Barcelona transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd player ratings: Rashford and Fernandes shine in new roles as Sancho and Malacia struggle with Camp Nou occasion

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a draw in a thrilling first leg of their Europa League playoff with Barcelona.History suggested the Red Devils would be up against it at the Nou Camp with United having won just once in their history against the Catalans.
      Marcus Rashford starred once again for United as he caused Barcelona endless troubleCredit: PA
      Barcelona ace Marcos Alonso dedicated his opener to his late fatherCredit: Getty
      But with two El Clasico specialists in Casemiro and Raphael Varane in their ranks, United were unfazed by the occasion and took the game to the hosts.
      After a goalless first half the game sparked into life with Marcos Alonso’s uncontested header at the far post.
      Marcus Rashford continued his stunning form with a driven finish past Marc Ter Stegen to level.
      He then created the second as Jules Kounde turned into his own net before Raphinha’s cross-cum-shot ended up in the United net to set up a frantic finish
      Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Red Devils performance.
      De Gea – 7
      Could do nothing for the opener or Raphinha’s goal.
      Denied Robert Lewandowski well in the first half while commanding penalty box quite well and caught a Raphinha howitzer in the second half.
      Wan-Bissaka – 6
      Looked strong on the overlap with the help of Fernandes. Created a number of chances pairing up with the Portuguese playmaker.
      Most read in Football
      Did well in one-on-one duels but allowed his far post zone to be exploited for Barca’s opener at a corner and could have been more useful with some crossing opportunities.
      Varane – 6
      The former Real Madrid man was one of two players in the United team who understood the Camp Nou atmosphere and helped his team-mates settle.
      Despite some poor distribution in the first half, he improved after the interval and a strong step out of defence almost allowed United to grab the lead straight after the equaliser.
      Shaw – 7
      Composed once again at left centre back. Solid distribution throughout this was paired with solid defensive work whenever he was called upon.
      Almost punished when he misjudged the flight of the ball to almost gift Raphinha an opportunity to score a late third.
      Malacia – 5
      Beaten by Raphinha too many times when defending one-on-one.
      Put himself about but better end product would save likely seen him punished.
      Casemiro – 7
      Like Varane his understanding of the atmosphere helped settle United.
      The side looked far more stable with him back in the XI.
      Fred – 7
      Lost Marcos Alonso at the far post for the defender’s header at a corner but made up for it minutes later with a beautifully weighted pass to assist Rashford.
      Looked more comfortable playing alongside Casemiro.
      Fernandes – 7
      Part of Ten Hag’s attacking reshuffle and played on the right wing – but was no less influential.
      Constantly a threat with his passes from the right channel to get an overlapping Wan-Bissaka in behind and set up a glorious Weghorst chance.
      Weghorst – 6
      Deployed in the same position behind the striker as he was in the final 20 minutes against Leeds.
      Brought United up the pitch well in the role but squandered a great chance in the first half to put United into the lead.
      Sancho – 5
      Struggled to make an impact from the left wing due to Barcelona defenders doubling up on him throughout the first half.
      Wasted a glorious chance early in the second half to put United into the lead after an error from Ronald Araujo. Subbed off after 82 minutes for Garnacho.
      Read More on The Sun
      Rashford – 8
      Scored the equaliser from a tight angle to squeeze a shot past Marc Ter Stegen and match his best ever season tally.
      Created the second from a corner with a direct run into the penalty area to cause havoc and reap an own goal. Was denied a penalty when brought down as he went through on goal.
      Substitutes
      Alejandro Garnacho (on for Jadon Sancho 82 minutes) – N/A
      Marcus Rashford equalised for Manchester United at the Nou CampCredit: Getty
      Manchester United picked up an important draw with BarcelonaCredit: PA More

    • 288 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘He’s got to look at the ball!’ – Robbie Savage singles out Man Utd star for huge error in build-up to Barcelona goal

      by

      ROBBIE SAVAGE singled out Fred for criticism after Barcelona’s opening goal against Manchester United.The former Premier League player was on BT Sport commentary duty as United travelled to Spain.
      Marcos Alonso heads Barcelona ahead at the Nou Camp as Fred watches onCredit: AP
      And they got off to a poor start in the Europa League tie as ex-Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso headed the hosts ahead.
      As the corner came in, Alonso ghosted in round the back, heading into the ground and beating David de Gea.
      And, after watching the replay, Savage noticed it was Fred who had failed to track the Spaniard as he was left free to head the opener home.
      Savage said: “Fred’s got to look at the ball. Poor defending.”
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      Despite the criticism, Savage did add: “You can question his body shape for the goal. But his energy, enthusiasm and assist for the goal – he’s been brilliant.”
      The Brazilian’s blushes were saved after Marcus Rashford levelled on 52 minutes.
      Rashford broke free down the road and somehow squeezed in his effort past Marc-Andre ter Stegen from inside the box.
      It marked the in-form England international’s 22nd goal in all competitions this season.
      Most read in Europa League
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      And Rashford had a hand in putting United 2-1 up just minutes later.
      He picked up the ball from a short corner, beat his play and played a menacing ball across the face off goal.
      It ricocheted all the way through and Barca defender Jules Kounde inadvertently put the ball into his own net.
      This time it was Raphinha who had to pull the game back with his curled cross going all the way in, with everyone waiting for Robert Lewandowski to get a touch.
      And the thriller finished 2-2 to set up a mouth-watering return leg in Manchester next Thursday.
      Raphinha makes it 2-2 for BarcelonaCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona’s transfer of Marcos Alonso from Chelsea ‘reported to Fifa for fraud amid claims of irregularities with deal’

      by

      BARCELONA face more transfer problems after their deal for Marcos Alonso from Chelsea was reported to Fifa for fraud.Alonso left England for Spain in September on a free transfer after six season in West London.
      Marcos Alonso’s Barcelona transfer is being investigatedCredit: Rex
      But fourth division side Union Adarve – who he represented as a youth player – claim that they should have received £91,000 (€103,000) as part of the deal.
      According to AS, Union Adarve have evidence of the two sides negotiating for Alonso in the past.
      Alonso has established himself in the Barcelona setup this season, making 22 appearances and three goals.
      They are top of LaLiga under the guidance of club legend Xavi, leading champions Real Madrid by eight points.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      But they have financial problems off the field and took LaLiga to court in order to register Gavi’s new contract.
      The Spanish giants were initially unable to register the playmaker’s fresh deal because of LaLiga’s salary limits.
      Barcelona aimed to relieve their financial woes with a series of one-off cash injections last summer, leveraging chunks of future revenue.
      But their wage bill is still believed to still stand at around 20 per cent over and above LaLiga’s max squad spend limit.
      Most read in Europa League
      Barcelona budgeted for a minimum quarter-final finish in the Champions League this season but they failed to get out the group.
      It means they face a shortfall of £18m, while winning the Europa League would only generate £13m.
      Barcelona are also still unable to register Ronald Araujo as a first-team player despite the centre-back signing a new contract last season.
      Marcos Alonso scored against Man UtdCredit: Reuters More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans threaten to watch Barcelona vs Man Utd without the sound as commentator’s gaffe ‘p***es them off’

      by

      FOOTBALL fans threatened to mute the commentators during Manchester United’s Europa League clash with Barcelona.The threat was made after Ian Darke and Robbie Savage repeatedly mispronounced Ronald Araujo’s name.
      Fans were getting irritated by the commentator’s pronunciation of Ronald Araujo’s nameCredit: AFP
      The Uruaguan star started the game for Barcelona on the right side of the defence.
      His name is pronounced ‘Arau-ho’. However, fans watching from their sofas were getting annoyed with the pronunciation from the BT Sports commentary team.
      One tweeted: “BT Sport commentator saying Ara-ouu-ho for Araújo.
      “About to turn down the volume for Barcelona and Manchester United.”
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      A second commented: “The pronunciation of Aruajo by the commentators is p*****g me off.”
      A third wrote: “I hate the way commentators say ‘ara who hoe’ for Araujo.”
      A fourth said: “Someone tell the commentator how to pronounce Araujo.”
      A fifth added: “Iain darke the commentator calling Araujo ‘Arahooho’ 😭.”
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      A sixth tweeted: “I’ve got a real problem with this commentator pronouncing Araujo as Ara-hoo-hoe.
      “Motherf***** has me thinking about pokemon.”
      Araujo is known to English audiences having previously been linked with a transfer to Man United and Chelsea. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag opens door to second Frenkie de Jong transfer bid this summer to build incredible midfield

      by

      ERIK TEN HAG has opened the door to a shock second bid for Frenkie de Jong this summer.The Manchester United boss had an offer of £56.2million accepted by Barcelona last year but the midfielder refused to move until he had settled an issue over back-dated wages and the deal collapsed.
      Frenkie de Jong is preparing to face Man Utd on Thursday but the Barcelona star could yet move to Old Trafford next summerCredit: Rex
      Ten Hag said: “Frenkie is an incredible player and for every club in the whole world he will strengthen the squad because he has a unique quality.
      “If you can get him in the squad your team will be stronger.”
      The boss added that the Dutch international would bring a flair to any side as he did for him in Ajax and now does for Barcelona.
      He said: “I think we had a team in 2019 with a lot of fascination and he brings a lot of fascination.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “He has developed and, in Spain, become even better.
      “He’s a fantastic player, plays out from the back, he always has time and it was a pleasure to work with him.”
      It comes after Barca chief Xavi insisted De Jong never wanted to depart last summer.
      The Spaniard said: “He was very clear with me. He wanted to stay with us and there was no doubt.
      Most read in Football
      “He is our player and I am very happy and satisfied with his performance and leadership.”
      Ten Hag’s Red Devils face Barcelona on Thursday in the first leg of their play-off tie in the Nou Camp to get into the last 16 of the Europa League.
      And they will be without the one midfielder they DID sign in January.
      Loanee Marcel Sabitzer is ineligible as he played for parent club Bayern Munich in the Champions League group stage. More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      How Man Utd’s star man Rashford ‘nearly joined BARCELONA in 2019 with his brothers meeting club THREE TIMES’

      by

      MARCUS RASHFORD nearly joined Barcelona in 2019, according to reports.The Manchester United star has been ever present for the Red Devils since breaking into the first team in 2016.
      Marcus Rashford turned down an approach from Barcelona in 2019Credit: Getty
      Rashford’s brothers met with Barcelona to discuss a potential moveCredit: marcusrashford
      But four years ago his career almost took a different direction amid interest from Barcelona.
      The Spanish giants were looking for a replacement for Luis Suarez and wanted a young player they could mould into their style of play.
      They liked the look of Rashford due to his age and the fact he only had 18 months remaining on his contract, which meant he may have been affordable.
      Then Barca general manager Pep Segura approached Rashford’s agent and his brothers to sound out a potential move, according to Mundo Deportivo.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Three meetings took place between Barcelona and Rashford’s representatives but a transfer never came to fruition.
      Rashford was believed to have been worried about moving to such a big club when he was only 21-years-old.
      He reportedly held concerns over adapting the language, culture and playing style at Barcelona.
      Rashford decided to stay at Old Trafford and soon after renewed his contract.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      The 25-year-old penned a four-and-a-half-year deal worth £250,000-a-week with the option of an extra year. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool’s ‘worst ever signing’ finds new club as he joins ex-Barcelona and Napoli stars in Turkey

      by

      LAZAR MARKOVIC, who’s dubbed Liverpool’s WORST ever signing, has found a new club in Turkey – joining ex-Barcelona and Napoli stars at Trabzonspor.The 28-year-old made a £22million switch to the Reds from Benfica in 2014.
      Liverpool flop Lazar Markovic has made a transfer to Turkish team TrabzonsporCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      The 28-year-old had a horrible stint at Liverpool following a £22m transferCredit: Getty
      However, the Serbia international only went on to make 34 appearances for the Anfield club, scoring three and assisting on.
      His failure to stamp down a place in the first-team saw the winger go out on loan four times, playing for Fenerbahce, Sporting Lisbon, Hull City and Anderlecht.
      Markovic then joined Fulham on a free transfer in January 2019, but only lasted six months at the club before being let go to head back to boyhood club Partizan.
      The 22-cap player then spent just under three years at Partizan before making a switch to Turkish side Gaziantep last summer.
      Read more in football
      Markovic has been dubbed Liverpool’s WORST ever signing by some, but after an uptake in form in the Turkish league, he has earned a move to Trabzonspor, where he will play alongside former Barca and Napoli stars, according to journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu.
      He will play alongside Napoli legend Marek Hamsik.
      The 35-year-old joined the Turkish team in 2021.
      Hamsik has played 22 times for Trabzonspor this season, scoring two and assisting one.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      Former Barca defender Marc Bartra is also playing his trade at Trabzonspor.
      The 32-year-old made the move from Real Betis last summer for a minimal fee. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd warned about Barcelona’s ‘surprising’ new tactic ahead of Europa League clash in huge style change

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have been issued a warning about a “surprising” new tactic being used by Barcelona.The Red Devils travel to the Nou Camp for the first of a two-legged Europa League play-off on Thursday.
      Erik ten Hag takes Manchester United to Barcelona on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      He has been warned about a new ‘surprising’ tactic being used by BarcaCredit: Rex
      Both teams go into the showdown in impressive form.
      United have recorded five wins out of their last six matches while Barcelona are 11 points clear at the top of LaLiga.
      Spanish star Pedri, 20, secured their latest victory as they triumphed 1-0 at Villarreal on Sunday.
      The Yellow Submarine are managed by Quique Setien, who was in charge of the Blaugrana in 2020, and it is he who has highlighted the new tactic being deployed by his old club.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, he said: “There is something that this Barcelona team has changed a lot, which is without the ball.
      “The data is there, Barcelona are the team that runs the most without the ball.

      “Seems surprising, doesn’t it?”
      Both Pedri and Gavi have played a key role in the resurgence of Barca this term as head coach Xavi puts a greater emphasis on the distance covered by his players and pressing the opposition.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      He even said that striker Robert Lewandowski is his “first defender” after Sunday’s win.
      And that is something that his United counterpart Erik ten Hag will have to ensure his team are ready to deal with.
      However, Barcelona have suffered one major blow in the build-up to the game.
      Their influential captain and midfield maestro Sergio Busquets has been ruled out of the clash after suffering an ankle injury recently against Sevilla. More