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      Barcelona set to play in bizarre shirt against Real Madrid as club takes Spotify deal to whole new level

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      BARCELONA are getting lippy with a one-off shirt against Real Madrid emblazoned with the Rolling Stones’ iconic logo.The Spanish giants can’t yet be Nou age rockers – as their famous stadium is being redeveloped – so they’ve come up with the next best thing as their sponsorship with Spotify hits a high note.
      Rolling Stones’ legends Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are ‘honoured’ their logo will adorn Barca’s shirt against fierce rivals RealCredit: Reuters
      Lamine Yamal, Jules Kounde and Fermin Lopez show how Barcelona’s Spotify-sponsored shirt normally looksCredit: Getty
      It was less tongue in cheek and more tongue on kit as legendary Stones Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood paraded the special top – complete with the band’s cheeky emblem.
      The rock stars’ logo of big lips with a huge tongue sticking out will take centre stage on the home side’s shirt for El Clasico at Barca’s temporary Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys ground on October 28.
      The latest instalment of the club’s arrangement with streaming service Spotify sees Xavi’s men promote the Stones’ new album.
      In fact, it’s the British group’s first fresh material since 2005.
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      The band said: “We’re huge football fans and honoured that Spotify have brought our Tongue & Lips logo to grace the FC Barcelona shirt to celebrate the release of the Stones’ new ‘Hackney Diamonds’ album.
      “We’ll be cheering on the players on the pitch as well as fans around the world who will be tuning in to watch this iconic match.”
      Supporters will be glued to their screens as third-placed Barca attempt to hunt down LaLiga leaders Real.
      And Barca fans will pray keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has Sticky Fingers too – to keep out Madrid’s prolific summer signing Jude Bellingham plus Vinicius Junior and Co.
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      As Jagger might say, with one eye on the Stones’ own most famous rivals The Beatles: “Hey Jude, don’t make it bad.”
      But whatever happens, El Clasico observers will hope to be as open-mouthed as Barcelona’s one-off logo… with excitement. More

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      Barcelona chief Deco says Lionel Messi will ‘DEFINITELY’ return to Nou Camp and calls old pal ‘greatest idol in history’

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      LIONEL MESSI will “definitely” return to the Nou Camp for Barcelona one day.That is according to Barca’s sporting director Deco, who is adamant Messi will come back to his beloved club for a farewell game.
      Barcelona legend Lionel Messi will return to the Nou Camp one dayCredit: Getty
      Deco described former Barcelona team-mate Messi as ‘greatest idol in history’Credit: 2010 AFP
      The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner established himself as arguably the greatest footballer of all time during a glittering 17-year stint with the Blaugrana.
      The star forward scored a staggering total of 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 appearances and won 10 LaLiga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies and four Champions League honours.
      Just when it looked like the Argentina captain would end his career with the Catalan giants, he shocked the world by leaving in 2021 due to the club’s dire financial woes.
      However, Deco insists the Barcelona faithful haven’t seen the last of former team-mate Messi, whom he described as the “greatest idol”.
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      The ex-Chelsea star, though, admits there is no date lined up for the Argentine’s return.
      Deco told Lance: “He [Messi] will definitely play a farewell game at Barcelona, but when that will be, we don’t know.
      “He will always be the greatest idol in the club’s history. The club had great idols, like [Johan] Cruyff, Ronaldo, but he is perhaps the greatest of all.”
      Barcelona president Joan Laporta suggested Messi’s farewell match could take place next year in November.
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      The Spanish champions would like to combine the World Cup winner’s last ever match with the grand opening of their revamped Spotify Camp Nou.
      Laporta told Catalunya Radio: “It would be fantastic if he could be part of the Spotify Camp Nou re-opening.
      “It will be finished in June 2026 but we will be back in November 2024 and that could also be a good date. We’re going to see. We would like it to happen and I hope it does.”
      Messi was keen to return to Barcelona last summer after a turbulent two-year stint at Paris Saint-Germain came to a disappointing end.
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      Barcelona sporting director Deco insists Messi will have a farewell gameCredit: 2023 Alex Caparros
      However, a deal never materialised and he ended up joining Manchester United legend David Beckham’s MLS club Inter Miami, where he has scored 11 goals and five assists in 13 matches.
      The MLS outfit’s managing owner Jorge Mas even admitted that he is open to letting his team play in Barcelona to allow the ex-PSG star to compete one last time in front of his die-hard fans.
      Deco added: “I’ve been friends with Leo for a long time.
      “The issue of him going to the United States was something that had been planned for a long time.
      “He already mentioned this idea way back. What changed were those two years at PSG…
      “I wasn’t in the conversations [about Messi’s return]. Obviously, Messi is one of the greatest idols in the club’s history.
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      “He’s happy now and that’s what I think he had to look for in his career.
      “About returning to Barcelona, it would have been something spectacular, as he is the greatest player in history, but things ended up happening like this and you can see that he is happy. That’s what matters most.” More

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      Chelsea fans hail ‘huge’ deal as club secretly trigger clause in youngster’s contract to fight off Barcelona interest

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      CHELSEA have triggered a secret clause in Ian Maatsen’s contract, according to reports.The club have taken the decision to extend the 21-year-old’s deal by one year, tying him down to 2025.
      Ian Maatsen has extended his contract at Chelsea after the club triggered a secret clauseCredit: Getty
      Reports from the Evening Standard claim Maatsen has rejected two contract offers in recent weeks and Chelsea have therefore activated the extension clause.
      This comes after supposed interest from Barcelona with the Catalan giants considering making a bid for him in January.
      Maatsen’s longer contract could force Xavi’s side to pay more for the Dutch left-back.
      He spent last season on loan at Burnley and the newly-promoted side saw a loan offer with an obligation to buy worth £31.5million accepted over the summer.
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      However, Maatsen rejected the transfer as he hoped to force his way into Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
      But he has played just 83 minutes in the Premier League this season amid competition from Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella.
      Consequently, Maatsen is reportedly considering his future at Stamford Bridge.
      Chelsea fans are delighted the club has taken up the option to add a year to his contract.
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      One said: “Huge, hopefully we can tie him down on a long-term deal soon.”
      Another added: “Smart move.”
      More wondered: “Does this mean he will get game time or are they trying to protect his value and sell?” More

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      Man City star Julian Alvarez targeted by Barcelona as long-term transfer replacement for Robert Lewandowski

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      JULIAN ALVAREZ is the subject of transfer interest from Barcelona reports suggest.The Manchester City star has enjoyed an electric start to the season, scoring six goals and adding five assists.
      Julian Alvarez is being eyed as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski by BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      However, Pep Guardiola may soon come under pressure to keep the 23-year-old.
      According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona are looking at Julian Alvarez as a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
      Like Alvarez, Lewandowski has had an impressive start to the season with six goals and four assists, but with a 12-year difference in age the pair are at the opposite end of their respective careers.
      Sport’s report suggests both Barca boss Xavi and sporting director and ex-Chelsea star Deco admire Alvarez, with Xavi particularly impressed by his versatility and eye for goal.
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      The forward was a key member of the Argentina team which lifted the World Cup in Qatar.
      City completed the signing of Alvarez for just £14million from River Plate in January 2022 off the back of him being named the South American Footballer of the Year for 2021.

      It is claimed Alvarez has a release clause worth £43.4m (€50m).
      Despite the transfer links, Guardiola and City technical director Txiki Begiristain have no intention of parting ways with him.
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      Alvarez has a contract with last season’s Treble winners until 2028.
      While he is more than capable of playing as an out-and-out striker, Alvarez has been deployed behind Erling Haaland in a slightly deeper role this season, partly owing to the injury of Kevin de Bruyne.
      Man City host Brighton on Saturday at 3pm, before a Champions League trip to Swiss side BSC Young Boys and the Manchester derby.
      Xavi is said to be a huge admirer of AlvarezCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal lead Man Utd and Barcelona in £17m transfer race for Belgian wonderkid Arthur Vermeeren dubbed ‘next Iniesta’

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      ARSENAL lead the bidding war for Royal Antwerp wonderkid Arthur Vermeeren, dubbed the “next Andres Iniesta”.Vermeeren, 18, has stood out for Antwerp this season and has attracted plenty of interest from around Europe.
      Arsenal are leading the race for Royal Antwerp wonderkid Arthur VermeerenCredit: Rex
      Barcelona and Manchester United also fancy Vermeeren, dubbed the ‘next Andres Iniesta’Credit: EPA
      The Gunners are among the midfielder’s suitors but face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United as well as Barcelona.
      According to SPORT, however, the North Londoners are currently heading the race for the Belgium international’s signature.
      And it is thought Arsenal could land Vermeeren for a bargain £17million in the January transfer window.
      Manager Mikel Arteta is facing the prospect of losing Jorginho in the New Year with Barcelona expressing interest.
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      The midfielder has struggled for minutes with the likes of Thomas Partey and club record signing Declan Rice ahead of him.
      Plus, the ex-Chelsea star’s contract runs out in June and is thus free to negotiate with clubs oversees in the next two months.
      Barca are also keeping tabs on Vermeeren in their bid to find someone to continue club legend Iniesta’s work in the middle of the park at the Nou Camp.
      However, the Blaugrana have been marred by financial trouble and could instead turn to Corinthians ace Gabriel Moscardo.
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      United are in the picture as well with manager Erik ten Hag “in love” with the versatile midfielder, who can play at No8 and No6.
      After making his first-team debut last year, the Belgian has been playing regularly for Antwerp this season.
      Vermeeren has scored one goal and provided five assists in 15 appearances across all competitions so far this term. More

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      Bruno Guimaraes’ new £120k-a-week Newcastle contract ‘includes secret transfer clause’

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      BRUNO GUIMARAES’ new contract at Newcastle is filled with a secret transfer clause, according to reports. The Brazilian put pen to paper on a new deal earlier this month.
      Bruno Guimaraes signed a new deal at Newcastle earlier this monthCredit: Rex
      His deal is said to have a £100m release clause inserted into itCredit: Rex
      Guimaraes signed terms to keep him at St. James’ Park for another five years to 2028.
      The 25-year-old is now said to be earning £120,000 a week after receiving a tidy pay boost for his efforts since joining Newcastle in January 2022.
      It also saw an eye-watering £100million release clause added to his deal.
      However, Spanish outlet Sport claim there is a “secret clause in Barcelona’s favour” inserted into the contract.
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      Barcelona are long-term admirers of Guimaraes but failed to stump up the money while the midfielder was still at Lyon.
      But the clause inserted into his new Toon deal means the cash-strapped giants can exploit a favourable transfer deal.
      The clause itself gives Barcelona the chance to pay a fee under the normal release clause.
      This discount price is said to shave off around £40m from the total fee.
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      The report suggests Barca would need to pay between £56m and £61m to strike a deal.
      However, the club would first need to sell players to make a transfer viable.
      Guimaraes is said to have made no secret of his desire to one day play for Barcelona.
      The midfielder has made himself a fan favourite since arriving, scoring 11 goals and adding eight assists in 68 games.
      Arsenal fans were left convinced they would pay the £100m fee for Guimaraes after he praised compatriot Gabriel Martinelli for his winner against Manchester City. More

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      Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma ‘wanted in life-changing transfer’ after ‘seducing’ Champions League giants

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      BRIGHTON star Kaoru Mitoma’s stunning performances have earned him interest from one of Europe’s biggest clubs.Mitoma burst on to the scene last season with seven goals and six assists in 33 appearances in the Premier League.
      Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma has been targeted by BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Barcelona may bid for Mitoma in the summer with his Brighton deal running out in 2025Credit: Alamy
      The winger is kicking it up a notch this term with three goals and four assists in 11 matches across all competitions.
      According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have been “seduced” by the 26-year-old’s exploits with the Seagulls.
      In fact, Barca’s scouts and staff are most amazed with the Japan international out of all of their other transfer targets.
      Mitoma has won the Blaugrana over thanks to the way he breaks defences from the left wing.
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      And Barcelona manager Xavi lacks firepower on that side of the field with full-back Alejandro Balde having to do the heavy lifting in LaLiga and the Champions League.
      The Spanish tactician has plenty of choices for the right wing with the likes of Raphinha , Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal available.
      But the Spanish champions are confident Mitoma is their answer for the left.
      However, a move in January is highly unlikely as the Japanese star’s contract runs out in 2025.
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      But a summer bid is very possible, especially if Mitoma doesn’t pen fresh terms with Brighton.
      That would force Roberto De Zerbi’s side to discuss a deal as they would lose him for free the year after.
      Nevertheless, Brighton are notoriously tough negotiators, who recently sold Moises Caicedo to Chelsea for a Premier League record £115million fee. More

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      Liverpool and Man City lock horns in transfer chase for Denmark wonderkid with Barcelona also in the race

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      LIVERPOOL are interested in signing Lecce wonderkid Patrick Dorgu, according to reports.The youngster has earned comparisons to Andy Robertson and attracted attention from major European clubs.
      Patrick Dorgu has impressed for LecceCredit: Getty
      Dorgu, 18, broke into the Lecce first team this season and has made eight appearances in Serie A.
      And he has already impressed enough for Liverpool to begin monitoring his situation, report Gazzetta dello Sport.
      Manchester City are also said to be keen on the left-back, who is under contract until 2027.
      City could benefit from strengthening with Sergio Gomez the only recognised left-back in the squad following the departure of Joao Cancelo.
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      The Portuguese joined Barcelona on loan in the summer but the Spanish giants are also keen on Dorgu.
      However all three clubs could miss out on the Dane after he revealed his dream is to play for a different Premier League team.
      He said: “Chelsea is my dream to play for. I have been a fan of them for over 10 years, so it would be a huge dream to play for them.”
      The Blues could be on the lookout for a left-back following the injury to Ben Chilwell.
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      Levi Colwill has deputised in his absence but is more suited to playing in central defence, while boss Mauricio Pochettino has not been keen on using Marc Cucurella. More