La Liga

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City star Eric Garcia ‘willing to play for Barcelona for FREE to seal dream return to club this month’

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY centre-back Eric Garcia is tipped to rejoin Barcelona and play for NOTHING until the summer.
      Nou Camp presidential candidate Victor Font also believes City will accept just £2.65million for the four-cap Spain star, 20.

      Defender Eric Garcia is said to be desperate for a return to BarcelonaCredit: PA:Press Association

      Arsenal also fancy Garcia as Etihad chief Pep Guardiola continues to pick resurgent John Stones and £65m Ruben Dias ahead of him.
      But Garcia reportedly still favours returning to cash-strapped Barca, four years after leaving as a star academy product.
      TalkSPORT quote Font as saying: “Eric Garcia is ready to make an effort [to leave City this month] and not be paid this season
      “The movements we have made lead us to understand that the signing is possible now, the club can manage it financially.

      “Ronald Koeman and our sporting structure consider his signing fundamental to aspire to win titles this season. 
      “So we ask the managing committee to sign Eric this week.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      “Why not sign him? If he’s ready to not be paid this season… City will accept €3 million plus variables.

      “How do we motivate Koeman if the only request he’s made is denied?”
      Garcia is thought to have rejected an extension to his City contract, which expires in June.

      Eric Garcia looks back at his time at Man City More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      PSG slammed over Lionel Messi transfer pursuit as Barcelona presidential candidate threatens to go to Fifa

      by

      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN’s pursuit of Lionel Messi has been blasted as ‘disrespectful’ by Barcelona presidential hopeful Joan Laporta.
      The Ligue 1 club have been linked with a move for the Argentine when his contract expires in June.

      Lionel Messi is yet to sign a new contract at the Nou CampCredit: EPA

      Joan Laporta has slammed Paris Saint-Germain’s chase of Barcelona’s talismanCredit: EPA

      Manchester City and Inter Miami are also interested following Messi’s attempt to terminate his Barcelona deal last summer.
      But PSG sporting director Leonardo’s recent public comments on chasing the 33-year-old angered Laporta, who is competing to become Barcelona president in March’s elections.
      The Catalan threatened to take the matter to Fifa and criticised Les Parisiens’ links to the Qatari government.
      He told reporters: “[Barcelona] must be capable of making a good proposal that Messi is willing to accept, that depends on the club.

      “I would understand any answer [from Messi], but he needs to know what the proposal is. That requires urgency.
      “It is getting more difficult all the time to make a convincing proposal.
      “He’s free to negotiate with other clubs now and Barcelona are still without a president.
      “It is disrespectful to Barcelona that clubs like PSG publicly say they are going to sign Messi.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      “This coming from a club-state that have bypassed the rules. We cannot allow clubs and states the luxury of destabilising another club.
      “In that sense, we will have to speak with Uefa and Fifa to avoid such actions.
      “PSG must abstain from [talking about Messi]. It is out of place for another club to speak about him.
      “And, at the moment, there is no president in place to respond to this lack of respect.”
      Messi’s representatives, in a statement to Sport, were this week forced to deny claims that the striker was learning French in anticipation of moving to Paris.
      Canal+ had reported on the supposed language lessons as a sign that he was ready to snub the Blaugrana and Manchester City.

      We are seated at the large table of those clubs who are following the Messi matter closely.
      LeonardoPSG Sporting Director

      PSG are doing little to hide their desire for Messi, with Argentina team-mate Leandro Paredes talking up the chances of a bid.
      He told Corriere dello Sport: “It’s up to Leo to come to the club, because PSG are trying to convince him. I hope it happens.”
      Earlier this month, Leonardo had told France Football: “Great players like Messi will always be on PSG’s list.
      “But this is of course not the time to talk about it, or to dream about it.

      “But we are seated at the large table of those clubs who are following the matter closely.
      “In fact, no, we are not yet seated, but our chair is reserved just in case. Four months in football is an eternity, especially in this period.”
      The recent arrival of Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino at PSG has only ramped up the expectancy the French outfit will push hard to recruit Messi in the summer.
      Messi was in action on Wednesday night, scoring on his return from a two-game ban to help his team beat Rayo Vallecano in the Copa del Rey.

      Lionel Messi sent off for violent conduct as Barcelona and Ronaldo Koeman are denied first silverware against Athletic Bilbao More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Rayo Vallecano 1 Barcelona 2: Messi back from ban to spare Barca blushes in comeback win over second-tier opponents

      by

      LIONEL MESSI returned as Barcelona narrowly avoided becoming the latest big cupset of this year’s crazy Copa del Rey.
      After Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were knocked out by third-tier opposition, the cup appears to be Ronald Koeman’s best route to silverware.

      Lionel Messi returned as Barcelona beat Rayo VallecanoCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The talisman scored the leveller at Vallecas on Wednesday nightCredit: Reuters

      The Dutchman put out a strong team for the last-16 trip to Rayo Vallecano, featuring Antoine Griezmann, Frenkie de Jong and Messi.
      It was the forward’s first game since a first sending off of his club career, earning a two-game ban for lashing out at an opponent in the Supercopa de Espana defeat to Athletic Club.
      Despite dominating possession, the Catalans fell behind at Estadio de Vallecas on the hour mark.
      Fancy footwork from Alvaro Garcia led to Neto flapping at a cross and Real Madrid loanee Fran Garcia tapped home Rayo’s opener.

      Barcelona were faced with being the ELEVENTH LaLiga side dumped out by lower-tier opposition in this year’s Copa but rallied against their Segunda Division opponents.
      Frenkie de Jong played Griezmann through and the Frenchman crossed for Messi to tap home the leveller.

      Either side of his ban, the 33-year-old now has five goals in his last four games.
      A carbon copy of the equaliser put Barcelona ahead with ten minutes left on the clock.

      This time it was Jordi Alba breaking down the left from Messi’s pass and de Jong steadied himself to net the winner.
      Blaugrana boss Koeman praised his side’s response to a long, tough month ahead of Friday’s quarter-final draw.

      I think it has been a very tough month. The team has shown its mentality.
      Ronald Koeman

      He told reporters: “I think it has been a very tough month, with many away games and many trips.
      “It has been eight games. The team has shown its mentality to face this difficult month.
      “We deserved to win games. We got a lot of points.
      “Too bad about the Supercopa final. In LaLiga we have recovered our best level.”

      Messi’s best hope of silverware may come in the Copa del ReyCredit: Reuters

      Lionel Messi sent off for violent conduct as Barcelona and Ronaldo Koeman are denied first silverware against Athletic Bilbao More

    • 263 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd drop out of Deloitte Money League top three for first time since 2013 as 10 richest clubs are revealed

      by

      EUROPE’S biggest clubs are facing a whopping £2BILLION price for the Covid-19 pandemic.
      The analysis by football finance experts Deloitte lays bare the impact of the crisis on even the game’s elite giants.

      And one significant victim was Manchester United, who dropped out of the top three of Deloitte’s ‘money league’ for the first time since 2013.
      According to the Deloitte number crunchers, the immediate consequence of the virus outbreak was to knock £1.05bn off income for the leading 20 European clubs last year.
      But Deloitte expects 2021 will see a similar impact on TV revenues and with crowds not expected back in grounds until next season at the earliest – and even then likely to be limited – anticipates the total cost will exceed £2bn.
      Analyst Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said: “There is no doubt that this is one of the most testing times the football industry has ever had to endure.

      “While no football club has been immune to the challenges of Covid-19, and other clubs have suffered more in relative terms, those in the Money League have borne the greatest financial impact in absolute value terms.
      “In this year’s edition, the top 20 clubs generated an average of £363m per club, a decline of £49m compared to 2018-19.”
      Barcelona remain top of the money table despite income dropping £111.5m to £627.1m, less than £200,000 ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid.
      But United’s £119.1m fall, to £509m – a consequence of missing out on the Champions League – saw them drop below Bayern Munich into fourth place, although the Old Trafford club were still English football’s highest earner.

      CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700

      Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance

      Other Premier League sides in the top ten were Liverpool, whose £489.9m took them into the top five for the first time since 2001-02, with Manchester City sixth on £481.6m, Chelsea eighth on £411.9m and Spurs ninth with £390.9m.
      Yet the figures are unlikely to recover over the next 12 months as Jones added: “The safe return of fans to stadia in significant numbers is one of the highest priorities across global football.
      “Matchday operations are a cornerstone of a club’s business model and help drive other revenue-generating activity.
      “The final size of the financial impact of the pandemic on football will depend, in no small part, on the timing and scale of fans’ return.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Solskjaer believes he has fab four to fire Man Utd top again More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Martin Odegaard passes Arsenal medical with loan transfer from Real Madrid set to be announced today

      by

      MARTIN ODEGAARD has reportedly completed his medical at Arsenal and will be announced as a Gunner imminently.
      The Real Madrid playmaker, 22, successfully completed his examination ahead of his loan move to the Emirates.

      Martin Odegaard is understood to have passed his medical at ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      As reported by the Evening Standard, the Norwegian’s move is expected to be confirmed today.
      Arsenal are expected to pay around £1.8million in a loan fee and pick up his £38,000-a-week wages.
      That will place him 23rd in the squad for highest-paid players at Arsenal – below calamity goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson.
      But former Highbury hero Alan Smith is worried he may turn out to be another flop in the same way Denis Suarez was in 2019.

      The Spaniard arrived at the Emirates from Barcelona two years ago but made just six substitute appearances, failing to register any goals or assists before getting injured.
      Speaking about Odegaard, Smith told Stadium Astro: “He’s had his problems developing at Real Madrid and the last thing Arsenal want is to get somebody in who can’t offer anything.
      “You think back to Denis Suarez who came to the club and physically he just wasn’t ready and then he picked up injuries.
      “It was a bit of an embarrassment in the end, so hopefully they will do their homework on Odegaard.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      “He’s a young player that went to Real Madrid, and so much is expected of him, and as so often happens it doesn’t quite materialise like that.”
      Despite passing his medical already, Odegaard will not join in time to be registered to face Southampton tonight.
      The Gunners head back to St Mary’s three days after their FA Cup exit there.
      And Mikel Arteta will be without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang once again due to family reasons.
      Dani Ceballos and Pablo Mari are both out while left-back Kieran Tierney is a doubt because of a right calf strain.
      However, once Odegaard is available for selection, Mikel Arteta will be desperate he hits the ground running.
      The Spaniard is likely to use him in his favoured No10 role as he battles with in-form Emile Smith Rowe for a spot in the side.
      However, as he demonstrated last season, Odegaard is perfectly capable operating on the right and drifting in on to his left foot to spray passes and unlock defences.

      Martin Odegaard shows off his skills at Real Madrid training More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd drop out of Deloitte Money League top three for first time since 2013 as 10 richest clubs revealed

      by

      EUROPE’S biggest clubs are facing a £2BILLION price for the Covid-19 pandemic.
      The analysis by football finance experts Deloitte lays bare the impact of the crisis on even the game’s elite giants.

      And one significant victim was Manchester United, who dropped out of the top three of Deloitte’s ‘money league’ for the first time since 2013.
      According to the Deloitte number crunchers, the immediate consequence of the virus outbreak was to knock £1.05bn off income for the leading 20 European clubs last year.
      But Deloitte expects 2021 will see a similar impact on TV revenues and with crowds not expected back in grounds until next season at the earliest – and even then likely to be limited – anticipates the total cost will exceed £2bn.
      Analyst Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said: “There is no doubt that this is one of the most testing times the football industry has ever had to endure.

      “While no football club has been immune to the challenges of Covid-19, and other clubs have suffered more in relative terms, those in the Money League have borne the greatest financial impact in absolute value terms.
      “In this year’s edition, the top 20 clubs generated an average of £363m per club, a decline of £49m compared to 2018-19.”
      Barcelona remain top of the money table despite income dropping £111.5m to £627.1m, less than £200,000 ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid.
      But United’s £119.1m fall, to £509m – a consequence of missing out on the Champions League – saw them drop below Bayern Munich into fourth place, although the Old Trafford club were still English football’s highest earner.

      CASINO DEALS: BEST SIGN UP OFFERS TO CLAIM OVER £700

      Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance

      Other Premier League sides in the top ten were Liverpool, whose £489.9m took them into the top five for the first time since 2001-02, with Manchester City sixth on £481.6m, Chelsea eighth on £411.9m and Spurs ninth with £390.9m.
      Yet the figures are unlikely to recover over the next 12 months as Jones added: “The safe return of fans to stadia in significant numbers is one of the highest priorities across global football.
      “Matchday operations are a cornerstone of a club’s business model and help drive other revenue-generating activity.
      “The final size of the financial impact of the pandemic on football will depend, in no small part, on the timing and scale of fans’ return.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

      Solskjaer believes he has fab four to fire Man Utd top again More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona owe £112m in transfers to clubs with Liverpool top of list on £26m for Philippe Coutinho deal

      by

      BARCELONA’S financial troubles have been laid even further bare after it was revealed they still owe a whopping £112million in unpaid transfer fees.
      The struggling LaLiga giants released their annual financial report today.

      Liverpool are still owed nearly £26m by Barcelona for Philippe CoutinhoCredit: Getty

      And it showed they still owe nearly £26m to Premier League champions Liverpool as part of the £142m deal for the Brazilian three years ago.
      They handed over £105m up front to the Reds and agreed to pay the rest in instalments.
      While Liverpool have received the majority of this, the financial report released by the club shows the Reds are still waiting for a large chunk of this.
      Coutinho has been given the chance to stay and prove himself this season but after three goals and two assists from 14 appearances, he now finds himself sidelined for four months with a knee injury. 

      The fee still owed out for the South American is by far the largest on Barcelona’s long list.
      They also still have to pay Bordeaux £8.8m for Malcom.
      Brazilian side Gremio will be receiving a further £7m for Arthur Melo, who is now at Juventus.
      Ajax still need to receive an additional £14m from the Nou Camp outfit for Frenkie de Jong.

      FANCY A PUNT? TODAY’S BEST ODDS BOOSTS FROM THE UK’S LEADING BOOKIES

      Another interesting outstanding payment on the account was a fee of £4.44m to Atletico Madrid that is described as preferential rights.
      Back in October 2019 it was claimed the two clubs reached an agreement that Barca would pay Atleti around £14m in exchange for their silence over documents that revealed alleged misgivings over the deal for Antoine Griezmann that summer.
      It was also claimed the Catalans would have an advantage in the potential future signings of several stars at Los Rojiblancos.
      This could signify that there was truth behind these claims – although the ‘preferential rights’ have not been specified by Barca.
      Barcelona’s financial problems have spiralled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and their slide towards a period of austerity has been well-documented.

      According to Football Espana, Barca have asked the banks of Goldman Sachs, Allianz, Barings, Amundi and Prudential for dispensation for a delay on debt repayments so that the club can avoid insolvency
      They also reportedly have a negative working capital of £535m and a further £89m is owed out to lenders.
      Barca announced in October their debts had doubled as they published their financial results for the 2019/20 campaign.
      That led to Ronald Koeman attempting to offload a number of big earners from the books and sell to talent raise funds.
      Luis Suarez was the biggest casualty as he was forced out of the club.
      And they slashed around another £70m from the books after the sales of Nelson Semedo, Arthur, Ivan Rakitic and Marc Cucurella.

      Athletic Bilbao celebrate after shock win over Barcelona in Spanish Super Cup final More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      PSG ARE trying to sign Lionel Messi, confirms Leandro Paredes as he tells Barcelona star transfer is ‘up to him’

      by

      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN ARE trying to sign Lionel Messi, according to his Argentina team-mate Leandro Paredes.
      The PSG midfielder confirmed his club are pursuing the wantaway Barcelona star and Paredes said ‘it’s up to him’ if he joins.

      PSG ARE trying to sign Lionel Messi, according to Leandro Paredes (right)Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      PSG have been heavily linked with a move for Messi as new boss Mauricio Pochettino looks to stamp his mark on the squad.
      Messi’s Barca contract expires on June 30 this year and he is free to sign pre-contract agreements this month.
      With PSG ‘lurking like vultures’ the Catalans are said to be scared stiff Messi will leave.
      And that fear will have cranked up a notch after PSG midfielder Paredes’ comments.

      He told Corriere dello Sport: “It’s up to Leo to come to the club, because PSG are trying to convince him.
      “To be able to be coached by a coach from your country and the possibility of playing with Leo is a great opportunity. I hope it happens.”
      PSG have been planning the transfer in case Kylian Mbappe quits.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      How PSG could line up if they land their biggest targets

      Sporting director Leonardo admitted they will try to sign the Argentine superstar after he told cash-strapped Barca he wanted to quit last summer.
      PSG’s starting XI would be phenomenal with Messi, Mbappe and Neymar.
      But the French side will face competition from Manchester City who have made no secret of their desire to reunite Messi with former boss Pep Guardiola at the Etihad after failing to do so in the summer.

      Lionel Messi is being actively pursued by PSG

      Cristiano Ronaldo rejects £5.3million-a-year to be face of Saudi Arabian tourism with fears over human rights record More