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      Barcelona president Bartomeu faces emergency vote of no confidence after fuming fans turn on club

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      BARCELONA president Josep Maria Bartomeu faces a vote of no confidence after more than 16,000 fans signed a motion against him.
      Presidential elections at Barcelona are due in March, and although Bartomeu is unable to stand for another term, a group of supporters are hoping to remove him and his board from power before then.

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      Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu faces a vote of no confidence

      Fan movement Mes Que una Mocio presented 20,731 signatures from Barca members last Friday and after a review, the necessary 16,521 ballots have been verified to force a referendum.
      This means a vote to overthrow Bartomeu will take place in around three weeks’ time, unless he and his board resign before then.
      However, organising a vote of no confidence which requires 40,000 Barcelona members to physically vote could prove difficult amidst a global pandemic.
      In the meantime, Bartomeu must now appoint an interim candidate to take control of the club, likely to be one of his allies on the board.

      In many clubs in Spain, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, fans can pay for the right to be a member or ‘socio’ of the club, which gives them voting rights in presidential and board elections.
      Barcelona’s 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League was the final straw for many Cules.
      The club’s precarious financial position – yesterday they announced debts of £443million – was also a motivation for the movement.
      Lionel Messi also cited Bartomeu as one of the reasons why he wanted to leave Barcelona this summer.

      Some fans even attempted to confront Bartomeu at the Camp Nou offices to protest Messi’s potential exit and force his resignation.
      This is only the fourth time Barcelona fans have attempted to unseat a president, although three of those have been in the last 12 years.
      Candidates for the March elections Victor Font, Lluis Fernandez, Jordi Farre and former president Joan Laporta have reportedly signed the petition as well.
      The move was taken to prevent the current board making further decisions before March’s elections which could harm the club on and off the pitch.
      When calling for the vote, the Mes Que una Mocio website explained: “The vote of no confidence is intended to remove the worst administration in the history of the club.”

      Ousmane Dembele ‘agrees to join Man Utd as Red Devils thrashes out personal terms and transfer agreement with Barcelona’ More

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      Antoine Griezmann ‘unhappy’ at Barcelona with Koeman playing him out of position, claims France boss Deschamps

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      FRANCE boss Didier Deschamps has revealed that Antoine Griezmann is unhappy with his new role at Barcelona under Ronald Koeman.
      The 29-year-old has started all three LaLiga games on the right wing, where he has failed to chip in with a single goal or assist.

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      Antoine Griezmann has been deployed out wide this season under Ronald KoemanCredit: Reuters

      His favourite position behind the striker has been taken by Philippe Coutinho, with Koeman opting for Lionel Messi to lead the line.
      Deschamps said: “I’m talking to him and I’ll see him later. I am sure he is not happy with this situation.
      “I don’t interfere with the use of my players in other clubs, be at Barca or anyone else.
      “Antoine is playing on the right there at the moment.

      “It’s true that Koeman said, and told him, that he did not understand that he was used to playing in a more central position.
      “But Antoine must also adapt today.

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      “For me, he is still more effective when he is in the heart of the game, when he is able to touch the ball a lot.
      “In that position, he has the possibility to come and help in the midfield too.

      “He doesn’t have the ability to take the ball and beat opponents on the wing like others. He needs to touch the ball a lot and he is smart in his movement.”

      Ironically, before he became boss at the Nou Camp, Koeman hit out at previous Barca gaffer Quique Setien for not starting Griezmann in the No10 role.
      He told Dutch outlet NOS: “With all my respect, Griezmann must play in his position. It is not an extreme. It is not. You have to play in your role.
      “This is where the most important part of a coach comes in, knowing your players well and getting the most out of them.”

      Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez reunited for first time since striker’s Barcelona axe as they arrive at airport together More

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      How Barcelona line-up with new-look XI after Luis Suarez sale as Braithwaite is given iconic striker’s old No9 shirt

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      LUIS SUAREZ’S iconic No9 Barcelona shirt has been handed down to Martin Braithwaite.
      The striker, 33, signed for Atletico Madrid last month after being ditched by the Spanish side.

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      Here’s how the Spanish giants are likely to start during the 2020-21 campaign

      Ronald Koeman made it clear to the Uruguayan that he did not feature in his plans.
      Suarez scored 198 goals in 283 games for Barcelona and guided them to four league titles after he joined them in 2014.
      But it has now been revealed that the club have handed his No9 shirt to ex-Middlesbrough man Braithwaite.

      Barcelona’s No9 jersey has previously been worn by the likes of Romario, Ronaldo, Samuel Eto’o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
      But the shirt number alone will not be enough to help Braithwaite break into the starting XI this season.
      Six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi looks set to lead the line on his own this term – which is a far cry from the halcyon days of Barca’s MSN trio (Messi, Suarez, Neymar).
      The Argentine ace slated his own club for ‘kicking’ Suarez out last month.

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      Luis Suarez is now playing for Atletico MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Here’s how Ronald Koeman could fit Martin Braithwaite into his team
      Messi and his former team-mate reunited for the first time this week since Suarez’s move away.
      The Argentinian superstar is likely to start in front of Antoine Griezmann, Philippe Coutinho and Ansu Fati.
      Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong will sit in the hole behind them.
      At the back, it could be Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Jordi Albi.
      Marc-Andre ter Stegen is expected to resume his position between the sticks.
      But Neto has been called up for the time being while the No1 recovers from surgery.
      Without Suarez, Barcelona have won two of their first three games in La Liga.
      However, the ex-Liverpool star showed Koeman what he was missing as he got off to an impressive start with Atletico.

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      Martin Braithwaite will wear the club’s No9 jersey this seasonCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS

      Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez reunited for first time since striker’s Barcelona axe as they arrive at airport together More

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      Barcelona announce losses of £88m and £443m debt despite slashing wages as effects of coronavirus crisis is laid bare

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      BARCELONA have announced after-tax losses of £88million due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
      Figures for the 2019-20 season show Barcelona closed the year with a revenue of £777m, down £122.5m from last year, well below their record-breaking £909m (€1billion) forecast.

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      Barcelona have felt the full economic impact of the coronavirus

      Despite slashing player wages by 70 per cent during the pandemic, the club also disclosed debts of £443million after feeling the full economic impact of coronavirus.
      Barcelona’s financial report points out £99million has been invested in the Espai Barca project to redevelop the Camp Nou, so the club’s adjusted debt would be £344million.
      The report also explains the figures released do not include revenue from competitions which carried on beyond June 30 – the end date of the 2019-20 financial year – such as La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
      Barca also missed out on gate receipts with matches being played behind closed doors, while a lack of tourists due to travel restrictions meant other sources of income such as the Camp Nou stadium tour and megastore saw major losses.

      In March, Barcelona’s players agreed to a 70 per cent pay cut – and donated an additional two per cent – so the club’s non-sporting staff could be paid their own salaries in full.
      President Josep Maria Bartomeu is also thought to have approached the players in May to discuss a further pay cut, which did not go down well.
      Before March’s reduction, Barcelona’s first team wage bill stood at £355m per year, thought to be the highest in world football.
      The club maintains that if not for the economic effects of the pandemic, they would have been on course to reach their £909m estimate for the year, which would have seen them post a £1.8m profit.

      In a desperate attempt to balance the books this summer, Barcelona made almost all of their players available for sale in the transfer market.
      Lionel Messi was one of the exceptions although even he seemed close to leaving the club – and offloading his £500,000-a-week wages would certainly have helped their financial position.
      Barca did manage a mini-clear out of some of the club’s highest earners with Ivan Rakitic (£150,000-a-week), Arturo Vidal (£165,000-week), Nelson Semedo (£75,000-a-week) and Luis Suarez (£290,000-a-week) all departing.
      Additionally, Arthur was sold to Juventus and Miralem Pjanic brought in to help both clubs avoid Financial Fair Play sanctions.
      The financial report revealed the Catalan giants had spent £1.5billion on transfers over the past ten seasons, recouping £858m for a net spend of £671m in the last decade.
      The accounts have been published ahead of the club’s Original General Assembly on October 25.

      Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez reunited for first time since striker’s Barcelona axe as they arrive at airport together More

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      Ousmane Dembele blew Barcelona’s chances of landing Memphis Depay by refusing to join Man Utd on loan transfer

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      OUSMANE DEMBELE’s refusal to leave Barcelona ‘closed the door’ on the signing of Memphis Depay, according to reports.
      Manchester United came close to signing Dembele on loan on deadline day but the Frenchman turned his back on the deal after Barca said they would only sanction the move if he signed a one-year contract extension at the club.

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      Ousmane Dembele decided against a move to Old Trafford

      Mundo Deportivo reports Dembele’s departure would have freed up funds for a move for Lyon forward Depay but his decision to stay denied the ex-Man United man a dream move to the Camp Nou.
      Depay, 26, agreed personal terms with Barcelona weeks ago, and the Catalan giants had reportedly agreed a transfer fee with Lyon of £22million plus add-ons.
      Ex-Netherlands manager and new Barca boss Ronald Koeman had been keen to reunite with the player after working with him at international level.
      Whether Dembele has a future at Barcelona under Koeman is still uncertain.

      The 23-year-old did not train with the side yesterday, leaving Barca’s training ground soon after arrival amidst rumours of a move to the Premier League.

      Koeman confirmed last week Ansu Fati was currently ahead of Dembele in the pecking order, while new signings Francisco Trincao and Pedri have been preferred from the bench in Barca’s last two games.
      Dembele made just nine appearances for Barcelona last season and has struggled with injuries throughout his time in Spain.
      After warming to the idea of a move to Man United, perhaps thanks to some convincing from Paul Pogba, the 23-year-old was not happy with Barcelona changing the terms of the deal.

      Cash-strapped Barcelona were initially only willing to listen to permanent offers for Dembele or a loan with an obligation to buy.
      But after Man United offered to pay a substantial loan fee, as well as cover Dembele’s large salary, Barca began to change their stance.

      However, the La Liga side wanted Dembele to extend his contract with the club until 2023, which the ex-Borussia Dortmund winger did not accept.
      With Dembele’s current deal running out in 2022, Barca hoped a renewal would give them the upper hand in any transfer negotiations over the player next summer.
      Barca did manage to sell Rafinha Alcantara to PSG before the close of the window but it was too late to secure the signing of Depay.

      Ousmane Dembele ‘agrees to join Man Utd as Red Devils thrashes out personal terms and transfer agreement with Barcelona’ More

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      Arsenal sign Thomas Partey in last-gasp transfer as Arteta pays £45m Atletico release clause after missing out on Aouar

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      ARSENAL have completed a dramatic deadline day deal to sign Thomas Partey for £45million.
      A combative midfielder, such as Partey or Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, has been high on Mikel Arteta’s wish list throughout the transfer window.

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      Thomas Partey becomes Arsenal’s seventh major signing of the autumn windowCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But the Gunners’ chances of sealing a deal appeared remote after Aouar committed to his current club for another season.
      Serious talk of Ghana international Partey finally arriving then broke on Monday afternoon, with the player reportedly remaining in Spain to complete a quickfire deal.
      Arsenal have paid Atletico Madrid his £45million release clause, significantly shortening the time required for negotiations.
      Wth the deal signed, new No18 Partey is expected to fly to Turkey to join his Ghana national team squad.
      Atletico confirmed the deal after his transfer fee was received.
      The Spanish club stated that the paperwork was completed at 10.28pm UK time, just over half an hour before the deadline.
      Mikel Arteta told the Arsenal website that he was thrilled to seal the transfer after months of monitoring the player.

      He said: “We have been watching Thomas for a while, so we’re now delighted to add such a high quality player to our squad.
      “He is a dynamic midfielder with great energy. He brings a lot of experience from a top club that has competed at the highest level in La Liga and the Champions League for several years.

      With his all-round game and positive aggressive style, he will be a brilliant addition to our squad.
      EduArsenal Technical Director

      “We’re very impressed with his attitude and his approach to the game. He’s an intelligent footballer and we’re looking forward to him integrating into our system and contributing to the progress we’re building at the moment at the club.”
      Technical director Edu added: “Thomas has all the right attributes to be a top player for Arsenal.
      “He is a leader on and off the pitch and he is exactly the kind of player and person we want at the club. We already feel like we know Thomas very well based on the work we have done analysing his performances closely in recent times.
      “With his all-round game and positive aggressive style, he will be a brilliant addition to our squad. We’ve made a strong start to the season and we want to continue to build on this with Thomas now part of our club.”
      The deal comes just after the club were finally able to shift Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi off their loan bill.
      Torreira heads in the opposite direction, joining Atletico Madrid on a season-long loan.

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      Partey showed his excitement for the move on Instagram

      Arsenal confirmed in a statement: “Everyone at Arsenal wishes Lucas well during his time with Atletico Madrid this season.”
      French midfielder Guendouzi, an outcast after falling out with Arteta, has left for Hertha Berlin on a loan deal of his own.
      Dani Ceballos, Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares have all stayed on at Emirates Stadium after signing last year, with Willian, Gabriel Magalhaes and Runar Alex Runarsson all joining in a busy window.

      Thomas Partey talks about his long journey to join Atletico Madrid More