Barcelona transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Amazing picture of 15-year-old Pep Guardiola with Terry Venables goes viral after legendary manager’s death aged 80

      by

      FOOTBALL fans were moved as an old picture of the late great Terry Venables and Pep Guardiola emerged.Former England manager Venables died this weekend at the age of 80 following a long illness and tributes poured from all around the world.
      A picture showing Terry Venables and a young Pep Guardiola has emerged
      Venables and Guardiola coexisted at Barcelona during the 1980sCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Guardiola was part of Barcelona’s La Masia academy when Venables managed the senior teamCredit: Getty
      People remembered El Tel with various blasts from the past and one of them had to do with his three-year stint as Barcelona manager.
      A photo went viral showing the Dagenham legend being hoisted up by Barca heroes Paco Clos and Migueli.
      That was when Venables led the Blaugrana to the 1986 European Cup Final by beating Goteborg in a dramatic semi-final second leg that saw him winning 5-4 on penalties after a 3-0 win at the Nou Camp.
      But what makes this pic so special is the fact that a 15-year-old Guardiola, who was then part of the famous La Masia academy, can be seen celebrating in awe of the Tottenham legend.
      Read More on Football
      The Manchester City boss is a Barcelona legend himself as he started out at the club at the tender age of 13 and went on to spend 11 years in the senior squad, most of which saw him wear the armband.
      And Gary Neville believes the Spanish tactician learned a lot during Venables’ brief stint in Catalonia as he insists they both had a “very same capability”.
      Neville played under the ex-Leeds boss for England and was part of the team that made it to the Euro 1996 semi-finals.
      Neville tweeted: “When we hear people that play for Pep Guardiola now say that he can call the outcome of a game in training a few days before the match arrives, Terry Venables had that very same capability, he’d come through the Barcelona system.”
      Most read in Football
      Venables didn’t win the European Cup in 1986 as Barcelona lost on penalties to Steaua Bucharest in the final.
      However, the former Crystal Palace boss won a domestic Cup that year and LaLiga the season before.
      Barcelona issued the following statement and reached out to his family: “FC Barcelona is deeply saddened of the death of Terry Venables, coach of Barca from 1984 to 1987. Our condolences go to his loved ones. Rest in peace.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona ‘to raid Premier League after Gavi ruled out for season with Liverpool and Spurs stars on their radar’

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE giants are on red alert with Barcelona ready to make a move to replace Gavi, according to reports.Barca lost their star midfielder after he tore his ACL in Spain’s 3-1 victory over Georgia on Sunday.
      Gavi tore his ACL on international duty for SpainCredit: Rex
      Thiago Alcantara may be in line for a return to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      The 19-year-old will be out for between seven and nine months, with further tests set to confirm the true extent of his lay-off.
      Barcelona know that Gavi’s injury could jeopardise their attempt to defend their La Liga title.
      And the Spanish giants are looking to bring in reinforcements in January.
      And according to the Daily Mail, Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcántara is on their radar.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      Going into November’s international break, Thiago has not played a competitive match all season, last appearing for Liverpool in April. 
      Liverpool may not oppose the transfer as Thiago is out of contract at the end of the season.
      But Xavi’s side may want to act on the side of caution, as Thiago himself has frequently suffered injuries of his own.
      Tottenham’s Giovani Lo Celso has also emerged as an early contender to arrive on loan at the start of the new year.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Giovani Lo Celso is said to be admired by Barca boss XaviCredit: Getty
      He is out of favour under Ange Postecoglou and has La Liga experience having played for Villarreal.
      Xavi has shown interest in the World Cup winner before and would be in favour of him arriving to take the strain off of a stretched midfield.
      Barcelona are said to be “furious” as they don’t understand why Gavi featured in their final game when Spain had already qualified.
      He also played 90-minutes in Spain’s 3-1 victory over Cyprus.
      The Catalan giants could be compensated by Fifa as part of their protection programme.
      Barcelona will be awarded £17,500 a day for up to a year, based on the player’s salary.
      Frenkie de Jong has been injured since the end of September and is back in training but not match fit.
      While fellow wonderkid Pedri has only recently returned following a two month hiatus with a hamstring injury.
      Ilkay Gundogan has had to play deeper as a consequence and has not been able to show his Manchester City form.  More

    • 150 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona identify Tottenham midfielder as transfer replacement for Gavi after season-ending injury

      by

      BARCELONA are eyeing Tottenham ace Giovani Lo Celso as Gavi’s replacement ahead of the January transfer window, reports suggest.Barca lost their star midfielder for the rest of the season after he suffered a heavy knee injury while on international duty with Spain.
      Barcelona are eyeing Tottenham ace Giovani Lo Celso to replace GaviCredit: Alamy
      Barcelona ace Gavi has been sidelined for the rest of the season due to a knee injuryCredit: Rex
      And the Catalans are now rigorously searching for the right person to fill in for the 19-year-old wonderkid, who will be out for nine months.
      According to the Standard, Barca are keeping tabs on Lo Celso ahead of the winter market.
      However, Spurs are not keen to sell the midfielder, even though he has dramatically fallen down the pecking order with only three substitute appearances in the Premier League this season.
      That is due to a recent injury crisis that has hit Ange Postecoglou’s side.
      Read More on Football
      Lo Celso is expected to return to Postecoglou’s starting line-up on a regular basis until at least January following James Maddison’s ankle injury.
      Maddison is expected to be sidelined until the New Year and thus Tottenham will reject any approaches for the Argentine.
      The 27-year-old is expected to get even more opportunities after the England international returns.
      That is because Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr will be away on international duty for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      Bissouma will be playing for Mali while Sarr will be representing Senegal from January 13 with the competition coming to a close on February 11.
      Barcelona have been keeping tabs on Lo Celso since the summer and faced competition from Atletico Madrid as well as his former club Real Betis.
      The Spanish champions’ manager Xavi is thought to be a major admirer of the Tottenham ace.
      However, the Argentine is expected to stay in North London until June and could return to action on Sunday against Aston Villa with Bissouma suspended. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City and Liverpool joined by Real Madrid and Barcelona in transfer race for star who’s already lit up Premier League

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY and Liverpool have been joined in the race to sign Leroy Sane, according to reports. It was reported last week that City were considering a shock move to sign their former star.
      Leroy Sane could be up for sale from Bayern Munich next summerCredit: Rex
      Reports suggest Man City are looking at bringing him backCredit: Alamy
      Sane has not ruled out a transfer to Real Madrid or BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
      In doing so they were set to go toe-to-toe with the Reds after a spike in his form for Bayern Munich this season.
      However, fresh reports in Spain reveal LaLiga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are also in the running.
      According to Sport, Bayern could look to cash in on Sane in the summer with his contract expiring in 2025.
      The report indicates there has been no agreement between the German and his club over a contract extension.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      It adds that Sane, 27, has not shut the door on a move to Spain.
      And this has put both Xavi’s and Carlo Ancelotti’s sides on red alert.
      Reigning Spanish league champions Barcelona are looking at a move with former Leeds winger Raphinha being linked with an exit from the Nou Camp.
      Meanwhile, Champions League specialists Madrid are looking to improve their depth in attack after Vinicius Jr. was ruled out for two and a half months after getting injured on international duty with Brazil last week.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      On contract talk, Sane said he had not “thought about it yet”.
      He added: “The club wants to have conversations, but for now I want to focus on this season.”
      Sane has scored nine goals and added seven assists in all competitions for Bayern this season.
      The winger previously scored 25 goals with 32 assists in the Premier League for City before leaving in 2020.
      He chipped in with an assist for Germany in their 3-2 defeat to Turkey over the weekend. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham ‘enter transfer race for Raphinha’ with Barcelona set to offload Chelsea and Arsenal target after 18 months

      by

      TOTTENHAM have entered the transfer tussle for Raphinha, according to reports.The Brazilian forward only joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022.
      Raphinha could be on his way back to the Premier League with TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Chelsea and Arsenal both wanted to sign the attacker from Leeds before he followed his heart’s desire and headed to the Nou Camp.
      He managed ten goals in his debut season to help Barcelona win LaLiga.
      But now Mundo Deportivo state the Catalan giants are open to selling Raphinha for the right price.
      Barca’s financial woes are well known and therefore the chance to recoup a significant portion of the £49million they shelled out for Raphinha last year is tempting.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      And selling the 26-year-old would also help pave the way for Vitor Roque when the teenager arrives in Spain from Athletico Paranaense in 2024.
      Raphinha has lost his place in the starting XI under Xavi this term with the likes of Joao Felix, Fermin Lopez and Ferran Torres preferred to support Robert Lewandowski – not helped by an early red card and an injury this term.
      It means he remains stuck on three LaLiga starts with two goals from his 11 appearances in total.
      Tottenham, though, could have competition from their Premier League rivals for the ex-Elland Road hero, who managed 17 goals for the Yorkshire club across two seasons.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      That is because both Chelsea and Newcastle are rumoured interested parties ahead of the transfer window reopening in the New Year.
      The news, though, did not go down well with Blues fans who are not convinced Raphinha is an improvement on their current options at Stamford Bridge.
      Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is keen to bolster his attacking options.
      The Australian lost Harry Kane in the summer while Brennan Johnson is still settling and trying to find his top form.
      James Maddison, Richarlison, Manor Solomon, Ryan Sessegnon and Ivan Perisic have all been sidelined by injury.
      There were suggestions Ivan Toney was a possible target but SunSport understands he is deciding between transfers to Arsenal or Chelsea or signing a new contract at Brentford. More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Nine incredible stars to watch at U17 World Cup including ‘Brazilian Messi’ and record-breaking Arsenal starlet

      by

      SCOUTS have been out in force at the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia as the planet’s most promising teenagers bid to follow in the footsteps of some illustrious former winners.Neymar, Alisson, Toni Kroos and Ronaldinho have all appeared at previous editions while Cesc Fabregas (2003) and Phil Foden (2017) shone brightly enough to be awarded the tournament’s Golden Ball.
      The Under-17 World Cup is heating up as it hits the business endCredit: EPA
      Teenagers from around the world are putting themselves in the shop windowCredit: GETTY
      But who will be the name on everyone’s lips at the end of this month’s event?
      SunSport is on hand with nine players we think have lit up the tournament and have bright futures ahead of themselves.
      Estevao Willian (Brazil)
      Brazil’s greatest teenage talent earned the nickname ‘Messinho’ long before he came to national prominence during an acrimonious switch from the Cruzeiro youth set-up to Palmeiras at the age of 14.
      Like the famous Argentine number 10, Estevao is predominantly left-footed and insanely skilful in tight spaces with a burst that can free him from defenders.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He can also shoot, as he proved when curling a 25-yard effort home in Brazil’s 9-0 demolition of New Caledonia earlier this week.
      Former Barcelona scout Andre Cury, the man who helped take both Ronaldinho and Neymar to the club, has been advising Estevao.
      And while Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have also shown interest, the 16-year-old recently admitted that the Nou Camp is his dream destination.  
      Brazul’s Estevao Willian is one to watch out for in the tournamentCredit: EPA
      Amara Diouf (Senegal)
      Diouf – one of the youngest players at the tournament – learned his trade at the famous Generation Foot academy in Dakar, which launched the careers of current senior Senegal stars Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr  
      Most read in Football
      The powerfully built left-winger now looks set to follow in the footsteps of Mane and join Metz in France’s top flight, although probably not for long.
      Manchester City, Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid were all reportedly circling before he made his decision.
      Diouf’s displays in Indonesia, where he scored twice in Senegal’s 2-1 win over Argentina, suggest he may soon be ready for a bigger stage.
      Amara Diouf is the one to watch in Senegal’s talented squadCredit: Getty
      Claudio Echeverri (Argentina)
      Overshadowed by Diouf in Argentina’s opening game, Echeverri produced a moment of magic to get his team back on track for the knockout stages when he opened the scoring with a delightful long-range free-kick against Japan.
      Like Messi, the attacking midfielder wears the captain’s armband and the famous Number 10 shirt, but Echeverri is right-footed and bears a closer resemblance to current Argentina Under-17 coach Pablo Aimar.
      He came through the same River Plate finishing school that produced Aimar, plus City’s Julian Alvarez, with the Treble winners following Echeverri closely throughout the South American Under-17 Championship he top scored in earlier this year.  
      Juventus, Real Madrid and PSG are also said to be sniffing around the teenager, who will be eligible to move to Europe in January when he turns 18.
      Claudio Echeverri is a real prospect for ArgentinaCredit: GETTY
      Assan Ouédraogo (Germany)
      Son of a former Burkina Faso international, Ouédraogo is a box-to-box midfielder and perhaps the most physically impressive player at the tournament.
      In Germany, where he has been playing regularly for Schalke, he has already been compared to ex-Chelsea star Michael Essien for his ability to win the ball and drive forward.
      But his liking for slide tackles and sheer size, at 6ft 3in tall, bring back memories of ex-Arsenal star Patrick Vieira.
      Another of Vieira’s former clubs, AC Milan, are understood to be keen on signing him but they could face stiff competition from Liverpool plus Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.
      Assan Ouedraogo is rated highly by many in GermanyCredit: GETTY
      Noah Darvich (Germany)
      Barcelona beat Bayern, Ajax, Arsenal, Manchester City and PSG to the signature of Darvich in the summer and his displays in Germany’s first two games suggest they were right to pay Freiburg almost £4.5million.  
      A beautifully-balanced left-footer with an ability to glide past opponents like former Gunners idol Mesut Ozil, Darvich played a starring role with a goal and an assist in Germany’s 3-1 win over Mexico on Sunday.
      He assisted again in another 3-1 win over New Zealand on Wednesday, having earlier struck an upright with a bending free-kick.
      Germany’s Noah Darvich effortlessly glides past playersCredit: GETTY
      Marc Guiu (Spain)
      Barcelona’s famed La Masia production line has not turned out any tall, strong centre forwards that draw comparisons to Erling Haaland until now.
      Guiu may still be a long way from emulating the success of Haaland, but he is ahead of the curve in some respects, having scored the winner for Xavi’s side in a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao last month.
      The 17-year-old was one of the top scorers at this year’s U-17 European Championship, together with Barca teammate Lamine Yamal who he has played alongside since the age of seven.  
      Spain’s Marc Guiu has several people purringCredit: Getty
      Hamidou Makalou (Mali)
      One of Mali’s many talented stars certain to be on the big clubs’ radars after the tournament, midfielder Hamidou Makalou has taken his chance to shine in front of the assembled scouts.
      Playing in a double pivot with Red Bull Salzburg-bound Sekou Kone, Makalou helped Mali dominate the middle of the park against Spain and got on the scoresheet in their final group game against Canada.
      His clean touches and line-breaking passes are sure to attract lots of attention.
      Hamidou Makalou of Mali is one to keep an eye onCredit: GETTY
      Ethan Nwaneri (England)
      At the tender age of 16, Ethan Nwaneri is one of England’s brightest talents.
      The midfielder has dominated matches for Arsenal’s Under-18 and Under-21 sides, so much so that Mikel Arteta rewarded him with two first-team starts last season.
      Nwaneri has had to make do with one solitary first-team appearance so far this campaign.
      The youngster has shown poise and versatility well beyond his years.
      He may not be well known right now, but he’ll definitely be a household name come the end of the tournament.
      Ethan Nwaneri is expected to be one of England’s top stars at the U-17 World CupCredit: Getty
      England ace Ethan Nwaneri has already showcased his talents for Arsenal’s first teamCredit: AP
      Ishe Samuels-Smith (England)
      CHELSEA signed up promising defender Ishe Samuels-Smith from Everton for £4m in the summer
      The 17-year-old made the switch to Stamford Bridge after impressing for Everton Under-21s and is delighted to be a Blue.
      The highly-rated teenager featured prominently for Everton’s youth sides last season and was named on the first-team bench for the 4-1 Carabao Cup defeat by Bournemouth on November 22 as well as the 3-1 defeat to Fulham on April 15.
      He has also represented England at under-15, under-16, and under-17 level,
      Samuels-Smith was the only Englishman named in the Uefa team of the tournament at the Under-17 European Championship last summer.

      Ishe Samuel-Smith in action against Mahan Sadeghi of IranCredit: EPA More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Haaland’s agent warns Man City to enjoy him while they can before transfer exit.. and here’s five clubs he could join

      by

      ERLING HAALAND’S agent has warned that the superstar striker could leave Manchester City. The 23-year-old won the Treble during his first season at the club and already has 17 goals to his name this term.
      Erling Haaland’s agent hinted he could soon leave Man CityCredit: Getty
      Rafaela Pimenta claims a ‘change’ could happenCredit: INSTAGRAM/Rafaela Pimenta
      Despite enjoying life in Manchester, his agent Rafaela Pimenta revealed that the door is open to him leaving City in the future.
      When asked about reports linking him to other clubs like Real Madrid, she said: “Erling is the master of own destiny, always.
      “He will always do what’s good for him and for Man City.
      “When they all are open to make a change, it will happen.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “Erling will always be respectful. For sure respect has to be on both club and player side. I’ve no doubts, Man City will respect him.
      “If something has to happen one day, we will agree on every step together with the club. It’s always about respect.”
      Pimenta was asked if Haaland is happy at the Eithad, to which she replied: “You have to ask him. And this does not mean the opposite. I know he is, but I don’t like to speak for others.
      “I see it like this, the sporting result comes when things are good. When there is positivity, harmony, energy… things happen.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      On Haaland’s relationship with Pep Guardiola, she added: “You have to ask Erling this, but as far as I know, from the feedback I have, they get along very well.”
      The ex-Borussia Dortmund goalscorer’s dad Alf-Inge previously suggested his son wants to play across Europe, saying: “I think Erling wants to test out his capabilities in every league.
      “Then he can stay in every league for three to four years maximum.
      “He could have two-and-a-half years in Germany, two-and-a-half in England, and then in Spain, Italy, France, right?”
      Following Pimenta and his father’s comments, SunSport have taken a look at five club’s that could be Haaland’s next destination with him already conquering England and Germany.
      Real Madrid
      Karim Benzema departed in the summer for Al-Ittihad and was replaced by veteran striker Joselu.
      Real Madrid are expected to be in the market for a big-money attacker this summer with Kylian Mbappe heavily linked with the them.
      But if they decide not to sign the PSG star, Haaland could emerge as an alternative with Los Blancos reportedly ready to smash the transfer world record and bid £200million for him.
      Pimenta was recently spotted watching a game at the Santiago Bernabeu which caused speculation to rise.
      Barcelona
      Barcelona could be another LaLiga destination for Haaland.
      Current goalscorer Robert Lewandowski is still performing but is now aged 35.
      Barca could find it tough to raise the funds to tempt Haaland and City with the club battling financial difficulties.
      Juventus
      If Haaland wants to go to Serie A then Juventus could be his best.
      The Turin-based side tried to sign him when he was a teenager in 2017.
      But they decided not to push through the £2m deal they struck with Molde.

      Juventus are one of the only club’s in Italy that could potentially afford the Norwegian and they are reportedly open to selling striker Dusan Vlahovic should a good offer come in.
      PSG
      PSG have been the home to several of the world’s best players since they were taken over by Qataris in 2011.
      With Lionel Messi and Neymar gone, and Mbappe considering an exit, a gap could open up for Haaland to be the latest global star to land in Paris.
      Money is rarely a hurdle for the club and they are the only team in France that can afford him should he want to experience Ligue 1.
      Chelsea
      A shock City alternative could be Chelsea.
      Read More on The Sun
      Mega-rich owner Todd Boehly has splashed the cash on a range of players but the Blues still lack a world-class striker.
      Unlike Manchester United, Chelsea are not rivals to Haaland’s current club and they could hand him an exciting new challenge should he want to stay in the Premier League.
      Erling Haaland has already taken the Premier League and Bundesliga by stormCredit: Getty More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea fans say ‘hell nah, we good’ as they and Newcastle are linked with £55million former target

      by

      CHELSEA are ready to re-enter the race to sign Barcelona star Raphinha, according to reports.The Blues tried to buy him in 2022 before he agreed to join the Catalan giants in a £55million move from Leeds.
      Raphinha has been linked with a move to Chelsea and NewcastleCredit: Getty
      Raphinha previously revealed that he rejected Chelsea because it was his dream to play for Barca.
      But into just his second season with the club, the Brazilian could already be put up for sale.
      Raphinha got ten goals and ten assists in 50 games last season but has since lost his place in the starting XI following injuries, suspension and underwhelming performances this term.
      And reports state that Barcelona could look to cash-in on him if his form does not soon improve.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Chelsea and Newcastle are both open to signing Raphinha should be become available.
      The 26-year-old caught the eye of several top clubs during his two seasons in the Premier League with Leeds.
      But Chelsea fans are not thrilled by the speculation linking them with him signature.
      Raphinha often plays on the right-wing and Cole Palmer has already excelled in the position.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
      One supporter said in response to the reports: “We don’t need him anymore.”
      Another added: “Hell nah, we good.”
      A third reacted: “We have a superb squad. Give these young lads a chance to prove themselves.” More