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    Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino ‘has agreed free transfer to Barcelona’ with contract expiring this summer

    ROBERTO FIRMINO has agreed to join Barcelona in the summer, reports claim.The Brazilian’s Liverpool contract expires at the end of the campaign.
    Roberto Firmino is reportedly set to join Barcelona in the summerCredit: Getty
    It was confirmed last month that Firmino will leave the Reds after eight years at Anfield.
    And the 31-year-old has now agreed to join Barcelona on a free transfer, according to the Daily Mail.
    He had previously been linked with the likes of Roma and Real Madrid.
    But reports suggest Firmino will join cash-strapped Barca when his Anfield contract expires at the end of the campaign.
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    Firmino joined Liverpool in a £29million deal from German side Hoffenheim in 2015.
    In his time at the club Firmino has helped the Reds to Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Club World Cup glory.
    The forward made up one third of a formidable forward line alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
    However, Firmino has seen his game time reduced this season as Jurgen Klopp overhauls his ageing squad.
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    The arrivals of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo mean he has started just 12 games in the Premier League this term.
    A hamstring injury means Firmino is reportedly set to miss the next three games, but Liverpool are hopeful that he can return before the campaign comes to an end.
    Boss Klopp was claimed to have been keen for Firmino to extend his stay at Anfield, but the forward is eager to pursue a new challenge.
    In total Firmino has played 360 games for Liverpool, scoring 109 goals and providing 79 assists. More

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    Barcelona’s unbelievably bad free kick stats since Lionel Messi left show why club are desperate to re-sign world champ

    BARCELONA are in a ton of trouble without Lionel Messi’s freakish free-kick scoring record.Reaching an incredible 100 games without netting a free-kick is just one more reason why Barca want the legend back.
    Lionel Messi ‘s 50-goal free-kick record at Barcelona included 10 in 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Barca have failed to net a free-kick since Messi swerved this beauty against Valencia on May 2 2021, joining PSG three months laterCredit: Reuters
    PSG could lose out on Messi’s dead-ball genius if he returns to BarcelonaCredit: AFP
    Messi’s deadball stunner against Valencia on May 2 2021 was the Spanish giants’ last such goal.
    He notched 50 free-kicks in all during his 17 years with Barca, plus 10 for Argentina and two for PSG – a conversion rate of 9.1%.
    And Nou Camp chief Xavi admits they’ve struggled to find a dead-ball replacement – despite trying and failing with EIGHT big names.
    Those having a go include Memphis Depay, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Dani Alves, Ousmane Dembele, Ferran Torres, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.
    READ MORE ON LIONEL MESSI
    Seven-time Ballon d’or winner Messi, 35, is out of contract with PSG in the summer.
    And Barca are reportedly willing to pay the 2022 World Cup winner around £22million a year – a QUARTER of his old Nou Camp salary
    In contrast, he could pick up annual wages of £375m if he joins Al-Hilal, the major rivals to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
    Messi has amassed 31 goals and 33 assists in 69 matches for PSG.
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    And although he’s only bagged two free-kicks for the French champions-elect, he had an awesome record for such long-range swervers with Barca, peaking with 10 in 2018.
    How the Catalonians would love to see something Nou and old like that again.
    Messi is also into double figures with Argentina for free-kick goalsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

    MADRID, SPAIN – AUGUST 16: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona gets ready to take a free kick during the Supercopa de Espana Final 2nd Leg match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 16, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Arsenal and Man Utd in Ruben Neves transfer boost as Wolves ‘prepare for future without him’

    ARSENAL and Manchester United target Ruben Neves is set to leave Wolves this summer, according to reports.The midfielder is approaching the final year of his contract.
    Wolves are planning for a future without Ruben NevesCredit: Rex
    He has been tipped to make a move for the last two years with Barcelona also said to be keen on the Portugal international.
    And now Wolves appear ready to let Neves leave, though will demand £40million for his services, report The Telegraph.
    United and Arsenal are set to be put on high alert by Neves’ situation.
    Barcelona and Real Madrid are both believed to be monitoring Neves with interest.
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    And Wolves would rather sell their talisman to a club abroad, rather than a Premier League rival.
    But it is believed they will not stand in his way as the club have planned for a future without him.
    Wolves have a new midfield talisman in Matheus Nunes, who has impressed since his £42million transfer last summer.
    He has attracted interest from Chelsea and Liverpool but is key to Wolves’ future plans, as is January arrival Mario Lemina.
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    The pair both shined in the absence of Neves in Wolves’ recent wins over Chelsea and Brentford – offering a glimpse into how manager Julen Lopetegui will cope without the Portugal ace.
    Wolves have also planned for the long-term future with the signings of Joao Gomes, 22 and Boubacar Traore, 21. More

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    Barcelona line up huge midfield swap transfer with Inter Milan as both clubs look to resolve financial woes

    BARCELONA and Inter Milan are linked with an exchange deal involving midfielders Franck Kessie and Marcelo Brozovic, according to reports.The move was previously on the cards in January, but did not materialise, as Kessie did not want to leave the Nou Camp.
    Franck Kessie has played an instrumental role in Barcelona’s success this seasonCredit: Getty
    However, the club may have no option but to sell himCredit: Getty
    Brozovic is the Inter player linked with a move to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    However, according to SPORT, the like-for-like swap in midfield still has substance, with specific factors making it an enticing possibility for both parties.
    Reports suggest that Inter Milan’s technical director met with Barcelona officials last week to discuss the possibility of a swap deal.
    The Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claims that both midfielders are valued at around £28million, a factor which would make a potential exchange relatively easy.
    Brozovic, 30, joined Inter from Dinamo Zagreb in 2015 and has made 253 appearances for the club.
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    Despite some good performances this season, Brozovic has still looked likely to leave Inter in the summer amid growing tensions.
    This comes as the defensive midfielder had to be separated from team-mate Andre Onana in training this week.
    The Croatian star is considered a potential successor to Sergio Busquets in Barcelona’s midfield.
    Additionally, Kessie has been on Inter’s wish list since he moved to Barcelona from AC Milan on a free transfer last summer.
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    And ex-Inter boss Antonio Conte wanted to bring him to Tottenham in January.
    Despite Kessie’s impressive form in the second half of this campaign, the club have refused to rule out his sale, due to the ongoing economic situation.
    The Catalans finances are in huge jeopardy, with sky-rocketing debts expected to reach £1.3billion.
    Cash-strapped Barca will need to shuffle their finances again this summer in order to refine Xavi’s squad and remain competitive next season. More

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    Barcelona’s Messi offer revealed with ace ‘needing to take 75 PER CENT pay cut on previous deal to secure free transfer’

    LIONEL MESSI will reportedly be offered just a QUARTER of his old Barcelona salary if he is to return to the Nou Camp.The Spanish giants are attempting to bring the Argentine legend, 35, back to the club.
    Lionel Messi is being linked with a return to Barcelona in the summerCredit: Getty
    Messi left in emotional circumstances two years ago as the Catalan side were forced to address their critical financial situation.
    He has now spent two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, contributing 31 goals and 33 assists in 69 appearances.
    But he is out of contract with the Ligue 1 champions in the summer.
    And a return to Barcelona has been mooted as a potential destination for Messi, along with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal and David Beckham’s MLS club Inter Miami.
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    The World Cup-winner had spent his entire career at Barcelona before leaving in 2021, registering 672 goals and 303 assists in 778 games.
    But, according to Sport, Messi will not receive anywhere near the £88million annual salary that he was earning by the end of his spell at Nou Camp if he is to make a come back.
    It is understood they will offer Messi a deal worth £22m per year – in line with the sum being paid to Robert Lewandowski.
    That is a world away from the £375m a year he could reportedly scoop at Al-Hilal.
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    The length of the Barca contract is expected to be two years, but the Argentine will be given the option to terminate it after one season.
    And even if Messi is prepared to take a 75 per cent salary reduction, his return is still dependent on Barcelona slashing their wage bill.
    They are expected to sell players in order to raise the funds for Messi.
    A number of stars have already been linked with moves away from at the end of the season.
    Midfielder Gavi, 18, is being monitored by Chelsea after Barcelona removed him from their registration of first-team players due to their ongoing financial issues.
    This means he could leave on a free transfer in the summer.
    Ansu Fati is another player who could depart the Spanish giants as Manchester United eye the 20-year-old forward. More

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    Pique’s mum breaks silence for first time since Shakira split after claims she helped ex-Barcelona star hide ‘affair’

    GERARD Pique’s mum has broken silence for first time since her son’s split with Shakira after claims she helped the footballer hide his “affair”.Montserrat Bernabéu now joins the ex-Barcelona star in the controversy that has swirled since he parted ways with the Colombian music icon.
    Gerad Pique’s mum, Montserrat Bernabeu, has broken silence on he son’s messy ‘affair’Credit: Getty
    The ex-Barcelona star dated Shakira for 11 yearsCredit: Getty
    Happier times when the star couple were in loveCredit: Getty
    His mum appeared in her first televised interview following her son’s dramatic break-up in September 2022.
    The 60-year-old woman featured in an interview on Barcelona TV program Collapse, where she touched on her job but steered clear from family life.
    The transcript was republished by Spanish journal Lecturas, which read: “As everyone else does, I have a personal life and a professional life.
    “But my personal life is only discussed with my closest friends and family.
    READ MORE ON GERARD PIQUE
    “When I’m at work, I’m focused on what I need to be doing and I’m doctor Bernabéu.”
    However, GeoNews later reported that Bernabéu spilled the beans on Shakira.
    The news agency reported she allegedly considered the singer an “intruder”.
    They further claimed Bernabéu was “bothered” by the ten-year age gap between the former lovers.
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    The claims follow an inside source who reportedly told Geo News: “We are talking about very closed environments.
    “For many families in the city, if you are from Madrid you are already an intruder, imagine if you are from Colombia.
    “For Montse it was a shock.
    “She saw her from the beginning as an intruder.
    “She was bothered by everything about her – that she was ten years older than her son, that she was a singer, no matter how successful she was, that she was not Catalan or at least from a recognizable family.”
    The reports followed Shakira’s final moments in Spain before she jetted off to the US to start her new life.
    The Hips Don’t Lie singer left Barcelona on April 3 as she finalised her move to Florida.
    Spanish media described the scenes as her “final goodbye” to her old life.
    Her departure was met with a heartfelt Twitter post, which read: “I settled in Barcelona to give my children stability, the same that we are now looking for in another corner of the world next to family, friends and the sea.
    “Today we start a new chapter in the search for our happiness.”
    The popstar was supposed to move on January 3 with her two sons Milan, 10, and Sasha, 7, but her trip was pushed back after her elderly father’s health deteriorated.
    The news of her departure comes as her footballer-ex Pique is said to be “very annoyed” after he was given just “days notice” that his former partner will be moving to Miami with their two sons this week.
    Shakira’s lawyer Pilar Mane told Pique’s lawyer Ramon Tamborero in a formal announcement that the star was leaving definitively, according to journalists Lorena Vasquez and Laura Fa.
    The Colombian singer, they said, then phoned the former Barcelona player to confirm the news, yet he was said to be furious about being kept in the dark about the exact date they would be leaving.
    The Spanish journalists also claim the two boys would start school in Florida on April 11 – the day US school kids will return to classes after spring break.
    The ex-couple of 11 years have been engaged in a bitter falling out since their high-profile split last summer.
    Former Barcelona defender Piqué revealed he was dating 24-year-old Clara Chia Marti not long after they announced the bombshell break up.
    Since then, their dirty laundry has been aired globally as cheating rumours concerning Pique and his younger lover have swirled since the new year.
    The former couple confirmed in November that they had finally reached a child custody agreement after a protracted negotiation which came to a head with a marathon 12-hour meeting with their lawyers.
    They signed the accord at a court in Barcelona the following month.
    As part of the agreement retired footballer Pique will spend holiday time with his children.
    Shakira’s wish to move to Miami, where she used to live and part of her family is based, is understood to have been the principal sticking point in their bitter custody battle.
    Read More on The Sun
    The singer-songwriter, who has relatives and several close friends in Miami, owns a £14 million mansion in the city she is said to have put up for sale in 2018 before removing it from the market a few months ago.
    Spanish media also claim that Shakira has been cosying up to a new mystery man who is based in Miami. More

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    Barcelona want Lionel Messi to become the new Michael Jordan as they plan for his sensational transfer return

    BARCELONA reportedly want to re-sign Lionel Messi and make him the “new Michael Jordan”. The Argentinian legend left the club for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
    Lionel Messi is ready to quit PSG and re-join BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    Barcelona chiefs believe Lionel Messi’s return could have a similar financial impact to the return of Chicago Bulls hero Micheal JordanCredit: AFP
    But the World Cup winner is supposedly unhappy in France and with his contract expiring there at the end of the season, he wants to return to Barca on a free transfer.
    The LaLiga side are keen on his return from an on and off the pitch perspective.
    Mundo Deportivo report that Barcelona chiefs believe the return of Messi could contribute to 25 per cent of the club’s revenue next year.
    Some even believe the boom in the sales of tickets and merchandise along with cash injections from sponsors could be worth 33 per cent of turnover.
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    They are confident that the financial impact could be bigger than the boost the Chicago Bulls received when Michael Jordan came out of retirement in 1995 for a second spell with the team.
    Barca are also looking to help play a major part in building the “Messi brand” and they have drawn comparisons to the American’s “Air Jordan” venture with Nike.
    Xavi supposedly talks to the player regularly and is looking forward to Messi’s own “Last Dance”.
    He is set to be offered a two-year contract by the club.
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    Barcelona are desperate for a financial boost with the club under orders from LaLiga to balance their books.
    They have been effectively placed under a transfer ban and may need to recoup £178million via player sales.
    The likes of Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele have all been linked with moves to the Premier League. More

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    Shakira ‘charters special medical plane to fly elderly parents from Barcelona to join her in Miami’ after Pique split

    POP sensation Shakira reportedly chartered an air ambulance to bring her beloved parents across the Atlantic to join her in her swanky Miami mansion.The Colombian superstar recently moved from Barcelona to Miami following her blowout split with her ex, footballer Gerard Pique.
    The performer has made sure to spare no expense in helping her parentsCredit: Getty
    Shakira has remained very close to both of her parents throughout her careerCredit: AFP
    They are expected to move in with the singer in her swanky Miami digsCredit: Getty
    But as she set up her new life abroad – the star was taking no chances in moving her parents, mum Midia Ripoli and dad William Mebarak.
    The superstar’s parents were reportedly moved via a specially chartered air ambulance, complete with a private doctor, to Miami, reports InfoBae.
    Shakira, 46, had previously hoped to bring them over when she initially moved, but due to health concerns for her parents, the journey was delayed.
    Non-stop flights from Barcelona to Miami can take up to nine hours.
    READ MORE ON SHAKIRA
    “The plane that will take them is an air ambulance. A doctor will travel with them and will monitor them at all times,” a source told Vanitatis.
    The reunion with her parents will no doubt be a joyful one, as Shakira was previously seen looking sombre as she left her long-time home of Barcelona.
    She wrote a heartfelt Twitter post before departing: “I settled in Barcelona to give my children stability, the same that we are now looking for in another corner of the world next to family, friends and the sea.
    “Today we start a new chapter in the search for our happiness.”
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    The singer’s new mansion in Miami is estimated to be worth £12million pounds, with neighbours including Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin and Matt Damon.
    The impressive gated estate boasts a stunning heated swimming pool and outdoor kitchen surrounded by palm trees with spectacular views over the bay.
    The property even has it’s own private dock for a boat, which she used to share with ex Pique.
    Her overseas move comes as her footballer-ex Pique is said to have been “very annoyed” after he was given just “days notice” that his former partner was heading off to Miami.
    The ex-couple of 11 years have been engaged in a bitter falling out since their high-profile split last summer.
    Former Barcelona defender Piqué revealed he was dating 24-year-old Clara Chia Marti not long after they announced the bombshell break up.
    Since then, their dirty laundry has been aired globally as cheating rumours concerning Pique and his younger lover have swirled since the new year.
    Shakira and Pique confirmed in November they had finally reached a child custody agreement after a long negotiation which came to a head with a marathon 12-hour meeting with their lawyers.
    Read More on The Sun
    They signed the agreement at a court in Barcelona the following month.
    As part of the agreement, retired footballer Pique will spend holiday time with his children.
    She was seen teary eyed leaving her long-time home of BarcelonaCredit: The Mega Agency
    She often shares sweet snaps of her and her two sonsCredit: Instagram
    Her mansion in Miami will host herself, her sons and her parentsCredit: Getty
    She split with long-time partner Pique following a cheating scandalCredit: AFP
    Since, she’s released multiple diss tracks about the ex Barca footballerCredit: Getty More