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    Chelsea flop Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s hopes of rejoining Barcelona face huge stumbling block due to LaLiga rule

    PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG looks set to face failure over any potential return to Barcelona after a LaLiga rule emerged prohibiting a move. The Gabon striker has endured a tough spell since signing for Chelsea, and now reportedly wants to return to the Nou Camp.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang won’t be allowed to move back to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    But it seems his wishes will fall on deaf ears after it was revealed such a move is not legal.
    Fifa rules stipulate that a player cannot play for more than two clubs in a season unless the calendar is different – opening up the possibility of an MLS move.
    Since Barcelona were his previous club, a transfer is fine under these rules.
    However, the Royal Spanish Football Federation has a rule which makes a deal impossible.
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    Article 130 reads: “A player may be registered in only one team of a club, without the possibility of being withdrawn and released by the same club in the course of the same season, except in cases of force majeure or regulatory provision.
    “Likewise, during the course of the season, he/she may not be registered and play in more than three different teams.”
    In addition, La Liga’s Article 141.5 says: “Footballers whose licence is cancelled may not, in the course of the same season, obtain a licence in the same team of the club to which they were already associated.”
    This means that had the move been a loan instead, a return would have been permitted.
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    Barcelona would have “loved” the idea of bringing back the 33-year-old, who scored 13 times in 24 games for them last season.
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    Aubameyang joined Chelsea in £10million deal in the summer, but has failed to impress on his return to England.
    He has scored just three times in 16 games and not performed well either.
    The ex-Arsenal ace would have been hoping to prove a point after being frozen out at the Gunners by Mikel Arteta.
    In the club’s Amazon: All or Nothing series, Arteta revealed he had a dossier of all his past indiscretions.
    He told a member of his coaching staff: “I have everything documented, with the dates, the times, the conversations, how it happened, why it happened . . . because if one day it’s needed.
    “(Aubameyang) has been late, apart from all the (other) issues, many times.” More

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    Lionel Messi called a ‘hormonal dwarf’ and ‘sewer rat’ by ex-Barcelona board member in shocking abusive leaked emails

    LIONEL MESSI was labelled a “hormonal dwarf” and “sewer rat” by an ex-Barcelona board member, according to a sensational report. World Cup winner Messi left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain upon the expiry of his contract in 2021.
    Lionel Messi was the subject of some unsavoury messages by Barcelona’s former boardCredit: Rex
    The leaked messages were directed at Barcelona president Josep BartomeuCredit: EPA
    Former legal chief Roman Gomez Ponti allegedly sent the scathing remarksCredit: AFP
    However, Barca chiefs were left infuriated by a press leak which shared details of the contract offered to Messi – which would have seen him net almost £500million – prior to his emotional exit.
    And Spanish outlet El Periodico revealed messages allegedly sent in a group chat between the club’s former hierarchy on January 31, 2021.
    The chat the messages were sent in included ex-president Josep Bartomeu, CEO Òscar Grau, directors Pancho Schroder and Javier Sobrino, executives Jordi Moix, Oriol Tomàs and David Bellver and legal chief Roman Gomez Ponti.
    Ponti, in particular, fired a sharp-tongued message to Bartomeu regarding his favouritism of Messi.
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    In his message he said: “Barto, really, you can’t be such a good person with this sewer rat.
    “The club has given him everything and he has dedicated himself to marking a dictatorship of signings, transfers, renewals, sponsorships just for him, etc.”
    Ponti ranted about Messi’s power at the club in demanding new deals for team-mates Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba.
    He then ranted about the renewal fee for Ansu Fati’s contract, which went to Messi’s brother and agent Rodrigo.
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    Ponti then went on to speak about “blackmail” and Messi’s lack of support as the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
    He added: “And above all the accumulation of blackmail and rudeness that the club and those who work have suffered from this hormonal dwarf that owes Barça life … ah!
    “But when they come badly given (pandemic) you receive the mythical WhatsApp: ‘presi, lower the salary to others, but do not touch me and Luis.'”
    Ponti then blasted Messi as a “pesetero,” meaning money-grabber.
    The financial difficulties of the club eventually saw Messi leave as Barcelona could not lower their wage bill enough to accommodate the 35-year-old.
    These difficulties have continued, and despite a summer which saw them trigger a number of “economic levers” to help them do business, recent reports still suggest they are £178m over budget in wages. More

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    Chelsea star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wants Barcelona transfer return just months after quitting amid season struggles

    PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG wants to return to Barcelona just FOUR months after he left to join Chelsea.The Gabon international has endured a nightmare return to the Premier League and is out of favour under Graham Potter.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has struggled since arriving at ChelseaCredit: Getty
    The striker has not scored in his last 10 games in all competitionsCredit: Rex
    He’s hasn’t started a game since lining up against his former club Arsenal in November and has scored just three goals.
    And Aubameyang has looked a shadow of his former self in recent weeks, highlighted by the fact he was subbed off after being subbed on against Manchester City last week.
    As a result, AS claim the 33-year-old is unhappy at Chelsea and wants to go back to Spain.
    The report states that Aubameyang is so desperate that he would be willing to return to any cost.
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    And he’s even been in touch with manager Xavi.
    But a return to the Nou Camp is only likely to happen if Barca manage to offload Memphis Depay, who’s being linked with Atletico Madrid.

    Fabrizio Romano has also claimed that the La Liga leaders would “love” the idea of re-signing the striker, but only on a free and once more stated it would hinge on Depay’s future.
    Barcelona are the only club that Aubameyang can sign for because he’s already played for two teams this season.
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    Despite the frontman’s struggles, Potter confirmed that he’s back in the squad for Thursday’s West London derby at Fulham.
    And he’ll be hoping to end his TEN game run without a goal at Craven Cottage. More

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    Barcelona ‘ask LaLiga about Aubameyang transfer’ with Chelsea ace unable to join ANY other top European club

    PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG could be set for a return to Barcelona just five months after leaving.Spanish outlet Jijantes FC claims the Catalan club have asked La Liga about the salary they would be permitted to offer the Chelsea flop.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s only chance of staying at the highest level if he leaves Chelsea this season is a move back to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    Aubameyang, 33, joined Chelsea from Barca in a £10m deal in summer.
    However, he has scored just once for the club and barely featured under boss Graham Potter.
    Aubameyang has also been linked with Atletico Madrid, but such a move will not be possible in this transfer window.
    Under Fifa rules, players are only allowed to play for two clubs per season.
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    The only exception to this rule is for players joining leagues with a different calendar (ie the MLS, which has a 2023 rather than 2022/23 season).
    As Aubameyang came on as a sub for Barcelona on the opening day, he is ruled out of a move to any other major European club.
    For the transfer to go through however, Barca must overcome their own financial crisis.
    The report from Jijantes says that Xavi’s team must get Franck Kessie and Memphis Depay off their books to even have a chance of completing the Aubameyang deal.
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    Journalist Fabrizio Romano added that while Barcelona “love” the idea of getting Aubameyang back, any deal will have to be a free transfer.
    The Gabon international and former Arsenal captain enjoyed a fruitful seven months at the Camp Nou in 2022, scoring 13 goals in 23 games.
    However, the marquee signing of Robert Lewandowski coupled with Barca’s financial problems meant all parties decided a move to Chelsea was for the best. More

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    Barcelona ‘ready to sell three stars including Man Utd transfer target Ansu Fati… but make two players untouchable’

    CASH-STRAPPED Barcelona are reportedly ready to have a firesale of stars as they look to balance the books.The club spent a combined figure of around £150m to bring in Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde in the summer.
    Barcelona are reportedly willing to consider offers for a number of players to balance the booksCredit: Getty
    And in order to do this, they were forced to take drastic measures such as selling a 25 per cent stake of their in-house production company, as well as ten per cent of their TV rights for the next 25 years.
    To ensure they don’t end up in the same situation this summer, the club are willing to consider the sale of a number of big name players.
    Brazil international winger Raphinha is one of them, with the club hoping to recoup the £55m they paid to sign him from Leeds.
    Ferran Torres is also reportedly allowed to leave for the right price, having joined from Man City for £55m two years ago.
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    And perhaps most surprisingly, the club are said to be prepared to listen to offers for 20-year-old Ansu Fati.
    Fati was previously a top target for Man Utd, with the club reportedly agreeing a £135m deal to sign him in 2020 before Barca pulled the plug.
    Such was the high regard that the Spain starlet was held in, that the club handed him Lionel Messi’s number ten shirt following the World Cup winner’s departure.
    But journalist Jose Alvarez told El Chiringuito that Barca have not been satisfied with the performances of Fati and the two other players and could consider an offer in order to keep Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele.
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    Alvarez’s report labelled the 34-year-old Pole and World Cup finalist Dembele as the club’s only “untouchables” in the coming two transfer windows.
    Lewandowski has been in fine form since joining Barca, netting 18 goals in 20 games.
    And despite a disastrous performance which saw him hauled off before half time for France in the World Cup final, Dembele’s exploits for Barcelona have been much improved under Xavi.
    Ansu Fati could be sold in a surprise decision from the La Liga leadersCredit: AFP
    Raphinha could be sold after failing to impress since joining from LeedsCredit: Getty
    ‘Untouchable’ Robert Lewandowski will not be sold by Barca for any priceCredit: Getty More

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    Eric Garcia ready to snub Arsenal transfer to stay at Barcelona despite falling out of favour under Xavi

    ERIC GARCIA is not interested in quitting Barcelona for Arsenal, according to reports.The Spaniard, 22, left Manchester City for boyhood club Barca 18 months ago.
    Eric Garcia has struggled for game time this seasonCredit: Getty
    But the move hasn’t yet worked out as he would have hoped.
    Garcia has struggled for game time under Xavi this season.
    Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing the Spain international centre-back.
    But according to Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo, Garcia would not consider the move.
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    They add that he “only has in mind” to play for Barcelona.
    Garcia penned a five-year deal with the Catalan giants in the summer of 2021 while Ronald Koeman was still in charge.
    He was initially a regular, making 36 appearances in all competitions last term.
    But his importance has waned this time around.
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    Garcia has started only half of Barca’s LaLiga matches this season, and has been an unused substitute in the last four.
    Despite Gerard Pique’s retirement earlier this season he still faces stiff competition for places – with Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde all available to Xavi.
    The Barcelona boss even opted to start Marcos Alonso at centre-back ahead of Garcia for the recent Catalan derby draw with Espanyol.
    Despite Garcia’s lack of action, Xavi is determined to keep his current squad together for the remainder of the campaign.
    The 42-year-old wants to keep his squad intact as they fight on multiple fronts.
    Barcelona are three points clear of Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.
    They will also face Manchester United in the Europa League knockouts. More

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    Chelsea face missing out on Marcus Thuram as Barcelona ‘scout striker ahead of summer transfer’

    CHELSEA are facing an uphill battle to sign Marcus Thuram after Barcelona sent scouts to watch him, according to reports. Thuram, 25, is out of contract in the summer and consequently represents a cut-price option in a heavily inflated January market.
    Chelsea face missing out on Marcus ThuramCredit: Getty
    Chelsea are one of a number of sides who have been linked with a move for the Frenchman, who can play as a winger or a striker.
    However, Barcelona are understood to be taking the most keen look at him.
    According to Mundo Deportivo, the club’s present financial situation is restricting them from being able to freely navigate the market.
    Therefore, they have been seeking cheaper alternatives – a profile Thuram fits due to the nature of his contract.
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    The report indicates the Spanish giants have sent scouts to watch the Borussia Monchengladbach star, with “favourable” reports being returned.
    Thuram is typically deployed through the centre in Germany, but during the World Cup he made his impact off the bench coming from the wing, showcasing his versatility.
    With him thought to be available for just under £10million as well, the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle, Tottenham and Liverpool have all retained an interest.
    But each of these clubs seem to have transfer target priorities which, for now at least, lie elsewhere.
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    Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is said to have now stepped down from his role as interim sporting director, but it has not stopped the club pressing forward with deals.
    The Blues have verbally agreed to cough up the £10million loan fee for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, which they hope will alleviate some of their issues for the remainder of the season.
    Here’s how Thuram has performed in the Bundesliga this season More

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    Sergio Aguero to come out of retirement after heart issue to play one-off game for Ecuadorian team Barcelona Guayaquil

    SERGIO AGUERO will make a one-off return to the pitch this month after getting the green light from medical experts.The Manchester City legend, 34, broke down in tears as he announced he had been forced to retire with a heart problem in December 2021.
    Sergio Aguero was forced to retire due to a heart issue while at Barcelona in 2021Credit: Getty
    The Man City and Argentine legend is returning for a game on January 28Credit: Reuters
    The ex-Argentina forward took ill during a game for Barcelona against Alaves that October and was rushed to hospital after clutching his chest and complaining of breathing problems and dizziness.
    He was initially ruled out of action for at least three months to undergo a period of observation before being diagnosed with a cardiac arrhythmia, ultimately leading to him hanging up his boots on the advice of doctors.
    However, City’s all-time top scorer has now confirmed that he will play one more time in the 2023 Noche Amarilla.
    The game is a traditional annual friendly played by Ecuadorian side Barcelona de Guayaquil againts differet opponents and regularly features a legendary name.
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    Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho and former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan have taked part in previous years.
    The official announcement was made last night as the game was confirmed for January 28.
    And Aguero, who was in Qatar last month to cheer on Argentina to World Cup glory, soon took to social media to reveal more about his comeback.
    He said: “I look forward to Noche Amarilla, to have fun and have a good time with the fans of Barcelona S.C.
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    “I’ve had check-ups from the cardiologist, I am very well and I have already started training, so I will be able to play in the Noche Amarilla. I hope to have fun and feel the pitch again.”
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    Aguero added: “I went out to eat in Qatar and was watching Ecuador’s first match in the World Cup.
    “Some fans of Barcelona S.C. recognised me and asked me to come to Noche Amarilla.” More