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      Xavi ‘WON’T stay at Barcelona with club set for double U-turn after manager’s comments angered president Joan Laporta’

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      XAVI will leave Barcelona at the end of the season, according to reports.The manager was set to quit the club before making a shock U-turn last month by agreeing to stay.Xavi will leave Barcelona at the end of the seasonCredit: APXavi reportedly met with club president Joao Laporta in April and agreed a new deal, with his contract up in June.But reports in Spain claim a clash with Laporta over recent comments made by Xavi have led to another U-turn, which will see Xavi depart at the end of the season.According to Sport, Laporta took exception to Xavi bemoaning the fact his side would not be able to compete with Real Madrid next season due to their financial restraints.Following victory over Almeira on Thursday, Xavi said: “We will try to compete with Madrid, but I think the fans have to understand that the situation is very tough. First of all on a financial level.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We can no longer say: ‘We want this player, and this player’. We do not have the same conditions as the other clubs with a good financial situation.”The Barcelona fans have to understand that.”That doesn’t mean we can’t challenge, but that’s Barça’s situation at the moment. We need time and stability, but we will also try to compete.”Xavi first decided he wanted to quit the Nou Camp in January as he “reached the point of no return”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said following Barcelona’s 5-3 defeat to Villarreal: “I will leave Barcelona in June.”We have reached a point of no return. It’s time for change.Xavi announces he’s stepping down as Barcelona coach at the end of the season”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.”Barcelona will now be on the search for a new manager and could reportedly try and lure Mikel Arteta from Arsenal, with the Gunners boss revealing he would like to return to Spain. More

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      Liverpool ace Luis Diaz ‘is Barcelona’s top summer transfer target’ as winger ‘dreams’ of playing for Spanish giants

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      BARCELONA are lining up a move for Liverpool’s Luis Diaz this summer, a report claims.The winger has been key in Jurgen Klopp’s squad since his £50million arrival from Porto in 2022.Barcelona are reportedly lining up a move for Diaz this summerCredit: GettyDiaz, 27, has made 97 appearances for the Reds, scoring 24 goals and adding 13 assists.The 47-cap Colombian international has started in 31 of Liverpool’s 36 Premier League games this season.And according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are keen to sign a winger this summer, with Diaz their top target.Despite the club’s financial struggles, the report suggests that the Catalan giants remain determined to bolster their squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club’s pursuit of Diaz is a strategic move to strengthen their left wing.Diaz has emerged as their top choice, but they are also interested in Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo and Porto’s Pepe.Xavi’s side are convinced that Diaz’s style of play is ideal for their tactical set-up and are actively devising strategies to secure his services.For Diaz, a switch to Barcelona would fulfil a lifelong dream, which his father has echoed in the past.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe report adds Diaz’s chances of moving are boosted by Klopp leaving the club at the end of the season and to be replaced by expected successor Arne Slot.Diaz’s contract runs until 2027, yet an offer from Catalonia could influence his future at the club.Watch Gary Neville’s brilliant reaction to Aston Villa equaliser against Liverpool on live TV as fans beg ‘meme that’Barcelona have been trying to find ways to overcome their economic challenges, including the sale of future television rights revenues to private companies.According to the report, the club’s strategy for bolstering their squad this summer hinges on complying with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play regulations and salary caps, to allow them to spend more.The increase in spending capacity is to be supported by new sponsorship agreements with Nike and the selling of shares in Barca Studios – the club’s in-house production company.Barcelona are also set to sell some of their key stars to cover the cost of transfers this summer. More

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      Chelsea land £5MILLION bonus from Real Madrid due to little-known Hazard transfer clause – despite him RETIRING

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      CHELSEA will pocket £5million from Real Madrid due to a little-known clause in the deal to sign Eden Hazard despite the star RETIRING, according to reports. Hazard, 33, signed for the Spanish giants from the Blues in 2019 in a deal worth £130m.Chelsea will receive £5million after Real Madrid made the Champions League finalCredit: ReutersIt comes as part of the deal Madrid made to sign Eden Hazard in 2019Credit: GettyThe terms in the deal remain valid despite Hazard retiring in OctoberCredit: GettyThe deal saw Chelsea receive £88m up front, with various performance related clauses and add-ons included.The Belgian signed a five-year deal worth £20m a season with Los Blancos but struggled with injury throughout his time at the club.After playing just 54 LaLiga games for Madrid, Hazard saw his contract with the club terminated last summer.He then announced his retirement from football in October. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the terms of the deal between Chelsea and Madrid have remained valid, according to The Telegraph.And Carlo Ancelotti guiding Madrid to the Champions League final this season has seen another of these bonuses triggered. It means Chelsea, who recently sold their training ground and a hotel in intra-group deals to help them with Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, will gain a bonus £5m.Despite hanging up his pro boots, Hazard has shown he still has his incredible football ability.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFootage showed him skinning four players in training before impressing in a charity football match in Qatar.Hazard initially came through the ranks with Lille before joining Chelsea. Watch Eden Hazard ‘leave influencer for dead’ as ex-Chelsea star skins four players before scoring in charity matchAt Stamford Bridge he won two Premier League titles, two Europa League’s, the FA Cup and the League Cup while scoring 110 goals and adding 85 assists in 352 appearances. More

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      Forgotten Arsenal flop scores stunning free-kick to earn fallen Champions League giants promotion in Spanish THIRD TIER

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      ARSENAL flop Lucas Perez scored a stunning free-kick as he helped home town team Deportivo La Coruna return to the second tier of Spanish football.The former Arsenal striker, gave up around £500,000 from his own pocket in order to rejoin Depor in January last year.Lucas Perez scored a stunning free-kick for DeportivoCredit: https://twitter.com/eurofootcomThe incredible goal sealed Depor’s promotionCredit: https://twitter.com/eurofootcomSince reaching the Champions League semi-finals 20 years ago, Deportivo have fallen into the wilderness.This season marked the fourth since they slipped out of the Spanish second tier, let alone LaLiga.With the help of Perez, who has captained the team on occasion this term, Depor are now on their way back.They clinched the title by beating Barcelona Atletic, essentially Barca’s B team, 1-0 at a packed Riazor.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPerez fittingly bagged the winner, netting a stunning 57th minute free-kick.He has scored 12 league goals this season, in addition to 17 assists.Upon sealing promotion, the forward told Relevo: “I came to help. I am very happy to see A Coruna like this, very happy to return to professional football with Deportivo; it is joyous.”When you have the excitement of returning home you always imagine that beautiful things will happen. It’s amazing to see the atmosphere and make people happy.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”To the fans I can only say that thank you very much for everything you have given me and blessed me with.”I hope that we are very happy, that they bring us great satisfaction at Depor and that we can all enjoy them together.”Arsenal’s five season-defining momentsGetting a ticket for Deportivo games this season has been a challenge, such has been the demand.They have a club-record 28,500 season ticket holders, with their ground capacity standing at 32,490.Only Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Atletico Madrid have won LaLiga since Deportivo triumphed in 2000.Due to financial chaos behind the scenes, however, things eventually spiralled at Riazor.Perez began his career with Atletico Madrid, before moving to Rayo Vallecano in a bid for first team opportunities.He then moved to Ukrainian side Karpaty Lviv before earning a move to Greek team PAOK in 2013.When you have the excitement of returning home you always imagine that beautiful things will happen.Lucas PerezDuring his second year there he moved on loan to Deportivo, for the first of four stints at the club.Perez moved to Riazor permanently in 2015, and a year later earned a £17million move to Arsenal.After failing to establish himself at the Emirates he again returned to Deportivo on loan in 2017, only to sign for West Ham in 2018.Following a low-key season in East London he signed for Alaves, ahead of further moves to Elche and Cadiz.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt was the latter he left 18 months ago in order to drop down two tiers to sign for Deportivo.But it now remains to be seen whether he will stay for a crack at the second tier, as his contract is set to expire.Perez, now 35, signed for Arsenal in the summer of 2016Credit: GettyPerez has had four stints with Deportivo La CorunaCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Former Barcelona star accused of sending his twin brother to play in his place as he’s ‘caught out’ for bizarre reason

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      FORMER Barcelona starlet Edgar Ie has been accused of sending his twin brother to play for Dinamo Bucharest in his place.Ie, 30, made one first team appearance for Barca under Luis Enrique.Edgar Ie was previously on the books at BarcelonaCredit: GettyIe, 30, joined Dinamo Bucharest in FebruaryCredit: GettyAfter leaving Turkish side Basaksehir in January, the Guinea-Bissau international signed for Romanian side Dinamo Bucharest the following month.Ie has so far played five times for Dinamo.But according to Romanian journalist Emmanuel Rosu, figures within the club believe that Ie has sent his twin brother Edelino to play instead.Having started at Barcelona, Edgar Ie has also played for the likes of Villarreal, Lille, Nantes, Trabzonspor and Feyenoord.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEdelino, meanwhile, has spent much of his career in the Portuguese lower leagues.While his last known club was Tluchowia Tluchow in Poland.Rosu adds that suspicions have been raised due to a language-barrier with their player.They reportedly believe Edgar Ie to be fluent in English, but have found that they cannot communicate in the language with their player.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe report also alleges that their player has refused to show them his driving license.Dinamo have collected eight points in the five matches in which he has played.Ilkay Gundogan points blame at two Barcelona team-mates on live TV after nightmare Champions League exit to PSGAccording to Spanish outlet Marca, they could lose those points if it is proved that it is not Edgar Ie that has been playing for them.Although a figure within the Romanian Football Federation has told local outlet iAMsport: “There is no planned scenario for this situation.”If the player who played is not the real one, there could be sanctions. Legally, a DNA test can decide everything.”Of course, Dinamo never intended to use the twin brother instead of the correct one.”I think that, if the DNA result confirms that it is his twin brother, they should consider a defence, considering that they did not know about this.”The possibility will have to be considered, but if Dinamo was deceived and manages to prove it, then the risk of losing points does not exist.”Edgar Ie joined Barcelona in 2012 from Sporting Lisbon, where he had been in the academy with his twin brother Edelino.He went on to play once for Barca’s first team, replacing Jeremy Mathieu and featuring alongside the likes of Andres Iniesta in a 4-0 Copa del Rey win over Huesca in 2014.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis last appearance in a matchday squad for former club Basaksehir came on December 23, when he was an unused substitute for a match against Trabzonspor.He was called up by Guinea Bissau for the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year and made one appearance in the group stage, playing the full 90 minutes as they lost 1-0 to Nigeria on January 22.Ie battles with Edinson Cavani during his Lille daysCredit: AFP or licensors More

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      Forgotten five-time Champions League winner, 32, wins 19th MOTM award in just 28 games after stunning career revival

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      A REAL MADRID legend is continuing to enjoy an incredible career resurgence.Step forward forgotten five-time Champions League winner Isco.A career resurgence has seen one icon earn 19 man of the match awards from 28 appearances this termCredit: RexThis winger was unemployed for nearly six months before signing for Real Betis last summerCredit: GettyThis 32-year-old winger has been capped 38 times by Spain and has a host of medals in his collection.However, last year he spent five months unemployed after a transfer move turned into a nightmare.But now he is back to his best and is hoping to reward Real Betis for giving him another chance by securing them a top six finish in LaLiga.Isco started out at Valencia but his breakthrough came at Malaga following a switch there in 2011.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt was his impressive displays over the next two years there that eventually earned him a dream move to Real Madrid.He went on to spend nine years at the Bernabeu and lifted Europe’s biggest prize five times as well as LaLiga on three occasions.The ace played over 250 times for Los Blancos and scored 37 goals as well as winning four Fifa Club World Cups, three Uefa Super Cups, a trio of Spanish Super Cups and a Copa del Rey.But, after making just 14 LaLiga appearances in his final season, Isco was released when his contract expired in June 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNaturally, there were a host of teams chasing Isco’s signature from across the continent which allowed him to have his pick of clubs.It was eventually Sevilla that won the race for his signature in a move that saw him link up with former Spain and Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui – but it soon emerged that transfer chief Monchi was not as much of a fan of the player.Isco scores a brilliant goal in Real Madrid training Just four months and 19 appearances later, Isco was heading for the exit door.Monchi publicly claimed that the attacking midfielder wanted to leave, only for the player himself to deny this in an explosive interview where he revealed that he and the chief, who now works for Aston Villa, even came to physical blows.Isco was unemployed for nearly six months after a transfer to Union Berlin collapsed during the January 2023 window.The player was linked with a move to the Premier League as both Arsenal and Tottenham were keen but he penned a contract with Sevilla’s bitter rivals Real Betis instead last summer – and he has returned to top form since.Isco has scored eight goals and provided five assists so far in his 28 top-flight appearances so far for Betis.But even more impressive that those stats is the amount of man of the match awards he has received.Isco, who got on the scoresheet, was picked as the star performer in Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Almeria.Amazingly, that was his 19th man of the match award from his 28 matches this term.We revealed previously that Isco’s contract was initially valid until June 2025, but it has now been extended until 2026 after he triggered the additional 12 months by making 25 appearances.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, that deal also includes a release clause for just a bargain £8.6m.That could lead to a host of top teams queuing up again to try and snap him up for that reduced fee thanks to his rich vein of form.Isco won the Champions League five-times in nine years at Real MadridCredit: Getty More

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      Real Madrid ‘start work on NEXT Galactico transfer after Mbappe – but give Premier League clubs a year’s head start’

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      REAL MADRID have already started working on a massive transfer deal for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.But Real aren’t planning to sign Wirtz, 21, before the summer of 2025 and have thus given the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool a year’s head start.Real Madrid are planning to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz in 2025Credit: GettyReal Madrid target Wirtz as their next Galactico after Kylian MbappeCredit: AFPMan Utd, Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool also target Leverkusen star WirtzMbappe, 25, finally confirmed he is leaving Paris Saint-Germain in June after months of reports insisting the star forward has no plans to extend his seven-year stint at Parc des Princes.The star forward looks set to join Los Blancos as a free agent on a lucrative contract.And Real are already preparing the ground for their next Galactico signing with Wirtz posing as their favourite marquee signing for the 2025-26 season.According to Marca, the Spanish champions have begun work on acquiring the playmaker at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.Read More on FootballThat means United, City, Chelsea and Liverpool, who see him as Mohamed Salah’s replacement, will have to work fast this summer or next January.This promises to be quite an intense bidding war with Bayern Munich also interested.The Germany international has set the world alight this season by starring for Xabi Alonso’ undefeated Leverkusen side.The German champions are targeting an unprecedented Treble triumph while enjoying a record 49-game unbeaten run across all competitions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Wirtz has stood out with a staggering total of 18 goals and 19 assists in 46 appearances.Real are famous for beating their competition in landing some of the world’s top young talent.England star Jude Bellingham speak in fluent spanish as Real Madrid parade LaLiga trophy leaving fans so ‘proud’Madrid proved it with the signings of Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick. More

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      Premier League title winner, 41, set to be unemployed after release from Spanish giants – but still won’t retire

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      CLAUDIO BRAVO is set to leave Real Betis as a free agent in the summer at the age of 41.However, Bravo doesn’t appear prepared to retire any time soon despite his advanced age.Claudio Bravo is leaving Real Betis but isn’t planning to retire despite his advanced age of 41Bravo spent four years with Manchester City before joining BetisCredit: AlamyAccording to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the goalkeeper will be released on June 30 when his contract runs out at Betis.The ex-Manchester City ace is now ready for a “new chapter” and isn’t planning to return to his native Chile.The ex-Chile international’s career kicked off in 2002 with Colo-Colo where he rose through the ranks as a youth star.Bravo spent four years at the esteemed club before getting his big break at Real Sociedad.Read More on FootballThe keeper made a name for himself in Spain with a whopping 237 appearances at Sociedad.That led to a big move at Barcelona in 2014 after a stunning display in that summer’s World Cup where Chile made it to the Last 16.Bravo amassed 43 clean sheets in 75 appearances during his two-year stint at Barca.Then Pep Guardiola came calling and brought the shot-stopper to City in 2016.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Chilean spent four years with the Citizens but only played 61 times for the Premier League giants due to a raft of injuries.However, he still won the 2018 Premier League title as well as two FA Cup trophies.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersBravo left Guardiola’s side in 2020 and spent the last four years with Betis where he thrived despite his advanced age.He is set to leave the Seville outfit with a total of 74 appearances under his belt. More