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      Forgotten Barcelona star and World Cup winner wakes up unemployed as ex-Arsenal target is given free transfer

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      SAMUEL UMTITI is a free agent after agreeing to have the remaining three years of his Barcelona contract terminated.The former World Cup winner has left the Catalan club 18 months after his final appearance for them.
      Samuel Umtiti has left Barcelona after having his contract terminatedCredit: Reuters
      Umtiti, once a target of Arsenal’s, will now search for a new club after coming to an agreement to end his time at Barca.
      The 29-year-old joined the LaLiga giants from Lyon for around £21m in 2016.
      He was initially a key man, helping his side to two league titles in his first three seasons.
      Amid interest from elsewhere, Barca handed Umtiti a lucrative new contract in 2018.
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      A series of knee issues derailed his career from that point, although amid financial issues in January 2022, Barcelona opted to extend his contract to 2026 in order to stretch the time period in which he would be paid the money he was entitled to.
      This allowed Barca to register new players in line with LaLiga rules.
      Umtiti played just once during the 2021-22 season, making what would be his 133rd and final Barcelona appearance in a 2-2 draw with Osasuna in December 2021.
      He spent last season on loan at Lecce, managing to stay relatively injury-free in Serie A.
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      Samuel Umtiti spent last season on loan at LecceCredit: Getty
      Umtiti made 25 appearances in the Italian top flight, helping his temporary side avoid the drop.
      His form and fitness was not enough to earn another shot at Barcelona, however, with Xavi and Co opting to move forward with Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia and new signing Inigo Martinez.
      After agreeing a contract termination with Umtiti, Barca will also look to flog former Tottenham loanee Clement Lenglet.
      It felt like four years of being imprisoned at BarcelonaSamuel Umtiti
      Earlier this year, Umtiti told French Broadcaster Canal Plus of how Barcelona had begun to feel like a “prison”.
      He said: “It felt like four years of being imprisoned at Barcelona, not just on a sporting level, but in my everyday life too.
      “I was really in a bad way, I preferred to stay out of everyone’s way.
      “At the start I felt good and performed at a high level, but then I started to feel some diffidence towards me and realised then that nobody believed in me anymore.”
      On his time at Lecce, he added: “It was a challenge for me, I needed to feel appreciated, respected and just useful.
      “I know that securing safety from relegation isn’t the same as winning a title, but I am grateful to Lecce, because I rediscovered my smile here.” More

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      Man City mull stunning £90m Frenkie de Jong transfer that would see Treble winners deliver another body blow to Man Utd

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      PEP GUARDIOLA is mulling over a move for Frenkie de Jong — after Manchester City’s boss walked away from a Declan Rice bid.But Barcelona will want up to the £90million that Guardiola was prepared to pay in his attempts to sign West Ham ace Rice.
      Frenkie de Jong has been linked with a move away from Barcelona for some timeCredit: Getty
      Pep Guardiola’s Treble-winning side could go after De Jong this summerCredit: Getty
      The City chief is keen to bring in a new midfielder after Ilkay Gundogan turned down a new deal and opted for a move to the Nou Camp instead.
      Pep ended his interest in Rice when the fee went higher than he was prepared to pay, leaving the way clear for Arsenal.
      Guardiola tried to sign De Jong in 2019, before the Dutchman was swayed by the huge contract at Barca – and he remains a fan.
      He was a major Manchester transfer target a year ago, when his old Ajax boss Erik ten Hag tried to make him one of his first Man Utd signings.
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      But the 26-year-old Dutch star opted to stay in Barcelona and is still in no rush to leave Spain.
      However, he is aware Nou Camp executives are open to a sale in a bid to improve the club’s desperate finances.
      De Jong earns £400,000 a week after tax, has three years left on his agreement and retains the backing of coach Xavi.
      But Barca would like his wages off the books and know that City have cash for a top-class midfielder after the race for Rice.
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      Speaking in February about last summer’s transfer saga involving De Jong, Xavi said: “He was very clear with me. He wanted to stay with us and there was no doubt.
      “He is our player and I am very happy and satisfied with his performance and leadership.
      “He is in a great moment, like the whole team.
      “I think he is having a good time on the field, which is the most important thing.”
      Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag coached De Jong at AjaxCredit: Getty More

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      Barcelona have ‘everything agreed upon’ with PSG for sensational Neymar transfer return except for one big issue

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      BARCELONA have “everything agreed upon” for Neymar to return to Barcelona from PSG – but there is one major issue standing in the way. Neymar famously swapped Spain for France in 2017 for £198million in what remains the biggest transfer of all time.
      Neymar is linked with a return to BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But following six years in Paris, the club and player look ready to part ways, putting Europe’s elite on notice.
      Chelsea and Manchester United are among those linked with Neymar but a return to the Nou Camp appears to be the forward’s preference.
      And according to beIN Sports’ Khaled Waleed, PSG and Barca have an agreement in place for the transfer.
      But Neymar’s salary proves a sticking point and would need PSG to help pay a bulk of it.
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      The Samba superstar is believed to earn £600,000-a-week, leaving even the super-rich French kings wanting to get him off their books.
      But Barca’s dire financial situation leaves them in no position to match Neymar’s current salary.
      It could mean striking a loan agreement with PSG were the player’s wages are shared.
      But Barca boss Xavi – a former team-mate Neymar’s – brutally shut down a reunion when pressed last month.
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      He said: “I’m surprised… he’s not in our plan. I really like Ney as a friend, but we have different priorities.”
      Neymar has pushed to leave PSG before but he found himself shut down.
      Although now, the Ligue 1 champs are understood to be willing to let Neymar leave and have encouraged him to find a club.

      Barca also missed out on bringing Lionel Messi back to Barca this summer after the Argentine announced he was leaving PSG.
      Money issues meant a deal could not be agreed and Messi instead revealed he will play for Inter Miami in the MLS next.
      Lionel Messi and Neymar at PSGCredit: Reuters More

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      Man City flop Ferran Torres ‘offered Premier League return’ just 18 months after joining Barcelona

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      BARCELONA are reportedly prepared to sell Ferran Torres this summer.The LaLiga champions are set to let go of several first team stars in a bid to free up space on their wage bill.
      Barcelona want to sell Torres this summerCredit: Getty
      And according to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, Torres is one of the names on the transfer list.
      Barcelona are said to be demanding £35million for the out-of-favour striker.
      Torres has already received three offers from the Premier League, but he is reluctant to leave the Nou Camp.
      The 23-year-old joined Barcelona in a £55million transfer from Manchester City in January 2022.
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      He has scored 14 goals in 71 appearances since joining the club, but he fell out of favour last summer following the arrival of Robert Lewandowski.
      Barcelona are expected to complete the signing of Vitor Roque in the next few weeks, which would likely see Torres fall further down the pecking order.
      Newcastle are understood to be interested in signing striker.
      The Magpies would be willing to match Barcelona’s £35m asking price.
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      Arsenal were linked with a swoop for the Spaniard in January, however they are yet to submit an official bid.
      Unless Torres is sold this summer, Barcelona will likely struggle to recruit and register players due to their financial issues. More

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      Where Lionel Messi’s 15 wonderkids he thought would be future superstars are now, from Mason Mount to Joao Felix

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      IN 2020, Lionel Messi picked out 15 young stars to watch – but where are they now?The Argentina World Cup winner, 35, named his favourite wonderkids for a Topps ‘Lionel Messi Designed Set’ card pack.
      We look at how the 15 youngsters Messi picked out as ones to watch have fared in the year that followedCredit: Reuters
      Messi selected a hatful of young English talent among his crop – with no fewer than FOUR Three Lions stars making the grade.
      But the 15 youngsters have endured very different years since Messi’s announcement.
      Take a look at where they are now.
      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
      Alexander-Arnold has struggled a bit for consistency since his epic riseCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      MESSI got a first-hand view of the Liverpool right-back’s talent in the 2018-19 Champions League.
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      Alexander-Arnold, 24, was in blistering form as the Reds thumped Barcelona 4-0 in the second-leg of their semi-final clash – and even took the corner leading to Divock Origi’s winning goal to send them to the final.
      Still Liverpool’s No1 right-back, Alexander-Arnold has faced criticism over his defensive ability in the last few seasons.
      However, he reinvented himself in midfield for England in the recent win over North Macedonia.
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      HOUSSEM AOUAR
      Houssem Aouar excelled for Lyon in his first full seasonCredit: AFP or licensors
      LINKED with a move to Arsenal, Aouar captained Lyon and has already won caps for France.
      Technically superb, the versatile midfielder, 24, was expected to complete a big-money move to another of Europe’s giants in 2021.
      However, a loss of form and questions about his temperament emerged and he failed to make the World Cup squad.
      He recently signed for Roma on a free transfer, where he will play next season.
      FRENKIE DE JONG
      Frenkie De Jong is still waiting to find his top form at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      A former team-mate of Messi, the Argentine knows all about De Jong.
      The Dutchman, 26, moved from Ajax following their run to the 2018-19 Champions League semi-final.
      While De Jong is yet to replicate his top form at the Nou Camp – time is certainly on his side.
      Man Utd thought so, anyway, and were desperate to sign him last summer. However, he snubbed their offer – preferring to stay at Camp Nou.
      MOUSSA DEMBELE
      Moussa Dembele moved to Atletico Madrid on loan in 2021Credit: Alamy Live News
      THE French striker, 26, joined Atletico Madrid on loan from Lyon with a view to a permanent move back in 2021.
      But, he failed to impress Diego Simeone – and was soon back to France.
      The ex-Fulham and Celtic forward was rated one of Europe’s most-sought-after stars after a sensational three-year spell in France.
      Dembele has scored 70 times in 172 matches in all competitions for Lyon.
      JOAO FELIX
      Joao Felix is slowly starting to find his feet at Atletico MadridCredit: Reuters
      ANOTHER Atleti forward, Diego Simeone added Felix to his squad for a record £113million in 2019.
      But the 23-year-old has failed to live up to the hype expected of him.
      A poor return of 34 goals in 131 games and has meant Simeone is ready to cut his losses.
      Man Utd are one of the clubs that have been linked with the fallen wonderkid.
      A loan move last season to Chelsea in January, where he scored just four goals in 20 games, won’t have helped his cause for a future move.
      PHIL FODEN
      Phil Foden has been in exceptional form for Man CityCredit: AFP
      THE Manchester City star, 23, is making a name for himself across Europe.
      As well as Messi, Foden has garnered praise from the likes of Arsene Wenger.
      Under Pep Guardiola, Foden has flourished and become a full international.
      The clamour for him to be England’s main man at the World Cup was too much for Gareth Southgate to resist – and he inspired the Three Lions to a 3-0 win over Wales.
      KAI HAVERTZ
      Kai Havertz has struggled mightily since his £70m move to Chelsea last summerCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group
      AFTER Messi’s comments, Havertz teased clubs across Europe by showing off his unquestionable talent at Bayer Leverkusen.
      After Chelsea opted to splash £70m on the midfielder/forward, Havertz, 24, was expected to take the next step.
      The German star blew hot and cold for the Blues, showing glimpses of his talent – but never on a consistent level.
      This summer, Arsenal have taken a punt on Havertz who will hope to rediscover his form at the Emirates.
      LUKA JOVIC
      Luka Jovic tried to rekindle his form back at Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: EPA
      SIGNED by Real Madrid from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019, Jovic’s career has really stalled.
      The Serbian, 25, scored just twice in 21 LaLiga games before being shipped back on loan to Frankfurt last year.
      Jovic scored twice off the bench in his first game back in the Bundesliga – but didn’t exactly pull up trees.
      Los Blancos cut their losses in the summer – flogging him to Fiorentina where he scored 13 goals in all competitions last season.
      JOSHUA KIMMICH
      Joshua Kimmich continues to prove he is one of the best players in the worldCredit: AFP
      HARDLY a wonderkid at the time of Messi’s revelation – Kimmich was already 25. He’s now 28.
      The German feels like he’s been around for a decade already and is easily one of the best players on the planet.
      The versatile star can play in midfield or at right-back and has already won 79 international caps, while helping Bayern Munich to a famous Treble last season.
      Kimmich was part of the Bayern team who trounced Messi’s Barcelona 8-2 in the Champions League quarter-final, even getting on the scoresheet.
      KYLIAN MBAPPE
      Kylian Mbappe is arguably the best striker on the planet at presentCredit: AFP or licensors
      QUITE possibly the best striker on the planet right now, Mbappe has scored a sensational 212 goals in 260 league games for Paris Saint-Germain.
      The 2018 World Cup winner, 24, was set to move to Real Madrid last summer, but snubbed the LaLiga giants for a bumper £300million contract with the French club.
      However, he has now revealed he won’t be extending his contract beyond 2024 and has reportedly agreed a contract with Real Madrid.
      EDER MILITAO
      Eder Militao is yet to earn himself a regular spot in the Real Madrid XICredit: Getty Images – Getty
      HAVING moved to Real Madrid from Porto in the summer of 2019, huge things were expected of the Brazilian, who was handed a SIX-YEAR contract.
      Militao, 25, has shown flashes of talent after breaking into the first team.
      But Militao can’t dislodge Thiago Silva and Marquinhos in the Brazilian national team.
      MASON MOUNT
      Mason Mount has been in superb form for a struggling Chelsea this seasonCredit: Tom Jenkins/ The Guardian
      A FUTURE Chelsea – and possibly even England – captain, Mount has been superb for the Blues.
      Mount, 24, bizarrely seems to split fans – but has shown grit, determination and extraordinary talent in a struggling Chelsea team.
      The midfielder has gone from strength-to-strength since Messi comments.
      It’s expected Mount will go on to forge an incredible partnership with the likes of Declan Rice, Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Phil Foden for England in what’s increasingly looking like another ‘Golden Generation’.
      Although, Chelsea seemingly see him as surplus to requirements – as they negotiate a move away from Cobham to Man Utd.
      BENJAMIN PAVARD
      Benjamin Pavard is a key member of Bayern Munich’s rampant squadCredit: EPA
      MESSI was never going to leave the Bayern Munich man out of his list.
      After all, Pavard, 27, scored the goal of the tournament as France knocked Argentina out of the 2018 World Cup at the last-16 stage with a sensational strike in a 4-3 win.
      The versatile defender is now a regular in the Bayern XI, playing 162 Bundesliga games since joining from Stuttgart in 2019.
      CHRISTIAN PULISIC
      Christian Pulisic needs to fully recover from his injuries to show his true talentCredit: PA
      DESPITE struggling with injuries, Pulisic has shown fans – and Messi – just what he can do.
      Chelsea always seem to look more dangerous with the American, 24, in the team.
      Pulisic also led the USA’s charge in Qatar admirably at the World Cup last year.
      JADON SANCHO
      Sancho starred at Borussia Dortmund, but has struggled since moving to Man UtdCredit: EPA
      OF all the players on Messi’s list, Sancho has arguably been the most disappointing
      The Man Utd star, 23, was the subject of the longest-running transfer saga ever, seemingly in 2021.
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      Sancho eventually joined in a deal worth a staggering £73million.
      Back in January, he admitted to having to overcome “physical and mental” issues. More

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      Arsenal set to miss out on snapping up the ‘Turkish Messi’ as Ajax poised to complete bargain £15m transfer

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      ARSENAL face losing out to Ajax for Arda Guler — the wonderkid dubbed “the Turkish Messi”.Barcelona, in addition to the Gunners, were among the big clubs to have been tracking the Fenerbahce attacking midfielder.
      Arsenal are interested in signing Turkish teen sensation Arda GulerCredit: GETTY
      Ajax are on the verge of pipping the GunnersCredit: GETTY
      But it is understood that Dutch side Ajax are most likely to win the race for Guler if Fenerbahce fail to persuade him to sign a new contract.
      The 18-year-old had enhanced his reputation with a stunning goal for Turkey against Wales in last week’s Euro 2024 qualifier victory.
      The teenager recorded six goals and seven assists in 35 appearances for Fener last season.
      He has two years left on his current contract, which is thought to include a £15million release clause.
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      Guler – who has also attracted interest from Real Madrid – is highly rated in Turkey.
      And he’s held in supremely high regard by retired Turkish-born Germany international and Arsenal star Mesut Ozil.
      In fact, Ozil believes the teenager is BETTER than he was at the same age.
      He said of his former Fenerbahce team-mate: “Is there a number 10 better than me?
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      “I can think of a name, I have a brother that I believe in, may God protect him: his name is Arda Güler.”
      Guler is also on the radar of Italian big boys AC Milan, whose former midfielder Andrea Pirlo recently hailed the teen.
      The former Fatih Karagumruk boss said: “Arda Guler is a very talented player.
      “He has the potential to play anywhere in the world.
      “He has quality, he can read the game well, and he has great technique.
      “If he keeps developing his game, there is no limit to his potential.” More

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      Barcelona fans hail ‘our new queen’ as it emerges Gundogan’s stunning wife is to thank for his Arsenal transfer snub

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      BARCELONA fans thanked Ilkay Gundogan’s wife after reports she helped convince her husband to sign for the Spanish champions.Gundogan, 32, is said to have reached an agreement with the Catalan giants as he prepares to complete a free transfer.
      Ilkay Gundogan’s wife Sara Arfaoui has been praised by Barcelona fansCredit: Getty
      She is said to have been integral in her husband moving to the LaLiga championsCredit: Getty
      His Manchester City contract expires at the end of June.
      The German international was heavily linked with a move to City’s Premier League rivals Arsenal.
      But Spanish media have now claimed his wife Sara Arfaoui – a French model and TV presenter – has been calling on Gundogan to join Barcelona “for years”.
      She is said to have been the “one who pushed the hardest to make it happen”.
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      And supporters of the LaLiga winners were quick to praise her for helping complete her husband’s transfer – which is set to be a two-year deal.
      One said: “Our new queen.”
      Another added: “Ladies and gents, we have a new favourite 💐.”
      A third responded: “Her Majesty The Queen. Thank you for your service.”
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      Sara married Gundogan last yearCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira
      She is understood to have wanted to move to Barcelona for a number of yearsCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira
      Sara has immediately received positives messages from Barcelona fansCredit: Rex
      And a fourth replied: “Legend in my book.”
      Gundogan, 32, who came to England from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, was instrumental in Man City’s historic Treble-winning season – in which they captured the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
      The former Borussia Dortmund lit the blue touch paper in the FA Cup final against Manchester United with a superb volley after just 12 seconds – before he added the winner in the second half.
      But he was coy about his future after helping City secure their second of three trophies.
      He said: “To be honest, I don’t need these kinds of days to feel appreciated and to feel special in this club.
      “I know that, that’s why I’m here seven years, all the ups and downs that I’ve had so far.
      “Nothing is decided yet, so we’re going to see what is going to happen.”
      Sara is a French model and TV presenterCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira
      Sara has nearly 650,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @sarabenamira More

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      lkay Gundogan’s transfer to Barcelona ‘CONFIRMED’ in bitter blow for Arsenal as LaLiga giants swoop in at eleventh hour

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      BARCELONA have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Ilkay Gundogan, it’s been claimed.The Manchester City midfielder is set to become a free agent at the end of the month following the expiration of his contract at Eastlands.
      Ilkay Gundogan will become a free agent at the end of the monthCredit: GETTY
      Spanish giants Barcelona have reportedly swooped for the Germany internationalCredit: REX
      The 32-year-old is said to have agreed a two-year deal at the Nou CampCredit: REX
      Gundogan was offered a new one-year deal at the Etihad but snubbed the offer in order to move onto pastures new.
      And according to reports, the Germany international has decided to join Spanish giants Barcelona.
      It’s claimed Gundogan has inked a two-year deal at the Nou Camp with the option of a further 12 months.
      Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona, here we go!
      “Final approval arrived on [the] club side to register him as [a] new signing, green light from the player.
      “It’s done deal, signed [a] few minutes ago.
      “Gundogan has agreed a two-year deal valid until June 2025 with option for [a] further year.”
      Barcelona’s reported snapping up of Gundogan will be a hammer blow to City’s Premier League rivals Arsenal.
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      Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was hoping to lure the City fan favourite to the Emirates this summer to boost his side’s chances of Prem glory next season.
      But the prospect of playing his football at the Nou Camp and winning a third domestic title in as many countries has seemingly been too much for the midfielder to resist.
      Gundogan, 32, was instrumental in Manchester City’s historic treble-winning season – in which they captured the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
      The former Borussia Dortmund lit the blue touch paper in the FA Cup final against Manchester United earlier this month with a superb volley after just 12 seconds.
      Ilkay Gundogan lifted the Champions League trophy in his final Manchester City appearanceCredit: GETTY
      But he was coy about his future after helping City secure their second of three trophies.
      He said: “To be honest, I don’t need these kinds of days to feel appreciated and to feel special in this club.
      “I know that, that’s why I’m here seven years, all the ups and downs that I’ve had so far.
      “Nothing is decided yet, so we’re going to see what is going to happen.” More