Barcelona transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Robert Lewandowski hosts ‘crisis talks’ with Barcelona pals at family home before heading to Xavi’s house to apologise

      by

      BARCELONA striker Robert Lewandowski has hosted a “crisis lunch” at his house for Barcelona team-mates and close pals.The crisis meal came in the midst of Xavi’s announcement that he would step down as Barcelona manager at the end of the season.
      Lewandowski hosted a crisis lunch at his house for Barcelona’s playersCredit: Alamy
      He is understood to feel partly responsible for Xavi’s decision to leaveCredit: EPA
      Xavi’s bombshell announcement came last week with Barcelona 11 points off league leaders Girona.
      Speaking after a 5-3 loss to Villarreal, Xavi said: “I will leave Barcelona in June.
      “We have reached a point of no return. It’s time for change.
      “As a Culé, I think that it’s time to leave. I spoke with the board and the club today. I will leave on the 30th of June”.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Lewandowski has struggled this season despite banging in 23 LaLiga goals last term to fire Barcelona to the title.
      He has only scored eight goals in the league this season, with fans also feeling his target man presence is slowing down Barcelona’s style of play.
      He reportedly feels partly responsible for Xavi’s exit and wants the boss to reconsider his decision.
      His meal was understood to be part of an attempt to rally the troops and focus their efforts on the Champions League.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Barcelona take on Serie A champions Napoli in the round of 16 in February.
      Barcelona’s club captains this season are Sergi Roberto, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, and Frenkie de Jong, but Lewandowski held the meal in his capacity as a senior player. 
      The details of the meal were reported exclusively in Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
      The likes of Lamine Yamal, Jules Kounde, Marc Andre-Ter Stegen and Oriol Romeu were all in attendance.
      Lewandowski is understood to have personally apologised to Xavi, thinking his performances have added to the manager’s stress.
      Ilkay Gundogan is understood to be more accepting of Xavi’s call and feels it comes from a period of deep reflecton.
      ‘They kill you’
      Expanding on his reason for his exit, Xavi said: “You asked me many times that if I’d be the Sir Alex Ferguson of Barça… the truth is that it will NEVER happen here.
      “You guys won’t allow it — being Barça coach is so difficult. You see how they kill you, they criticise you, it affects you.
      “It’s a cruel job, it wears you down.
      “In Barcelona you always feel like you’re not valued, you’re mistreated – that’s how the club works. From a mental health level, it’s tough too.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “I’m a positive guy but the battery levels keep running out — and at some point, you realise there’s no point in staying.”
      Barca’s latest 5-3 loss to Villarreal in the league comes after they were dumped out of the Copa Del Rey by Athletic Club in a humiliating 4-1 defeat.
      Xavi says he has realised there is ‘no point in staying’ at BarcelonaCredit: Rex More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham could hijack Barcelona transfer for wonderkid Lucas Bergvall, 17, after Man Utd missed out

      by

      TOTTENHAM are preparing to hijack Barcelona’s move for Swedish prodigy Lucas Bergvall, according to reports.The midfielder, 17, has impressed a host of Europe’s top clubs while playing for Djurgarden in his home country.
      Lucas Bergvall has a number of big clubs chasing his signatureCredit: Getty
      He also had trials with Manchester United three years ago, but ultimately did not sign for the Red Devils.
      Djurgarden’s sporting director, Bo Andersson, recently hinted that a move to the Nou Camp could be on the cards.
      But The Mail now understand Tottenham have made an enquiry for the teenage sensation.
      Box-to-box midfielder Bergvall, who excels with his technical ability and passing range, has scored three goals in 28 appearances for Djurgarden.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He also made his debut for Sweden’s national team earlier this month in a 2-1 win over Estonia.
      And Barcelona remain the frontrunners to sign the wonderkid, with a price of £8.5million being reported.
      But Tottenham have now joined a host of other big clubs in pursuing him – along with Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt.
      It comes as Spurs man Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is linked with a move away from North London.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      The Dane, 28, is being monitored by Fulham and Newcastle and could yet depart before the end of the January window on Thursday.
      But comments from Djurgarden chief Andersson will temper Tottenham’s expectations around signing Bergvall as it appears a Barcelona switch is close.
      He said: “Yes, I can confirm that we have been in contact and in dialogue with Barcelona.
      “But it’s not a negotiation yet. There was some contact with Barcelona last week but this week we haven’t spoken to them.” More

    • 238 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Chelsea on transfer red alert with Barcelona ‘enormously concerned’ about Jules Kounde and ‘ready to sell’

      by

      BARCELONA are open to selling defender Jules Kounde as they look to fall in line with FFP regulations.The defender has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Chelsea in the past, and both could be on alert with the defender on the market in January.
      Kounde is free to leave BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      United have struggled at centre-back this season, with Raphael Varane’s form seeing him drop to fifth choice at times despite being first pick last year.
      Harry Maguire has undergone a career renaissance this season after looking certain to leave last summer – but his future is also unclear.
      Lisandro Martinez has also missed most of the season with injury.
      The extent of United’s injury issues is dominated by the fact that Jonny Evans, 36, has featured 17 times for the club this season.
      READ MORE ON TRANSFERS
      Kounde, 25, joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022 and played an integral part of their title victory last season.
      But he has struggled to replicate that form this season, and was responsible for two of the goals Barca shipped in their 4-2 defeat to Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey.
      United were tentatively linked with the defender last summer amid rumours he was unsettled at the Camp Nou.
      Chelsea were also close to signing Kounde last season, reportedly agreeing a deal to sign the defender last year.
      Most read in Football
      Kounde is seen as expendable by BarcelonaCredit: The Sun
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Ultimately, the player chose Barca, but Chelsea could now make a move for Kounde again.
      According to Spanish outlet Sport, there are “enormous concerns” surrounding Kounde’s form.
      The report also states that the club would be willing to listen to offers for former Chelsea star Andreas Christensen.
      A fee has not been reported but Barcelona signed Kounde for £42.5million and would be looking to recoup as much of that as possible. More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona release Arsenal transfer target after 14 YEARS as he becomes first casualty following Xavi’s exit

      by

      SERGI ROBERTO is set to become the first “victim” of Xavi’s Barcelona exit, according to reports in Spain.The news comes amid rumours that Arsenal have been tracking the player.
      Sergi Roberto has been at Barcelona for 14 years but could leave this yearCredit: Getty
      Roberto’s Barca contract runs out on June 30 and he was set to see it extended under Xavi’s leadership.
      But with Xavi confirming he will leave at the end of the season, Barcelona’s hierarchy have decided the player is surplus to requirements, according to AS.
      Xavi was an advocate of Roberto, even making him captain at the start of this season, but announced he will be stepping down due to the pressures of being Barcelona coach.
      Announcing his decision, Xavi said: “I’ve thought about the club and above all the players.
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      “I have the feeling that I am doing the right thing, that I am acting with common sense.
      “I think the club needs a change of dynamics, the dynamic is very negative.”
      Last summer, the Barcelona youth product agreed to take a hefty pay cut in order to help the club with their financial issues.
      The salary decrease left him as one of the lowest-paid players in the squad despite being at Barcelona for 14 years.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Sergi Roberto has not featured much this seasonCredit: The Sun
      Injuries have led to Roberto playing a bit-part role for Barcelona this season, making just six appearances in LaLiga.
      The midfielder is currently missing with a muscular issue, and expected to be out until mid-February.
      Roberto’s favoured position is as a midfielder, but he can also operate at full-back.
      That versatility has seen Arsenal maintain an interest in a potential free transfer for Roberto, given they are looking for a cover in their defence.
      Arsenal have also been left consistently short in the midfield this season following a string of injuries to Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny. More

    • 200 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ‘on three-man shortlist for Barcelona job’ as search begins for Xavi’s successor

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA is among a three-man shortlist to succeed Xavi at Barcelona, reports in Spain say. Nou Camp legend Xavi announced he will be stepping down as Barca boss at the end of the season.
      Mikel Arteta is linked with the Barcelona jobCredit: Getty
      And according to Spanish reporter Gerard Romero, Arsenal manager Arteta is among those the LaLiga giants will eye as a replacement.
      It is claimed Barca sporting director Deco started speaking to the agents of potential candidates over the last few weeks.
      Jurgen Klopp – set to leave Liverpool in the summer too – and Julian Nagelsmann, who is in charge of the German national team, are also linked with the role.
      Barca considered Arteta after sacking Ronald Koeman in October 2021 but Xavi was instead appointed.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      But Arteta did sign a new contract in 2022, which keeps him tied to the Emirates until the summer of 2025.
      Spanish World Cup winner Xavi led his club to the league title last season – but will leave at the end of this campaign.
      He said: “I think the club needs a change of dynamic.
      “For the good of the players, I believe that they will free themselves. We play with a lot of tension.
      Most read in Football
      “For the good of the board of directors, it is best that I leave. I will give my best. I think all of that will help the dynamic change.
      “This is the message I would like to give. I think I am doing the right thing.”
      Xavi made the shock announcement following a 5-3 home loss to Villarreal, which leaves them ten points off leaders Real Madrid.
      Xavi is stepping down as Barcelona bossCredit: Getty

      A look at Barca’s managerial targets

      Mikel Arteta
      The Spaniard learnt his coaching craft under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City before taking over at Arsenal in 2019.
      He turned the Gunners into title contenders, only narrowly missing out to City last season.
      And having come through Barca’s youth set up, Xavi’s exit could give Arteta the perfect return to the Nou Camp.
      Jurgen Klopp
      The German established himself as one of the finest coaches in the world after joining Liverpool from Borussia Dortmund in 2015.
      He led Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years and also lifted the Champions League in 2019.
      His resignation caused shockwaves around the footballing world and there will be no manager in greater demand than Klopp next season.
      Julian Nagelsmann
      Nagelsmann announced himself at RB Leipzig and his success earned him a dream job at Bayern Munich.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      With the German giants, he won the league title in 2022 but a year later he was suddenly dismissed.
      And despite links to Chelsea and Tottenham, he instead succeeded Hansi Flick as head coach of the German national team in September. More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Man Utd star HEADBUTTS Robert Lewandowski and then scores own goal as Barcelona suffer epic collapse

      by

      BARCELONA superstar Robert Lewandowski locked horns with a former Manchester United ace during an intense clash against Villarreal.Barca and the Yellow Submarine faced off in a crunch LaLiga clash at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium that saw Marcelino’s side picking up a stunning 5-3 win following an incredible comeback.
      Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski and Villarreal ace Eric Bailly headbutted each otherCredit: bein sports
      Lewandowski and ex-Manchester United ace Bailly locked horns after Pedri’s equaliserCredit: bein sports
      Bailly then scored an own goal as Barcelona temporarily turned the game aroundCredit: EPA

      Gerard Moreno opened the scoring for the visitors after 41 minutes and La Masia graduate Ilias Akhomach doubled the lead just nine minutes into the second half.
      However, Xavi’s side fought back and levelled things up within eight minutes.
      First with ex-Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan within the hour mark and then with Pedri.
      And it was after the midfielder’s goal that Lewandowski went nose to nose with Villarreal ace Eric Bailly.
      Read More on Football
      The star striker and Bailly headbutted each other for a split second until the visitors’ goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen ran towards them to separate them.
      It became a much more eventful evening for the ex-United defender as he netted an own goal just three minutes later.
      Gundogan delivered a crisp free-kick from the left and found Ronald Araujo who got the slightest touch and that led to a deflection off the Ivory Coast international.
      However, Goncalo Guedes saved the centre-back’s blushes with an equaliser on 84 minutes.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      And Alexander Sorloth turned the match on its head in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
      Jose Luis Morales capped off a fantastic evening for Villarreal just three minutes later at Barcelona.
      Barcelona are now third in the LaLiga table with 10 points separating them from leaders Real Madrid.
      Atletico Madrid are only three points behind the Blaugrana and have a game in hand. More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Messi makes supporter’s day by signing his shirt while stuck in traffic – but fans more concerned by his ‘messy’ car

      by

      LIONEL MESSI fans were left star-struck as they got stuck in traffic with their idol in the US.Messi, 36, has been dominating the MLS after 17 glittering years at Barcelona and a short stint at Paris Saint-Germain.
      Lionel Messi was stuck in traffic with fans while driving in MiamiCredit: Reddit
      Inter Miami star Messi made the fans’ day as he waited on the freewayCredit: Reddit
      Messi went on to sign an Argentina shirt for his super fansCredit: Reddit
      Messi has been standing out in the MLS with Inter MiamiCredit: Getty
      The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Manchester United legend David Beckham’s Inter Miami last summer and has already registered 11 goals and five assists in 14 appearances.
      The Inter Miami star, who has been followed by former Barca team-mates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez, has even helped double the club’s value.
      And the star forward still finds time for his loyal fans, something he proved while driving in the freeway.
      The Argentina captain waited in traffic and was spotted by another car that had stopped next to him.
      Read More on Football
      The driver went berserk and was heard yelling, “I love you Leo” in Spanish.
      The supporters even tossed an Argentina jersey towards Messi who even went on to sign it before handing it back.
      After the unbelievable exchange the Barcelona legend took off as cars that were stuck behind them started to honk.
      Fans were left in awe after watching the astonishing clip, but some wondered why the football megastar’s car appeared messy.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      The ex-PSG star had a wooden box sitting on the passenger seat of his expensive vehicle.
      One fan posted: “It is so f*****g funny that Lionel Messi has a messy car.”
      Another commented: “Dude what’s he driving?”
      A third wrote: “Regardless of the sport, there aren’t many, if any, superstars that would be that chill about something like that. Let alone one of the best players to ever play the sport.”
      This fan said: “I love how happy they are,.”
      And that one stated: “Best king ever.” More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Kalvin Phillips ‘very favourable’ towards Barcelona loan but Premier League club leads transfer race for Man City ace

      by

      KALVIN PHILLIPS is “very favourable” towards a Barcelona loan but West Ham stands in the La Liga giant’s way for the midfielder.The Manchester City outcast has hinted that Barca are the frontrunners of the many clubs interested in signing him.
      Kalvin Phillips is ‘very favourable’ of a loan to BarcelonaCredit: Alamy
      Phillips is looking for a way out of the Etihad Stadium after a lack of game time since his move from Leeds United in 2022.
      While Barca battle for the 28-year-old’s signature the Blaugrana’s financial woe – which has been long known – could stand in the way of the transfer.
      Phillips is said to be aware of the club’s economic crisis and has delayed his decision on what club to move to as he “sees Barcelona option very favourably”, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
      The move can only be finalised if the Catalonian giants can secure the player on a free loan having only to pay for the transfer fees.
      READ MORE TRANSFER NEWS
      However, Moyes’ Hammers are ready to splurge the cash in January which could turn Phillips’ head away from La Liga.
      West Ham’s hefty offer for the defensive midfielder can expect to convince Man City to send the Englishman to East London.
      Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Juventus and Atletico Madrid are also reportedly interested in rivalling Xavi’s side.
      The only way for the midfielder to make a move to Camp Nou is for the club to complete the sale of 49 per cent of Barcelona Studios for £171million – £42million of which would be redirected to sign a new player.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      A move to the Spanish side would guarantee Phillips Champions League football and also a run for the La Liga title.
      Fans will now wait for the Man City forgotten man as he is likely to hold out on his decision on a move until the last few days of the January transfer window.
      The England international will need to leave Pep Guardiola’s side if he wants to rake up his game time in the second half of the term.
      Phillips will be fighting alongside the rest of the Three Lions squad for a spot on Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad this summer. More