’

      by

      BARCELONA are open to offers for defender Jules Kounde this summer as they continue in their struggle to balance the books, according to reports. Last year’s LaLiga champions are not having a good season as they flounder in third place, 10 points behind leaders Real Madrid.
      Jules Kounde is not the only player heading out the Nou Camp door this summerCredit: Rex
      Kounde previously been linked to Manchester United and ChelseaCredit: Rex
      Things escalated when manager Xavi Hernandez announced he would quit Barcathis summer, declaring the club had gone past “the point of no return.”.
      Another allegedly joining the mass exodus from Nou Camp this summer is Frankie de Jong, whose potential exit has sent Chelsea and Manchester United into a transfer war.
      According to Deportivo Mundo, Kounde, 25, is not happy with the way things are going at Barca.
      The centre-back is repeatedly forced to play at right-back, a position he has privately and publicly stated he does not like.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Kounde has not been at his usual standard on the right and has to compete with Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi and Andreas Christensen for his desired position.
      Despite assurances that he would return to centre back with the arrival of Joao Cancelo last summer, Kounde continues to find himself in the full-back role.
      But Hernandez’s ‘overbooking’ of centre-backs means they are in a good position to release one at the end of the season.
      The Frenchman, who only joined Sevilla in 2022, allegedly will be the first to go.
      Most read in Football
      Manchester United and Chelsea are both in the running to take advantage of Barca’s predicament.
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      The Red Devils were linked with the defender when he was at Sevilla and apparently their interest has been re-ignited as Ten Hag looks to revamp his defensive ranks.
      The Blues have also shown interest in Kounde over the years, but lost out in 2022 when the defender chose Camp Nou over Stamford Bridge.
      Petr Cech questions decade-long Mauricio Pochettino tactic that risks ruining Chelsea key man
      Kounde was even on the cusp of a deal with Chelsea the previous year, with the London team harbouring a strong belief that the move was inevitable once the Todd Boehly takeover was complete.
      Chelsea have also renewed their interest in Nou Camp teammate Pau Cubarsi, 17.
      With his staggeringly low release clause, the wonderkid has also attracted the interest of Premier League giants Manchester City. More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona ‘name their price’ for Man Utd transfer target Frenkie de Jong with Premier League rivals set for battle

      by

      BARCELONA have named their asking price for star midfielder Frenkie de Jong, it’s been claimed.The Netherlands international was wanted by several clubs before his 2019 move to the Nou Camp from Ajax.
      Barcelona have reportedly named their asking price for Frenkie de JongCredit: REX
      The Spanish giants are said to be willing to sell the 26-year-old for a whopping £85millionCredit: Rex
      Despite Barca’s inconsistency in recent years, De Jong has continued to impress – so much so Manchester United tried to acquire his services last summer.
      The Catalans were reluctant to sell the 26-year-old, although they’re now reportedly willing to part company with him.
      That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who claim the La Liga giants have slapped a staggering £85MILLION asking price on the midfielder.
      The interest of United boss Erik ten Hag could very well be piqued by apparent Barca’s willingness to sell De Jong.

      But the £85m asking could prove to be too much for the Prem big boys.
      Ten Hag managed De Jong during his time in charge of Ajax, in which they won a domestic double and reached the 2019 Champions League semi-final.
      Chelsea are rumoured to be keen on signing the midfielder, although Financial Fair Play could scupper their interest in acquiring his services.
      De Jong – who has scored 16 goals and provided 21 assists during his time at Barca – has seldom spoken about his future at the Nou Camp.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Frenkie de Jong has refused to commit his long-term future to BarcelonaCredit: GETTY
      The Dutchman, however, recently insisted he was more happy in the Catalan capital.
      But he refused to commit his long-term future to the club, saying: “Possibly.
      Man Utd fans beg ‘don’t give me hope’ as footage resurfaces of Frenkie de Jong at Old Trafford after transfer saga
      “But I’m very satisfied at Barca. It’s always difficult to say. For now, I feel good here.”
      He added: “I am in the club where I always wanted to be, where I dreamed.”
      De Jong and his Barcelona team-mates will be back in action on Saturday evening, travelling to Galicia to take on Celta Vigo. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Man Utd star reveals why club should NOT sign Frenkie de Jong with transfer damaging prospect’s career

      by

      FORMER Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has warned the Red Devils against signing Frenkie de Jong this summer.De Jong, 26, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford ever since Erik ten Hag took over.
      Man Utd have been linked with a move for Frenkie de JongCredit: Getty
      Mikael Silvestre has warned the Red Devils against signing the midfielderCredit: Getty
      Silvestre is concerned that signing De Jong will hinder Kobbie Mainoo’s developmentCredit: Getty
      United tried in vain to sign him all summer in 2022, with the midfielder ultimately snubbing them even after a fee was agreed with Barcelona.
      However, he is now finally open to a transfer, and several clubs are reportedly prepared to battle it out for his signature.
      Man Utd are expected to re-enter the race to sign De Jong, but Silvestre has warned that signing him could hinder Kobbie Mainoo’s development.
      The ex-United star told Bettingexpert.com: “If a player like Frenkie de Jong is available, he should be considered. But again you look at Kobbie and we talked about Scott, and we have Casemiro here.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “Will De Jong be an upgrade? Of course. Ahead of Kobbie but if you want to continue developing Mainoo and give him the time, I don’t think De Jong should come in.”
      He added: “If you qualify for the Champions League, then signing De Jong makes sense. You have to consider him for sure.

      “He’s a top player but putting him in a midfield where the manager likes to play with two defensive midfielders, if you play with three, it could be a different proposition.
      “So the answer is yes, do consider him.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      How De Jong and Mainoo compare this season
      Chelsea are also understood to be interested in signing De Jong.
      They are allegedly prepared to table a bid worth up to £85m for the Dutchman.
      Bruno Fernandes made incredible Kobbie Mainoo prediction ‘two or three years ago’ before he burst on to scene at Man Utd
      Paris Saint-Germain have also expressed an interest in signing him.
      The Dutchman joined Barcelona in a £64m transfer from Ajax in 2019 and has since made 206 first team appearances. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Cancelo set to stay at Barcelona but cash-strapped LaLiga giants may have to talk Man City into another loan transfer

      by

      BARCELONA are increasingly confident that on-loan Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo will stay at the Nou Camp.But the cash-strapped Catalans may have to talk City into another loan deal if they are to get their wish.
      Joao Cancelo has enjoyed the taste of life in Barcelona but finding an agreement to stay could be trickyCredit: Reuters
      Cancelo has been one of the success stories of a difficult season for Barca and is believed to want to remain at the club.
      The Portugal international has more than three years left on his City contract but the Premier League champions are in no hurry to have him back after his falling-out with boss Pep Guardiola.
      City would prefer to offload Cancelo this summer on a permanent deal to the highest bidder.
      But reports in Spain suggest agent Jorge Mendes is working hard to find a way his client could remain at Barcelona.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The club’s ongoing financial problems will make it difficult for them to fund a big-money deal for Cancelo this year while at the same time revamping an under-performing squad.
      A loan deal with a decent fee and an obligation to buy would be one way to keep everyone happy.
      Cancelo, 29, has featured in all but one of Barcelona’s LaLiga games this season and was involved in all six Champions League group games.
      Just as at City, his ability to play as a defender on both flanks, as well as further forward, has proved useful.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL

      Cancelo also spent the second half of last season away from the Etihad, on loan at Bayern Munich, after a bust-up with Guardiola.
      The player made it know he was unhappy at being dropped in favour of Rico Lewis and was shown the door in January 2023.
      Fans fear Joao Cancelo has been ‘possessed’ after ‘terrifying’ interview of Barcelona star emerges – laliga
      Cancelo went on to complete a title double, winning the Bundesliga with Bayern and receiving a medal for his part in City’s Premier League triumph.
      There seems to be no way back at the Etihad for a player who arrived in 2019 from Juventus in a swap deal involving Danilo that was worth £60m. More