Barcelona B midfielder Alex Collado is reportedly wanted by Real Sociedad and could depart in the summer.
According to Mundo Deportivo, La Real have been keen on Collado since last summer when they asked about his availability.
The Basque side could renew their interest in the 21-year-old, while Villarreal and Celta Vigo are also said to be interested.
Collado would prefer a move to Real Sociedad and could leave on loan or even on a permanent deal with a buyback option.
The youngster has appeared on the fringes of the first team squad this season, although Riqui Puig’s emergence could make it difficult for him to get game time in 2020-21.
Collado’s current Barca contract runs until summer of 2021 but does include the option for two more seasons.
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Francisco Trincao has given an interview to Barcelona and spoken about how he’s looking forward to his move to the Camp Nou.
The 20-year-old will arrive for €31 million and hopes are high he can make an impact after an eye-catching 2020 with Braga.
Trincao explained he was “speechless” when he first signed for Barcelona and has also spoken about what fans can expect and what he’s hoping to achieve at the Camp Nou.
“I’m always pushing myself, watching the games, seeing what I did well, what I’ve done wrong. I think I’m my own reference.
“I think I can bring my quality to the team. I’m really strong mentally, I’m always looking to score goals and provide assists and to help the team. I prefer to play on the right side but I’m going to do what the coach tells me to do. I’m going to help the team as a forward whether it be on the right side or left side.
“My objectives are playing the maximum amout of games, helping the team, conquering everything, and winning all of the titles.”
There have been a few rumors about Barca’s plans for Trincao, but it looks currently as though he will be part of the first-team squad next season and given the chance to impress.
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The phenom is set for a new deal
If there’s one bit of really good news in this depressing Barcelona season, it’s Ansu Fati. The youngster was given a chance by Ernesto Valverde and became an instant star, scoring goals and providing fans with so much hope for the future. And the club is about to make sure the youngster is staying for a long time.
According to a report from Diario Sport, Ansu Fati is set to sign a new deal until 2024 that will officially promote him to the first team, significantly improve his salary, give him a new shirt number and increase his buyout clause to a whopping 300 million euros. There have been no issues in negotiations between the club and the player’s representatives, and Ansu has made it clear he wants to stay.
Signing Ansu Fati to a new deal is hugely important as a player of his talent attracts loads of interest and Manchester United had already been heavily linked with a move for the 17-year-old this summer. There’s no need to worry anymore. Ansu is staying, he’s getting paid, and he’ll be a superstar in Blaugrana colors.
Finally some good news.
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Arsenal seem to be emerging as the favorites to land Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona this summer, although there are conflicting reports about how the deal could be structured.
The Independent report on Friday that Arsenal fancy Coutinho on a permanent deal for £9m plus Matteo Guendouzi who the Gunners are desperate to get rid of.
Over at the Evening Standard there’s a different report. They claim Barca aren’t interested in Guendouzi but would accept a loan fee of €10m and would be willing to pay half his wages.
Barca had wanted to sell Coutinho this summer for around €80m but there seems no chance of that given the current financial climate.
A loan deal still looks the most likely option but Coutinho’s enormous wages could still prove problematic for clubs.
Coutinho’s agent Kia Joorabchian spoke again about his future this week. He admitted the Brazilian “loves” the Premier League but also added “he is also not against staying at Barcelona.”
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No player quite divides opinion like Ousmane Dembélé. Some culés think the world of him, and are willing to wait out his fitness woes. Others feel as if he’s blown his chance; it’s one injury too many. The reasoned consensus probably lies somewhere in between. It isn’t exactly lights out for Dembélé’s Blaugrana career, yet. That point is not too far away, however.
Ousmane’s profile is clearly needed at the club. However, it becomes a matter of loss aversion for Barça, soon. How long before it becomes nonsensical for the club? As it stands, Dembélé is still young enough and proficient enough in his position. Moreover, Dembélé’s profile is needed badly. The club is stuck in a constant cycle of central play, and wide options are lacking. With a fit Dembélé, Barça could successfully implement wide overloads, and create space for Lionel Messi on the far side. With a fit Dembélé, Barça could afford to allow their full-backs some respite, and their defence wouldn’t be as stretched. Moreover, they could progress the ball vertically, instead of always looking for the horizontal option.
That is not to say that Dembélé doesn’t have problems. His occupation of space is suspect, at times, and he is often aloof to the run of play. Moreover, he is often wasteful in possession and seems to hold on to the ball too long. This is coupled with a general disregard for the movement of fellow team--mates, which ultimately results in ineffectual play. However, as mentioned earlier, the importance of his profile cannot be understated. With the breakout of Ansu Fati, Barça have a striker/inside forward, but still lack a versatile two-footed winger, which is exactly what Dembélé is. No one can actively occupy wide territory like him.
As a culé, one can only hope that Dembélé doesn’t end up as a “what could have been” player, one that is confined to a select few highlights and performances. He oozes talent, and had it not been for injuries, he could be staring at a very different career trajectory.
However, as a wise man (wink) once said, “it is what it is”.
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This week on the Barca Blaugranes podcast, I interview Emile Avanessian. Emile writes for Hardwood Hype and does some great work, be sure to check him out over there. On today’s episode we chat about Barcelona’s future. We talk about Setien’s chances of remaining at the club and if he’s done a good job or not. Then we chat about Lionel Messi’s future at the club and if he hamstrings the club’s overall ability to build a future.
The teenager offered optimism during a tough campaign
Everybody loves Ansu.
The history-making 17-year-old phenom has captured the attention of the world and has the Barca faithful wondering if the club has found its next big superstar.
Born in Guinea-Bissau, Anssumane Fati moved to Sevilla at the age of six to begin training. By the age of ten, he was playing at the legendary La Masia academy.
In 2019, he surprised the world by earning his first professional contract at the age of 16. A few months later he made his debut at the Camp Nou with the first team, becoming the second youngest player in club history.
The next game Ansu introduced himself to the world in Pamplona, rising through the air to head home a critical equalizing goal. He would go on to score eight goals in a sensational first season.
Let’s honor the historic campaign by revisiting the goals and see what they can tell us about his development at the club.
The Blaugrana were trailing by a goal when Ansu came on as a substitute. An in-swinging cross came in from the right side and met Ansu in the middle of the box where he rose up between two defenders flicking the ball into the sidenetting with his head.
It was an exciting moment because of the history, but it was also a sign of things to come. Although this was the only goal scored with his head, we would soon see again his ability to find space making runs through and behind defenders, and a killer scoring instinct that prioritizes accuracy over power.
This was the Ansu and Frenkie connection game with each one scoring a goal on the assist from the other.
In the first you’ll see something that Ansu does often. Like the last goal, he times his run to perfection as the team builds the attack from the wing. He finds the pocket of space in a crowded area and strikes it perfectly first time.
The second goal that Frenkie scores highlights something I’d love to see more of from Ansu. He takes the defender 1 v 1 from the corner of the box to the end line and whips in a perfect cross on the ground with his left foot. Frenkie’s never going to have an easier goal.
Ansu has shown he’s adept at operating in tight spaces. Moments like this make me wonder if he’ll start taking on defenders in the open field as well.
Barcelona at Inter Milan (2-1) December 10, 2019
This was a record-breaking goal making Ansu the youngest player to score in a Champions League game.
It also fits with the pattern that his shots on goal are laser focused and rarely wasted. Once again operating in his comfort zone of tight spaces Fati combines with Luis Suarez on the give and go just outside the box and finds the inside of the post for the goal. This one was a game winner.
This goal encapsulated two important take-aways from the season. First, Messi recorded two assists showing his desire to get teammates involved. Second, the recipient of the assists was young Ansu, and he put them away like a pro. This is how you earn Messi’s trust.
On the first one Messi played a masterful through ball as Ansu ran behind a defender, and fought him off on the breakaway with a cool finish. The second goal showed again Ansu’s maturity as a player. He holds his run inside the box perfectly, buying time for Messi to make a move and find him peeling out and wide open. From there Ansu squares up the defender, takes it on his left and finishes strong.
Barcelona vs Leganes (2-0) June 16, 2020
This moment solidified for me that Ansu was born to score goals. Reminiscent of Luis Suarez, Ansu receives the ball surrounded by six defenders and on two touches strikes the ball straight through with the laces.
Like Suarez has done many times, Ansu stayed ready and was quick to react when the opportunity to score presented itself. Also like Suarez, he took it from whatever angle was given. In front of goal Ansu understands that the only thing that matters is to find a way to reach the back of the net.
Ansu pulled out a bag of tricks on this one. He takes the experienced Raul Albiol one on one from the left side. Defenders know in this situation that a right-footed attacker wants to shoot as he cuts across the box. But Ansu keeps his eyes on the players across the field convincing Albiol that he’s going to pass. As the defender commits to the right side Ansu rips a no-look shot to the inside of the front post. Goalkeeper and defender are left frozen.
Barcelona vs Alaves (5-0) July 19, 2020
The goal is scored at minute 1:30, and it was a combination of elements we’ve already seen from Ansu.
First he times his run, lurking at the ege of the box, as Messi takes on a defender. Second, he shows a burst of speed and commitment. Finally, he takes the ball as it comes and without hesitation finishes it off with one touch. In this case there was the added challenge of a deflection forcing him to take it on the volley.
Similar to the goal against Valencia, Ansu beats the goalie at the near post. This one was a cherry on top of an excellent debut season for the young Fati who looks like he’s been playing at the top level for years.
Looking ahead to Fati’s future with the Blaugrana
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Ansu Fati gave Barcelona hope during a season where it was desperately needed.
Much has been said about the team struggling because of the lack of youth. Along with Riqui Puig, Ansu showed that there are players coming through the ranks of La Masia who are eager to contribute and willing to earn the opportunity.
One of his greatest strengths was his efficiency in putting away goals. Opportunities are not to be wasted and Ansu showed maturity in his high level of concentration.
In addition to that he showed he is a true team player, never looking desperate, and prioritizing possession over risky decision making.
This is also an area of growth for him. He plays the same position as Dembele and Neymar. In order to lock down this position in the long term it will be imperative that he allow himself to be selfish and take chances the way they do.
Of course this is also a job for the manager, be it Quique Setien or someone new. Ansu Fati has tremendous potential, but he is young and will need a proper coach who can maximize his talents.
For now Ansu Fati has won the affection of Barca fans around the world, and that should provide all the fuel he needs to keep electrifying the faithful at the Camp Nou.
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According to Nike the kit is ”is inspired by the electric atmosphere of Barcelona by night. When the sun goes down, the avenues of the Catalan capital come alive, bringing energy and light to the darkened city blocks.”
The kit is completed with black shorts, with the club badge in gold. The socks are also black but have Barca and the club badge in gold.
Here’s what Gerard Pique thinks about it:
“Black and gold go really well together and the kit looks really sharp. It has been a few years since we have had black, so it’s a nice change to have it back.”
The shirt is made from recycled polyster from plastic bottles and is available to buy from today.
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According to Diario AS, the Frenchman did not feel good after the last couple of training sessions
Ousmane Dembélé is back on the pitch after missing over seven months recovering from hamstring surgery, and there might be a chance that the Barcelona forward will be available to play in the Champions League return, next Saturday against Napoli.
Dembélé went through a couple of individual workouts on Tuesday and Wednesday, but Diario AS have reported some bad news: according to them Dembélé’s hamstring did not respond as he and the doctors hoped, and the player was quite disappointed after leaving the pitch on Wednesday.
Barça tried to offer some hope on Dembélé’s status, however, with a couple of tweets:
It was always very unrealistic to expect Dembélé to be ready for the biggest match of Barcelona’s season next week having just come back to the pitch to start individual workouts, but if the reports are accurate the concern is really next season: there won’t be a lot of time off before the 2020-21 campaign gets underway, and if Dembélé is still struggling in early August, he may not be ready for September, which is really sad.
Get well soon, Ousmane.
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The Frenchman has been out since suffering a quadriceps injury against Real Valladolid but has been back on the training ground this week.
According to Sport, Griezmann is still training on his own and it’s not clear yet if he will be fit for the match at the Camp Nou.
Griezmann hasn’t enjoyed a spectacular first season at Barcelona, but it’s his away goal that has given the Catalans the slight advantage ahead of the second leg.
There’s better news on Clement Lenglet. The centre-back “was able to do some ball work with his teammates” on Thursday and there’s optimism he will be able to partner Gerard Pique.
Lenglet’s return looks vital with Samuel Umtiti and Ronald Araujo out injured, while Barca B defender Jorge Cuenca has also now been ruled out with a thigh problem.
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Braithwaite’s future seems to be in the EPL
Barcelona are reportedly already negotiating the sale of Martin Braithwaite to the English Premier League, with West Ham and Everton the favorites right now.
Braithwaite, who was signed as an emergency injury replacement this season from Leganés, would be returning to England as a more accomplished player than when he left. He signed for Middlesbrough in the Championship in 2017. Few thought he would end up at Barcelona after he left on loan to Bordeaux in 2018.
The forward is ineligible to play the UEFA Champions League, because he was registered due to a La Liga rule that allows teams to sign a replacement for an injured player outside of the traditional transfer windows. Therefore, he may have kicked his last ball as a Barcelona player in an official match already.
He scored one goal in four starts, plus seven substitute appearances, for the Catalans. He had previously gotten six in 24 games for Leganés this season. Los Pepineros were relegated this season, finishing a point behind safety.
The Toffees have a good relationship with Barcelona, having bought several players from the Catalans in previous years. Meanwhile, the Hammers have been fans of the Danish forward since his time at Lega.
Braithwaite was signed this February for 18 million euros as a replacement for the injured Ousmane Dembélé. The coronavirus break, however, gave time for Luis Suárez to recover and even Dembélé is said to be approaching match fitness. In the end, the Dane got less chances than previously thought.
Barcelona are hoping to recoup the money they spent paying his release clause. Real Valladolid, Real Sociedad, and Sevilla are rumored to be interested in him, but because of his price tag, it seems Premier League teams may be more likely to snap him up.
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A defender reshuffle?
Manchester City has secured the transfer of Nathan Aké from Bournemouth. according to reports. The 25-year-old will cost 40 million pounds sterling, a significant investment for a defender in these times.
Does his signing push Eric García closer to his former club, FC Barcelona?
The Catalans’ interest in García is well-known at this point. They want the defender to return to the club which helped develop him as a youngster. His tale reminds them of that of Gerard Piqué, who left Barcelona as a youngster to play in Manchester, only to return and become a club legend at the Camp Nou.
Aké is left-footed, so there is a suspicion he is being brought in purely to be Aymeric Laporte’s backup. García is right-footed, so perhaps there is no connection between the two players’ cases.
At least one report though, does say that Aké’s signing is a way to cover the potential departure of García.
⚠️ El Manchester City ficha al central Nathan Aké. El conjunto inglés se cubre las espaldas por la posible marcha de Eric Garcia al Barça #fcblivepic.twitter.com/A4ZWzBWVFt
Alaba reportedly is holding up his contract renewal, which at the present moment would leave him open to a free transfer next season. That’s when Barça may feel more inclined to make the move for the left-back.
The Austrian has been said to have been wanted by Barcelona for a long time, in part because of his ability to play multiple roles apart from fullback, such as central defender and midfielder. And, it has also been rumored that Alaba has wanted to join the Catalans for a while now.
The issue is Bayern never were willing to sell - perhaps until now.
He is said to be asking for 20 million euros per year from Bayern, although he is willing to lower that demand for clubs such as Barcelona.
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The game is due to take place on August 8
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has told UEFA to move their Champions League last-16 second leg tie with Barcelona after a rise in coronavirus cases in the area.
De Laurentiis is not happy with the game going ahead at the Camp Nou on August 8 and thinks it should be played in another country entirely.
The president was critical of UEFA and made it clear his club are not happy about travelling to play the Catalan giants on their home turf.
“It seems like we’re at school. At Uefa, nobody knows how to do business, and with our money too. If they decided that the Champions League is to be played in Portugal and the Europa League in Germany, we could play there as well.
“I don’t understand why we have to go to a city that, at this moment, has great problems.
“I call Uefa all the time, but it’s shameful. You hear about it in the big media [outlets] in Spain, but they aren’t interested.
“How long will they wait before saying we will play in Portugal, Germany or Switzerland?”
There do appear to be real concerns over the game currently, although it seems that for now at least it is still scheduled to be played at the Camp Nou.
UEFA have already said that their Plan B would be to move it to Portugal, and we’ll have to see how the situation develops over the coming days.
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Sassuolo general manager Giovanni Carnevali has confirmed reports his club are interested in signing Barcelona B Monchu this summer.
The 20-year-old appears to be in demand with Sassulo one of a number of clubs believed to be interested along with La Liga sides Real Betis, Valencia and Real Sociedad.
Carnevali says talks with Barcelona are ongoing but stressed a deal is not close at the moment.
“He is a young boy and we are talking with Barcelona, it is something we already did last season. We have a good relationship with the Catalan club. We are interested, but there is a long way from there to closing the operation. He is young but has all the characteristics to become a great player. ”
Source | Sky Sport Italia
It looks increasingly as though Monchu will depart this summer, although it’s not clear if it will be a loan or a deal with a buyback option.
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Barcelona manager Quique Setien reportedly has a plan for Lionel Messi when the Champions League resumes next month.
The Catalan giants return with a last-16 second leg against Napoli at the Camp Nou, and if they progress they are likely to meet Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Setien has been analysing Barca’s play and “has reached several conclusions” about how to get the best out of Messi.
Firstly, Setien believes Messi needs to be as “close to the rival area as possible.” The captain has a tendency to drop deep and try to to drive the team forwards but his manager thinks this is actually counterproductive because it can wear him down and leave him lacking freshness in front of goal.
Setien therefore wants his midfielders, and the report names Frenkie de Jong and Riqui Puig in particular, to make life easier for the captain. Their job will be to feed the strikers with quality passes and look to unbalance the opposition.
The boss thinks the “key” for Barcelona is for Messi to be “decisive in the last 20-25 meters” of the pitch. Setien also wants his captain “to be more selective in his interventions.”
While he appreciates Messi’s willingness to be involved he also believes that it “wears him out,” and Setien knows the 33-year-old will need to conserve his energy if Barcelona are to lift the European Cup at the end of August.
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Second workout of the week - FC Barcelona
The players were back at training this Wednesday morning on another stiflingly hot day at the Ciutat Esportiva, with the news that J. Cuenca, Mingueza, Jandro, Monchu and Konrad were also back training with the first team
Barça only have 14 senior players available for the match against Napoli - SPORT
Suspensions, injuries and the rebellious Arthur Melo mean Quique Setien has a limited set of players to prepare for the Napoli match with. Napoli are the visitors to the Camp Nou on the August 8th but Barça only have 14 senior players to work with.
Serie A side Sassuolo have become the latest club to be linked with a move for Barcelona B captain Monchu.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side have opened talks with Barcelona over a move for the 20-year-old midfielder, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
Monchu seems to be a man in demand currently. La Liga sides Valencia, Real Sociedad, and Real Betis have also been linked with a move for the youngster this summer.
The midfielder was one of five Barca B players to join the first-team on training on Wednesday as Quique Setien continues preparations for the Napoli clash.
Ciudad Deportiva
First session of the day
J. Cuenca, Mingueza, Jandro, Monchu and Konrad have also joined in on the workout!#ForçaBarçapic.twitter.com/8pMRXChJJe
Monchu’s had a fine season with the B team but it seems he could be on his way this summer even though he has a contract until 2021 with the option of two more seasons.
Yet Mundo Deportivo are reporting he can’t spend another season with Segunda B and will either leave on loan or on a permanent deal but with a buyback clause.
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A group of club members says it is fed up with the current administration
FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu will once again have to deal with a vote of no confidence from club members after a group called Cor Blaugrana announced their plans to collect close to 17,000 signatures and call for a referendum to approve an early election this summer.
Cor Blaugrana spokesman Josep Maria Cremades spoke to Catalan radio on Wednesday to explain the reasons for the movement despite the coronavirus pandemic making it even more difficult at this time:
“We know we are working against a number of factors. We know we can’t get signatures at games because fans can’t attend, that we’re in the middle of a pandemic and that there’s an election due next year anyway.
“But we really want to move forward with this vote of no confidence. That’s the level of indignation we’re feeling right now. The management of the club has been unacceptable.”
This is the second time Bartomeu is facing a potential vote of no confidence as Barça president. Back in 2017, Agusti Benedito tried to collect signatures but fell short of the necessary number, and Bartomeu avoided any major trouble.
Things were different in 2017, however: Barça had won the Champions League just two years before and were in the middle of a dominant domestic run over Luis Enrique. There was enough success on the pitch to justify Bartomeu’s presidency. Unless they somehow win the Champions League, Barça will go without a trophy this season and are in a tough place financially, and the vast majority of fans have clearly turned against the president.
Interesting times ahead.
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But he could be fit for the quarter-finals if they progress
Barcelona won’t risk Ousmane Dembele for their Champions League last-16 second leg against Napoli but could use the Frenchman in the quarter-finals should they progress.
According to ESPN, Quique Setien is hopeful he will be able to use Dembele if Barca make it through to the final eight tournament in Lisbon.
The Frenchman returned to training this week, although he’s still working on his own and hasn’t yet joined with the group.
Xavi has confirmed he has recovered from Covid-19 and has been allowed home after a spell in isolation.
The club legend confirmed at the weekend that he had tested positive, forcing him to miss Al-Sadd’s game win over Al Khor.
Xavi has now confirmed in a post in Instagram that he’s back home and is recovered.
“Thank you so much for all the caring messages that I’ve received during these days. I want to share with you that I’m recovered and back home with my family and the Al Sadd team.”
Al-Sadd also announced on Wednesday in a statement on their website that Xavi had been warmly welcomed back to work.
“On Wednesday, Maran witnessed the return of Coach Xavi Hernandez after he recovered from infection with the Corona virus (Covid 19), which he was exposed to about 14 days ago.
“Everyone within the team was keen to welcome the coach, especially the leader is facing strong challenges during the next stage. This also welcomed the team members to the newcomer Rodrigo Tabata, who joined the leader one a season-long contract.”
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Photo by Pedro Salado/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
The forward will be sold or loaned
Martin Braithwaite only arrived at Barcelona in February but it seems he’s already been deemed surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Denmark international is not part of Barcelona’s plans for next season and will be sold or loaned.
Barca have decided they simply don’t need Braithwaite as Ansu Fati will remain with the first team next season and the arrivals of Pedri and Trincao will further boost their options.
Braithwaite’s agent is said to be “on a mission” to find him a new club this summer. Barca would prefer to sell but will consider a loan with a purchase option.
The 29-year-old enjoyed a bright start to life at Barca but ends the season with one goal and a total of 403 minutes played for the Catalan giants.
Braithwaite increasingly struggled for minutes as the season progressed and does not seem to have done enough to impress Quique Setien.
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The Barcelona striker wants to stay
Luis Suarez’s future is making headlines on Wednesday with Mundo Deportivo reporting that the Barcelona striker has an offer from the MLS.
The report also reckons that Suarez is pretty tempted by the thought of moving to David Beckham’s Inter Miami who would be happy to capture such a big name.
Yet MD also reckon Suarez is not thinking about leaving this summer. His contract expires in next year but will automatically renew if he plays 60% of next season’s games.
That detail has been confirmed by both Suarez and president Josep Maria Bartomeu in recent weeks.
Suarez turned 33 in January but has been a regular this season, injury aside, under both Ernesto Valverde and Quique Setien.
It seems likely he’ll see regular football next year too, unless the club do move to bring in another striker, which is not clear given their financial situation.
A move for Lautaro Martinez has long been rumored, but the latest reports have suggested the Argentina international may wait until 2021 to head to the Camp Nou.
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Barcelona B youngsters including Monchu, Konrad de la Funte and Jorge Cuenca all joined the first-team squad for training on Wednesday morning as the club continue their preparations for the clash with Napoli in the Champions League.
Ciudad Deportiva
Primera sesión del día
J. Cuenca, Mingueza, Jandro, Monchu y Konrad se incorporan a los entrenamientos #ForçaBarçapic.twitter.com/G8uoDg3MxR
Quique Setien is short of options for the tie at the Camp Nou on August 8 with Sergio Busquets and Arturo Vidal suspended, while Ronald Araujo, Samuel Umtiti, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele are all currently injured and Arthur AWOL.
There is hope that Griezmann and Lenglet will be fit for the tie, and possibly even Dembele, but Setien could still need some of Barca B’s youngsters for back-up.
B team captain Monchu and Konrad both caught the eye in the promotion playoffs despite the team’s disappointing defeat to Sabadell in the final. Both scored in the dramatic 3-2 win over Valladolid Promesas, while Monchu was also on target in the final.
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and transfer rumors
Back to training - FC Barcelona
This Tuesday the FC Barcelona squad were back at work on the training ground bright and early at 9.30am local time on the Tito Vilanova field at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
Barcelona not panicking over Ter Stegen's contract renewal - SPORT
Barcelona have been working on what would be Marc ter Stegen's second contract renewal with the club for a long time. Therefore, the "we will see" from the German goalkeeper this week has not worried the club. There is calm and confidence that an agreement will be reached.
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The striker knows the deal is difficult this summer
Lautaro Martinez has reportedly told Barcelona he’s willing to wait until next year to move to the Camp Nou from Inter Milan.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Argentine is totally committed to joining the Catalan giants and not interested in renewing with the Nerazzurri.
Yet Martinez is also said to be aware of the club’s current financial difficulties and, although it’s not ideal, is ready to play another season at Inter before heading to Barcelona.
The 23-year-old has faced a bit of criticism recently after hitting a dry patch in front fo goal after lockdown but scored a fine goal in Inter’s 2-0 win over Napoli on Tuesday.
His celebration is likely to get people talking too.
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UEFA do have a Plan B just in case
Barcelona are due to play Napoli at the Camp Nou on August 8 in the second leg of their last-16 Champions League tie.
However, there are a few concerns about the match currently as Catalonia is suffering from a spike in coronavirus cases and has reintroduced lockdown measures in some areas.
UEFA board member Evelina Christillin has said Europe’s governing body do have a plan in place if the game does have to be moved.
“Guimaraes and Oporto have been prepared as Plan B for some time, and are options for other difficult situations too.”
“For the moment, the decision remains to play at Camp Nou. I don’t know what the deadline is, but I do know what Plan B is, so the decision will be made based on advice from the Spanish Government.”
Source | Radio Punto Nuovo
Quique Setien said back in June it would hurt his team playing the game at a neutral venue but admitted his team would have to accept the decision if it did happen.
“We will see what happens. It would harm us a little, having to play the Napoli game in a neutral venue when in the first leg they were at home.
“But if those end up being the circumstances, it is what it is. (We) accept it as no other option.”
Barcelona have a formidable home record in European competition and have not lost at the Camp Nou since all the way back in 2013, a 35-game run that Napoli will be well aware of ahead of the tie.
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Barça want to sell the Brazilian, and there appears to be suitors from England
It is not a secret that Barcelona want to sell Philippe Coutinho this summer, and it finally seems like the player has some real suitors from the league where he shined before coming to Catalonia.
Coutinho’s agent Kia Joorabchian spoke in an interview this week and confirmed there is “genuine interest” from the Premier League, and that his client would welcome a return to England after a couple of rough years in Spain and an inconsistent spell at Bayern Munich.
“Because the Champions League is going to run all the way until August 23, I think it will be difficult for players like Coutinho to make any commitment or move until that date.
“He has the Champions League at the moment and they have to qualify for the next round [against Chelsea], and then he could play Barcelona, believe it or not.
“After the Champions League, it’s not been a secret that he wants to come back to the Premier League if he can; he loves playing in the Premier League and is adored in the Premier League. It is one of his priorities… but he is also not against staying at Barcelona, so it is very much open.
“There is much genuine interest in Philippe, because he is a great player and a big success. There is always interest.”
Coutinho is currently training with Bayern for the Champions League return against Chelsea, and has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal over the last couple of days. Newcastle United, if their takeover is ever completed, is also rumored to be a destination.
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The Brazilian, who was already on the periphery of the squad, ruled himself out not just for the remainder of the season, but all training, as well.
After being sold to Juventus, Arthur has played one game only - and for only four minutes. Every other time, he did not see the pitch.
Cameras caught him yawning quite conspicuously in the second to last game of the league season, and then the player himself reported an injury no doctor could confirm that ruled him out of the last match.
The squad was given six days off after, which he took. And when it came time for everyone to check back in, Arthur was in Barcelona. And he wasn’t coming back.
According to rumor, Arthur didn’t want to leave Barcelona. It was his dream club. They say he was forced to leave. It’s hard not to feel sympathy, especially when the player arrived with such fanfare and the hype that he could be “the next Xavi.”
But under neither Ernesto Valverde nor under Quique Setién did Arthur fully establish himself. Recurring injuries, particularly in the pelvis, kept him from establishing rhythm at times.
There was also his lack of fitness. He was frequently substituted out by both managers, even though as a young player, you’d expect he’d have enough in the tank to keep going longer.
And finally, there were the rumors of poor discipline.
His trip to Paris for Neymar’s birthday, two days before facing Real Madrid, was a huge flashpoint. He was reprimanded by the club and eventually issued a public apology. At first, it was hoped that the incident would blow over. But then, it seems like perhaps it didn’t.
Next came the snowboard controversy. Local media reported that last December, the midfielder went snowboarding while injured. This is considered highly risky, and Valverde responded by leaving him out of the squad for one game.
This latest incident will surely have Barcelona’s technical staff claiming vindication. The midfielder has not shown good discipline at all in his latest actions, quite the opposite.
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The player is refusing to report to training or play for the team
FC Barcelona will reportedly open up a disciplinary case against Arthur, who has informed the club he will not ever train or play for the team again.
Arthur is said to want a break from his contract, which would allow him to not be responsible for anything in regards to Barcelona. However, the team has apparently told him they will not honor this request.
The Brazilian was sold to Juventus, in an exchange for Miralem Pjanić plus ten million euros. Since then, the player has not started a single game for Barcelona. In fact, he only played one game - for only four minutes, off the bench.
The player was seen yawning while not playing in Barcelona’s 2-1 loss to Osasuna. He was then not present after reporting a minor injury in the last game of the league season.
After that, players were given six days off before being called back to Barcelona yesterday. At that point it was discovered the midfielder was actually in Brazil and had no intention of returning.
El expediente ya es una realidad.
Y la guerra sigue abierta...
El club dice que NO se negocia la rescisión
El entorno del jugador dice que ya negociaba la rescisión #Barçahttps://t.co/Uhtae08o9F
The player’s entourage had apparently told the media he was working on getting his contract rescinded, but the latest information from multiple source is that the club will not accept that.
We will see what happens next with the disciplinary proceedings.
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Monchu, whose real name is Ramón Rodríguez Jiménez, captained the B team as they came within one game of achieving promotion from the Spanish third division. The Mallorca-born Monchu scored in the final against Sabadell, although his opponents managed to complete a comeback and win 2-1.
It is said that Barcelona are hoping to sell him with a two-year buy-back clause which would allow them to bring him back in relatively quickly.
Another player who is pursued by La Liga clubs is Álex Collado, although the Catalans are reportedly going to keep him for at least the next pre-season. The fact that he is currently injured may play a role in this.
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The club are missing some key players
The way the 2019/20 campaign has gone for Barca, you could write a book about it. The only problem would be that no one would believe a word of it.
Just when you think we’ve seen it all in this longest of seasons, along comes Arthur to rattle a few more blaugrana cages.
Let’s be honest... whilst it’s extremely unprofessional conduct from the midfielder, it’s understandable.
Forcing him into a move he clearly didn’t want and then having his manager essentially saying in a press conference that he wouldn’t be considered for selection in general terms...
What would you do?!
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So, no Arthur in what are now the most crucial series of games of the campaign.
Will he be missed? Genuinely hard to say as we’ve played both well and poorly with and without him.
What his absence does do, however, is whittle down the squad numbers available for the Napoli game in the first instance.
Ronald Araujo was injured at the worst possible moment for Barca B in their match against Sabadell, and though he may not have started the match against the Italians either, he is proving himself to be an able deputy.
Injury almost certainly ensures he will play no part in the Napoli game, and with both Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti struggling with injuries, we approach the match with only one recognised defender - Gerard Pique - fit and able.
On the plus side, Ousmane Dembele is back in training and both Sergio Busquets and Arturo Vidal can deputise at centre-back if absolutely necessary.
We still have a certain Argentine ready to do the business too.
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It’s the age old ‘glass half full’ scenario, and it’s worth pondering that we’ve had our backs against the wall in the Champions League before and managed to defy the odds.
With each passing day, the ability to remain positive is getting harder and harder, but remain positive we must. We owe it to the players to give them our fullest support.
It’s alleged that Josep Maria Bartomeu and his board will seek to sue Arthur and his representatives for breach of contract.
Again, whilst understandable, do the club really need more negative publicity surrounding it when all of the focus should be on the job in hand?
It’s a stretch, but Barca are still capable of winning the trophy on their day. They haven’t had too many of those days in 2019/20, but if the big guns turn up then Quique Setien’s men have as good a shot as any.
If it isn’t to be, then the quicker this season is consigned to the dustbin, the better.
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