Barcelona transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Man Utd and Barcelona star Gerard Pique announces shock return to football just over a year after retiring

      by

      GERARD PIQUE is set to make a shock return to football – just over a YEAR after hanging up his boots.The Barcelona and Spain legend emotionally brought the curtain down on his trophy-laden career last November.
      Gerard Pique announced his retirement from football in November 2022Credit: GETTY
      The former Manchester United star has taken up a coaching roleCredit: X@3GERARDPIQUE
      But the defender’s love of the beautiful game will see him cut short his retirement to take up a new role.
      The former Manchester United man revealed on Tuesday that he’s on the verge of taking up his first coaching role.
      Pique, 36, refused to divulge details of his new gig – insisting he’ll keep his cards close to his chest until the right moment.
      The retired defender said: “It’s a new year, and after thinking carefully, I have decided to return to football.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “I miss it a lot. This time it won’t be as a player.
      “It will be as a coach. I’ll share more details at the end of the week.”
      A coaching role at his beloved Barcelona – who are managed by his former long-time team-mate and pal Xavi – could be on the cards.
      Although it’s more than likely he’ll take up a gig in his recently formed seven-aside Kings League.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Pique did, however, vow to return to his boyhood club as he fought back the tears in his final address to the Nou Camp faithful.
      He said: “In life, when you get older, you realize that sometimes to love is to let go.
      “I’m convinced that I’ll be here again in the future.
      “I love Barca. That’s why I consider it’s the right moment to go.
      “This is not a goodbye. I was born here, I’ll die here.”
      Gerard Pique was hoisted high in the air by his Barca team-mates after his final matchCredit: AFP More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Unemployed Jesse Lingard ‘offers himself’ to Barcelona as ex-Man Utd star eyes stunning transfer to Spanish giants

      by

      FORMER Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard has reportedly offered himself to Barcelona.The 31-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Nottingham Forest in June.
      Jesse Lingard has reportedly offered himself to BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
      He briefly trained with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq last year, but was not offered a contract.
      Lingard has since been training in Dubai while searching for another club.
      And according to Spanish outlet Sport, he recently offered himself to Barcelona.
      The former England star is hopeful that a move to the Nou Camp will help reignite his career.
      Read More on Football
      Barcelona are expected to be limited in the January transfer window due to Financial Fair Play.
      However, the La Liga champions should be able to afford Lingard’s wages.
      Xavi has been forced to deal with several injury issues so far this season, so he is on the hunt for cheap additions.
      Lingard joined Nottingham Forest as a free agent in July 2022 after being released by Man Utd.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      He was limited to just 20 appearances across all competitions during his only season with the Reds.
      Prior to his move to the City Ground, Lingard had spent 20 years with boyhood club United. More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Chelsea star Joao Felix gets 900 PER CENT salary increase as Barcelona face yet another financial ‘headache’

      by

      FORMER Chelsea star Joao Felix has increased his salary by 900 per cent after signing a new Barcelona contract.The forward signed for Barca on loan from Atletico Madrid in the summer.
      Joao Felix has increased his salary by 900 per centCredit: Getty
      He was initially given a salary of just £344,440 a year due to Barcelona’s financial struggles, with Felix happy to accept the wage cut to push through the deal.
      Felix, 24, described his move to the Nou Camp as a “dream” and his commitment has now been rewarded with a lucrative new deal.
      LaLiga president Javier Tebas revealed they had “multiplied the remuneration agreed between Felix and Barcelona by 10, for Fair Play purposes”.
      That means the Portuguese could now be earning up to £3,444,400 per year, or £66,000 a week.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL`
      The broke Catalans have been selling off assets and slices of their future TV rights income over the last year to plug a reported £1BILLION debt.
      But they have found the cash to pay Felix a wage that better reflects his value.
      The Spanish giants are also keen on signing Manchester United outcast Mason Greenwood, who is on loan at Girona.
      They are ready to offer £40million for the one-time England international.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      And they have already told Greenwood he can inherit the famous No10 jersey previously worn by Lionel Messi.
      United chiefs will reportedly hold talks over the forward’s future with his contract up in 18 months. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea among Prem giants in transfer battle for Brazil wonderkid dubbed ‘Little Messi’

      by

      PALMEIRAS teen sensation Estevao Willian is attracting interest from THREE Premier League clubs.Willian recently broke into the Brazilian powerhouses’ first team following a string of impressive displays for their youth sides.
      Estevao Willian has made waves for Palmeiras at the tender age of 16Credit: GETTY
      The Brazilian is being tracked by Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester UntedCredit: GETTY
      Word has spread quickly about the 16-year-old midfielder’s talents, so much so that Spanish giants Barcelona are already plotting to swoop for him.
      But according to reports, they’re not the only clubs interested in acquiring his services.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all tracking the teenager’s progress.
      They claim the Premier League trio are “bidding hard” to try tosnap up the starlet – who has a whopping £51million buyout clause.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The Spanish sporting newspaper also claims French champions Paris Saint-Germain are among the versatile midfielder’s suitors.
      But the quartet’s respective bids to sign him could be scuppered by the teen – who has been dubbed the Little Lionel Messi – himself.
      Mundo Deportivo claims “Messinho” has his heart set on playing for Barca and the Palmeiras brass will respect his wishes by snubbing other offers.
      Willian revealed his desire to play for the Catalans last year, telling Mundo Deportivo: “[My dream is] to play for Barcelona.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Estevao Willian dreams of playing for Spanish giants BarcelonaCredit: EPA
      “Which is one of the best clubs in the world.
      “I was born watching Neymar, Messi and Suarez play for Barcelona, and that’s the dream I have.
      “I watch almost every Barca match. I’m a fan of the club.
      “I have a great admiration for the players who play there, and I hope to be there too.
      “Yes, it would be a dream come true.” More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Mason Greenwood could become tenth player to star for Man Utd and Barcelona – so how did other nine fare?

      by

      BARCELONA are ready to launch a £40million swoop for Mason Greenwood.The forward, 22, has spent this season on loan at Getafe from Manchester United.
      Mason Greenwood joined Getafe on loan last summerCredit: Rex

      Getafe want to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
      But SunSport this week revealed that they are set to face competition from three LaLiga rivals, including Barcelona.
      Should Greenwood make the switch to Barca he will become the tenth star to represent both illustrious clubs.
      Ahead of the potential switch, SunSport takes a look at how the previous nine have fared at Old Trafford and the Nou Camp.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      GERARD PIQUE
      After seven years in Barcelona’s academy, Pique ditched his hometown club for Manchester United at 17.
      He picked up Premier League and Champions League winners’ medals with the Red Devils, but struggled to break into the team ahead of Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic.
      Pique, now 36, later spoke fondly of his time at Old Trafford, despite re-joining Barca in 2008.
      He went on to become a superstar with the Catalan giants, playing a key role in nine LaLiga title wins and three Champions League triumphs.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Man Utd – 2004-2008: MISS
      Barcelona – 2008-2022: HIT
      Gerard Pique made 23 first team appearances for Man UtdCredit: Getty
      He went on to play over 600 times for his hometown clubCredit: Splash News
      MARK HUGHES
      Sparky began his career at Old Trafford in 1980 and went on to have two successful stints at United.
      He swapped the Theatre of Dreams for Barcelona in 1986, becoming part of Terry Venables’ British revolution at the Nou Camp alongside Gary Lineker.
      Unlike Lineker, however, Hughes failed to make an impact in Spain, scoring just five times in 37 games before being loaned to Bayern Munich.
      He returned to Man Utd in 1988 and went on to become a key man for Sir Alex Ferguson over the next seven years.
      Man Utd – 1980-1986, 1988-1995: HIT
      Barcelona – 1986-1988: MISS
      Mark Hughes starred for Man Utd across two spellsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He joined Barcelona alongside fellow Brit Gary Lineker in 1986Credit: Getty
      JORDI CRUYFF
      Attacking midfielder Cruyff came through at Barcelona under the tutelage of his legendary father Johan.
      Living up to the name on the back of his shirt was always going to be a tough ask, however.
      It never quite happened for Cruyff, who was sold by Barcelona after two years in their first team.
      He later spent four seasons with Man Utd, but didn’t hit the heights at Old Trafford either.
      Man Utd – 1996-2000: MISS
      Barcelona – 1994-1996: MISS
      Jordi Cruyff signed for Man Utd in 1996Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      The Dutchman had come through at Barcelona under his legendary fatherCredit: AFP
      HENRIK LARSSON
      Legendary forward Larsson joined Barcelona aged 33 after spending the bulk of his prime with Celtic.
      The Swede proved that he was still a top class forward at Barca, helping them to a pair of LaLiga titles and the Champions League.
      He joined boyhood club Helsingborgs in 2006, but would have one more stint with one of Europe’s elite, signing for Man Utd on loan in 2007.
      Aged 35 he proved to be a popular figure at Old Trafford, using his experience to help them to the Prem title.
      Man Utd – 2007: HIT
      Barcelona – 2004-2006: HIT
      Henrik Larsson joined Man Utd on loan in 2007Credit: AFP
      The Swede won the Champions League with BarcelonaCredit: AFP
      VICTOR VALDES
      Homegrown stopper Valdes spent 12 years as Barcelona’s No1 goalkeeper between 2002 and 2014.
      His ability with his feet enabled him to fit Barca’s style of play like a glove, and he helped them to six league titles and three Champions Leagues.
      In 2014 Barcelona opted to move in a different direction by signing Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with Valdes being allowed to join Man Utd on a free transfer.
      Valdes failed to topple compatriot David de Gea as United’s No1, making just two appearances before bizarrely joining Middlesbrough.
      Man Utd – 2015-2016: MISS
      Barcelona – 2002-2014: HIT
      Victor Valdes made just two first team appearances for Man UtdCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The Spaniard excelled during his time at BarcelonaCredit: AP:Associated Press
      LAURENT BLANC
      French defender Blanc joined Barcelona to play for Johan Cruyff in 1996 following his brilliant performances for Auxerre.
      So it was a bitter blow when Cruyff was sacked immediately.
      He spent one unhappy year with Barca before leaving for Marseille in 1997.
      Having long been a fan of Blanc, Ferguson finally got his man aged 35 in 2001, although his best years were long behind him.
      Man Utd – 2001-2003: MISS
      Barcelona – 1996-1997: MISS
      Laurent Blanc joined Man Utd aged 35Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Blanc endured an unhappy year at BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
      MEMPHIS DEPAY
      Dutch winger Depay joined Man Utd in 2015 to much fanfare to play under compatriot Louis van Gaal.
      He struggled to ever deliver on his promise at Old Trafford, however, and completely fell out of favour under Jose Mourinho.
      Depay joined Lyon in 2017 and successfully rebuilt his career in Ligue 1, earning a move to Barcelona four years later.
      He never quite produced the goods at Barca and was allowed to join Atletico Madrid for under £4million in January.
      Man Utd – 2015-2017: MISS
      Barcelona – 2021-2023: MISS
      Memphis Depay joined Man Utd in 2015Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      He rebuilt his career at Lyon and then signed for BarcelonaCredit: EPA
      ALEXIS SANCHEZ
      Chilean forward moved to Man Utd from Arsenal in a swap deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan move the other way in January 2018.
      His spell at Old Trafford was an unmitigated disaster, however, as he only scored five goals in 45 games.
      Prior to joining Arsenal he had excelled during three years at Barcelona.
      He bagged 46 goals and laid on 37 assists during his stint in Catalonia.
      Man Utd – 2018-2020: MISS
      Barcelona – 2011-2014: HIT
      Alexis Sanchez endured an unhappy spell at Man UtdCredit: Reuters
      The Chilean was far more successful at BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC
      Swedish legend Ibrahimovic signed for Man Utd aged 34 in 2016 after four years at Paris Saint-Germain.
      He immediately hit the ground running, scoring 28 goals in his debut season in England.
      Ibrahimovic suffered a devastating knee injury towards the end of the campaign and scarcely featured during his second United term upon his return.
      Earlier in his career he had signed for Barcelona from Inter Milan in 2009, but endured an unhappy spell under Pep Guardiola, who opted to move Lionel Messi into a central position during that campaign, thus marginalising Ibra.
      Read more on The Sun
      Man Utd – 2016-2018: HIT
      Barcelona – 2009-2011: MISS
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic achieved cult hero status at Man UtdCredit: Getty
      The Swede didn’t quite fit in at BarcelonaCredit: Getty – Contributor More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      How Barcelona could line up with Mason Greenwood succeeding Lionel Messi and forming stunning front line

      by

      MASON GREENWOOD could form a stunning front line if he joins Barcelona.The Spanish giants are ready to make a £40million transfer swoop for the Manchester United forward.
      Mason Greenwood could form a stunning front three if he joins BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      Gavi would also feature in a devastating line up for Xavi’s sideCredit: AP
      Barca have even set aside Lionel Messi’s iconic No10 shirt in a bid to persuade Greenwood to join the club.
      The 22-year-old, who is currently on loan at Getafe, has scored five goals and provided four assists in La Liga so far this season.
      Although Getafe want to sign Greenwood permanently, Barcelona are the current favourites to land him.
      The signing of Greenwood would allow Xavi to start the Englishman in a devastating front three.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Greenwood is able to play across the attack but would likely slot in on the right wing for Barca.
      Former Chelsea loanee Joao Felix has been Xavi’s preferred choice on the left flank this term.
      The attack would then be completed by top scorer Robert Lewandowski down the middle.
      In midfield, Xavi can call upon the experience of Oriol Romeu and Ilkay Gundogan next to teenage sensation Gavi.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES

      Joao Cancelo and Alejandro Balde are the standout names to appear as full-backs on the right and left, respectively.
      Between them, Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen have formed a solid defensive partnership this term.
      Long-serving goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen completes the line up, although the German is currently sidelined with a back injury.
      Deputy Inaki Pena, who came through the club’s famed La Masia academy, serves as a solid back-up option, though.
      Mason Greenwood is impressing in LaLiga More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m an ex-Premier League star who was wanted by Barcelona but joined Hull – now I’m going for the Ballon d’Or

      by

      JADEN PHILOGENE has been linked in his career with moves to Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.But the skilful winger, 21, pitched up at Hull!
      Jaden Philogene has been a revelation for Hull this seasonCredit: Rex
      The 21-year-old has been tracked by some of the biggest clubs in the worldCredit: Alamy
      Philogene has set his sights on winning the Ballon d’OrCredit: SKY BET
      Philogene arrived in the summer for £5million from Aston Villa.
      And despite finding himself in the Championship rather than on Europe’s top stage, he has huge ambitions. He told SunSport: “I want to win the Ballon d’Or.”
      That is in a different stratosphere from the accolade he picked up recently — the Sky Bet Championship goal of the month for his sublime back-heel against Rotherham — but Philogene exudes confidence.
      After revealing he plays basketball, when asked if he was any good, he replied: “Yes, of course!”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      So why did he move to the Tigers despite getting rave reviews on Villa’s pre-season US tour?
      He said: “I needed game time. At my age I can’t just sit on the bench, I need to keep playing and thought this was the best opportunity.
      “Obviously you must be doing something well to get linked with the sort of clubs I have.
      “But you can’t let that get to your head because that’s when the focus drops.
      Most read in Football
      Jaden Philogene is set to play a pivotal role in Hull’s promotion pushCredit: ALAMY
      “You must keep working hard and stay in your game — and everything will come from that.”
      Climbing from the Championship to the European elite is not without precedent. Jude Bellingham moved from Birmingham to Dortmund after his incredible breakthrough season.
      Philogene grew up loving Spanish football, supporting Real Madrid and idolising Cristiano Ronaldo — as well as former Barcelona greats Neymar and Ronaldinho.
      He revealed: “When I was younger, I would play striker.
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “I’d get the ball and just dribble and then the game changed as I got older, so I started playing winger.”
      Philogene, who played youth football for Brentford, found himself out of the game and joined the independent Pro Academy in North London before being signed by Villa at 16 after a year.
      He explained: “I didn’t lose hope. I had to keep working hard because those opportunities are going to come.
      “So my advice to anyone who wants to get into football is always be yourself, don’t change for anyone, always work hard, even when no one’s watching, it’ll pay off no matter what.”
      And he firmly believes Hull can achieve something special under boss Liam Rosenior.
      He insisted: “The Championship is unpredictable.
      “Anyone can beat anyone but as long as we stay focused and stay as a team, we’ve got an opportunity to get in the play-offs.
      Read more on The Sun
      “The gaffer has helped me a lot here.
      “He tells me to be myself and play my own game, be confident — and it’s working.”
      Jaden Philogene has also shone for England’s Under-21sCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona scout Mason Greenwood for third successive game in major hint they’ll make summer transfer for Man Utd striker

      by

      BARCELONA are determined to land Mason Greenwood – and have sent scouts to his last three matches.Representatives of the Spanish giants have reported that the Manchester United forward is “tailor-made” for the Nou Camp.
      Barcelona want to sign Mason GreenwoodCredit: EPA
      A source said: “Barcelona are hugely interested in Greenwood, and are determined to bring him in.
      “Right now, they are leading the race and are at the front of the queue. Scouts have watched Greenwood and have been tasked with deciding if he fits in with Barcelona’s style of play.
      “The overwhelming view is that he does, and that he would be a strong addition to the squad.”
      A move to Barcelona would represent a massive turnaround for Greenwood, who has been told he has no future at United.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      The source added: “Mason has settled in Spain and would be happy to stay there. And, of course, when a club like Barcelona comes calling you listen to what they have to say.
      “For Mason it could be a career-changing move and having spent so long out of the game he is keen to make the most of all the new opportunities that now come his way.”
      Earlier this year, Sun Online told how Greenwood was likely to find himself at the centre of Spanish summer transfer flurry.
      The 22-year-old was loaned by Manchester United to Getafe at the start of this season – and has been in impressive form.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

      SunSport understands, Barcelona, Valencia and Real Sociedad are all “monitoring” the England striker and could be poised to make a move in the Summer.
      Our source said: “Mason has done brilliantly since he moved to Spain and is really catching the eye after a strong start to his time at Getafe.
      “There are a number of clubs looking at him in Spain with scouts from Valencia and Sociedad seemingly at the front of the queue.
      “It is highly unlikely Mason will return to Manchester United. That ship has sailed, and he looks set to enjoy the next phase of his career in Spain where he has really settled and found his feet both personally and professionally.
      “He owes a huge debt to Getafe for the help and support they have given him, and it’s possible he could make his move there permanent at the end of the season.
      “But if he carries on playing like he is, other bids and offers are likely to come in, leaving Mason, and the club, with a decision to make. After a very difficult year or so Mason feels like his career is on the up.
      “Erik Ten Hag was always keen to keep Mason but that decision, in the end, was taken out of his hands. He’s now planning for the long term and Mason isn’t part of those plans.” More