Ansu Fati surprised by Spain call-up

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The teenager says it’s an “incredible sensation”

Barcelona starlet Ansu Fati has revealed just how stunned he was to learn he’d been called up to the senior Spain squad for the first time in his career.

The 17-year-old is part of Luis Enique’s squad for Nations League games against Germany and Ukraine in September.

Fati has been talking about his call-up and explained how he found out that he’d got the nod.

“[My friend] called from far away and said ‘Ansu, you’re in the national team’. And I said ‘What are you on about?’ I didn’t believe it but when I looked on my phone it was an incredible sensation.”

“It’s a pride and a pleasure to be here and try to learn from the best. I’ll try to enjoy it to the maximum I can and with hard work, I can come here again,” he said.

“I’ve been speaking all this week with Busquets. He told me to try and enjoy it and to be myself. I’ve also spoken to Jordi (Alba) and he said the same, enjoy it, be myself and that it’s a very nice experience.”

Source | Sport

Enrique spoke about Fati after naming his squad, calling the youngster and “incredible talent” and talking about how “only Messi has a better goals-per-minutes ratio than him.”

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Vidal in talks to terminate contract at Barcelona - report

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The midfielder is expected to leave this summer

Arturo Vidal is reportedly in negotiations with Barcelona to terminate his contract at the Camp Nou ahead of a move to Inter.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Chilean is talking to the Catalan giants to find a way out before his contract expires next summer.

Vidal has been linked with a move to Serie A for a while now, with both Juventus and Inter reportedly keen on the 33-year-old.

Di Marzio reckons Vidal and Inter are also talking about a possible deal that would see him head to the San Siro and link up with Antonio Conte once again.

The news means that Barcelona could wave goodbye to both Ivan Rakitic and Vidal this week as Ronald Koeman starts to shape his squad. Rakitic is close to a return to Sevilla.

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Ronald Koeman takes first training session at Barcelona

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The players are back in action

Barcelona went back to work on Monday as Ronald Koeman held his first training session at the club since replacing Quique Setien at the helm.

Ciutat Esportiva
The first training session led by our new head coach @RonaldKoeman pic.twitter.com/DNikVTF658

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 31, 2020

There were a fair few absentees for various reasons, including Ivan Rakitic, who was granted “special permission” to miss the session as he closes in on a move to Sevilla.

In total 19 players took to the pitches at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper including Gerard Pique, Luis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele, Jordi Alba and Arturo Vidal.

Ciutat Esportiva
19 players have trained individually on Camp Tito Vilanova and Pitch 2.@ivanrakitic did not train with the permission of the club.

[+] Info: https://t.co/NZWc8aZXIM pic.twitter.com/5ZkcICDAbH

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 31, 2020

Barcelona B youngsters Arnau Tenas. Sergio Akieme, Jorge Cuenca, Konrad de la Fuente, Ilaix Moriba and Monchu were also present.

The players are back tomorrow for more as they continue preparations for their first game of the season against Villarreal at the Camp Nou.

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Martin Braithwaite says he intends to stay at Barcelona

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Braithwaite does not have other clubs on his mind, it seems

Martin Braithwaite has stated his intention to remain at Barcelona, despite rumors linking him to an exit to the Premier League. This is something we previewed through exclusive sources a few weeks back, when the rumors first cropped up.

Speaking to a Danish newspaper, Braithwaite responded to a question asking whether he would remain at Camp Nou next season, by asking a rhetorical question: “Why should I not be?

“I have a contract for four more years with Barcelona, ​​and I’m having a great time at the club, and they’re happy with me here, it seems, so I have a really good sense of where I am.”

“There are, of course, a lot of rumours,” he said.

“Our whole team has been linked away, so it’s only natural that I, too, have been linked. This is how it is to play at Barcelona when you do not achieve the club’s goal.

“To be honest, I have not had any talks about changing clubs with anyone at all. You’re the first one I talk to about it, because I have not had a single thought about it at all.

“I’m just thinking about how to prepare to play well for Barcelona next season. I’m insanely hungry to get out next season and win a lot of titles.”

Reports in Barcelona say Ronald Koeman, who has spent most of his early time as the team’s new coach firing people, has not decided yet whether to keep Braithwaite, However, Koeman was apparently impressed with the Dane’s professionalism in a brief meeting, and it will then be a matter of seeing him in training to see whether he fits in with the coach’s plans.

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Barcelona start new La Liga season against Villarreal

The Yellow Submarine are first up at the Camp Nou

Barcelona will play their first La Liga game of the 2020-21 season on September 27 at the Camp Nou against Villarreal.

The schedule for the new season was announced on Monday and Barcelona will have a delayed start because of their Champions League commitments.

La Liga will actually kick off on September 12, but Barca won’t play until Week 3.

❗Barça's first game in @LaLigaEN 2020/21 will be at Camp Nou

▶ Matchday 3
27/09/2020
⚽ #BarçaVillarreal pic.twitter.com/ahWhb1LWqj

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 31, 2020

Barca’s first two games were against Elche and Athletic but they are now due to take place in December instead.

Ronald Koeman’s side’s first away match is at Celta Vigo before games against Sevilla, Getafe, and then the first Clasico at the Camp Nou.

❗ #ElClásico in @LaLigaEN!

▶ Matchday 7
25/10/2020
⚽ Barça - Madrid. Camp Nou

▶ Matchday 30
11/04/2021
⚽ Madrid - Barça. Santiago Bernabéu pic.twitter.com/6tPW2ZgGt7

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 31, 2020

The complete La Liga fixture list for 2020-21 is available here.

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Ronald Koeman hires new fitness coach for FC Barcelona

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Albert Roca, from the Frank Rijkaard era, is back

Ronald Koeman has hired a new fitness coach as he attempts to rebuild FC Barcelona, and it is understood previous staff will either be re-assigned or fired.

Albert Roca, who was the fitness coach under Frank Rijkaard in the Dutchman’s reign at Barcelona, will return to the Catalan club.

Edu Pons and Antonio Gómez, who were previously in charge, will have to find new jobs - perhaps still with the club, perhaps not, according to reporting.

Pons was usually in charge of training on the pitch, while Gómez was in charge in the weight room.

The club has hired Lluis Til, most recently of AS Monaco, to be the new head doctor. He was also in the staff during the Rijkaard era. There is also a chance for physios to be replaced, as Barcelona attempts to reinvigorate the players’ fitness levels after last season’s disappointments.

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Ivan Rakitic having medical at Sevilla - report

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The midfielder is set to return to his former club

Ivan Rakitic is reportedly close to leaving Barcelona for Sevilla and is currently having a medical with his former side.

According to Marca, talks between the two sides “have accelerated” and the midfielder is now just a medical away from completing his move.

Rakitic will sign a three-year contract with Julen Lopetegui’s side, and the deal could even be made official today.

The 32-year-old was back at Barcelona for PCR testing on Sunday, but it seems like he won’t start pre-season with the club later today as he finalises his move.

Sevilla won’t pay a fee for Rakitic, who is in the final year of his contract, but the move does mean Barcelona can get one of their big earners off the wage bill.

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Neymar confirms he’s staying at PSG

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The Brazilian won’t be returning to Barcelona

Neymar has confirmed that he will be staying at Paris Saint-Germain next season and won’t be heading back to Barcelona.

The Catalan giants have again been linked with trying to bring the Brazilian back to the Camp Nou, although Bartomeu admitted long ago they couldn’t afford it and PSG don’t want to sell.

Neymar has now announced that he will play for the Ligue 1 side next season with the aim of trying to land the Champions League.

“I am staying at PSG next season! And with the ambition to return to the Champions’ League final, this time to win it. I like this idea of doing everything to leave my name in the history books of my club. If people were doubting the presence of PSG as a great European club, those doubts died in Lisbon. We left this city with the feeling of being renewed and confidence in our capacity to win it one day to write an even greater history.

“By returning from Lisbon, in the plane on the way back, we were already excited to see each other again in Paris! I will never forget what we shared with this squad. It has formed a family and I am proud.”

Source | PSG Magazine

PSG made it to the Champions League final for the first time in their history in 2019-20 but were beaten 1-0 by Bayern Munich in Lisbon.

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Papers: Barcelona’s Messi mess continues

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A look at the top headlines in Spain

Lionel Messi’s bid to leave Barcelona continues to dominate the headlines in Spain with the saga showing no sign of coming to an end any time soon.

Sport sum it up nicely with a headline of ‘More of a mess!’ after an eventful weekend at the Camp Nou.

They report on how Messi didn’t turn up for PCR testing, will not show for pre-season training and will face action from Barcelona.

Sport also note how La Liga have sided with Barcelona regarding Messi’s release clause and bring word of a mega-offer from Premier League side Manchester City.

AS have a similar theme on their front page. ‘Barça return, the mess grows’ is the headline with a picture of Luis Suarez driving in for PCR testing and passing a young Messi fan.

They report on Messi boycotting the start of pre-season, La Liga’s statement on the Argentine’s release clause, and Suarez and other players returning to the club for PCR testing despite facing uncertain futures.

Marca’s headline is ‘What is the Price?’ with a picture of Messi. They also report on La Liga’s announcement that Messi’s €700 million release clause is still active.

Marca also report that Messi feels like he’s free of the club but is trying to reach a friendly exit with Barcelona.

Mundo Deportivo are also focused on Messi’s release clause and have a headline that reads: ‘700m: LaLiga agrees with Barça.’

A copy of La Liga’s statement is also on the front page with news that Messi missed PCR testing and will not be starting pre-season with the team on Monday.

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FC Barcelona News: 31 August 2020

Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and transfer rumors

PCR testing day - FC Barcelona
This Sunday morning the first-team's available players arrived at the Ciutat Esportiva to pass the relevant PCR tests before starting training.

The training plan for the week - FC Barcelona
Ronald Koeman’s squad will begin training this Monday, and will exercise every day except Thursday and Sunday.

La Liga confirm Barcelona still hold €700m release clause for Lionel Messi - Football Espana
La Liga have released an official statement to confirm they side with Barcelona in their legal dispute with Lionel Messi and they say that the player’s €700m release clause remains in place.

FIFA to be involved in allowing Messi to leave Barcelona - Football Espana
The likelihood that Lionel Messi’s attempts to leave Barcelona will result in a legal battle between the two parties appears increasingly inevitable.

Why Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola's desire to reunite makes sense after successes at Barcelona - ESPN
The bloke in the crowd said it best, until Pep Guardiola said it better. In the midst of the noise around the Romareda, a collective murmur of incredulity, came a short and simple phrase that was just about audible and elicited the highest eulogy.

LIVE Transfer Talk: PSG in for Lionel Messi as battle over release clause continues - ESPN
Any club in the world would want Lionel Messi, and Sport in Spain has reported that Paris Saint-Germain are one of the few who have decided they can pull a move off -- presuming he is allowed to leave Barcelona.

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Where did it all go wrong for Messi and Barcelona?

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A painful divorce awaits

You must’ve had your collective heads in the sand if you can’t quite believe how Barcelona and Lionel Messi have got to the current, toxic state of their relationship.

The sense of shock is palpable of course, but it shouldn’t be at all surprising.

Our captain and best ever player has been dropping hints that all wasn’t well behind the scenes for months, much of it making its way into the public domain.

In isolation, a lot of what has happened in the last few years is standard fare for most football clubs.

Not strengthening in the right areas, managerial issues etc...

Photo credit should read JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images

Where things began to unravel for Barcelona and Leo can be traced right back to July 2015, however. The month when Josep Maria Bartomeu was legitimately elected as president of the club.

His opening gambit of hiring Arda Turan should’ve awoken culers from their collective slumber. Great player for Atleti though he was, he absolutely wasn’t a ‘Barca player.’

And that signing set the tone for a number if ill-advised purchases since.

Not to mention the systematic destruction of La Masia as we knew it. Think about just how many graduates have been let go these last five years and are now enjoying careers elsewhere.

Not all would’ve gone on to be Barca standard, granted, but it’s as if the academy hasn’t existed for the most part.

Perhaps the biggest bugbear on Messi’s part has to be the lack of a ‘winning project.’

The No.10 was 18 days short of his 28th birthday when Barca last lifted the Champions League. Domestic league and cup wins aside, that the Blaugranes have essentially wasted his prime years as a player is a travesty.

Photo by Manu Fernandez/Pool via Getty Images

He is as culpable as every other player for the exits at the hands of Juventus, Roma, Liverpool and Bayern, and his body language towards the end of the latter was unforgivable, but in at least two of those games he was badly let down by those around him.

Not forgetting managerial appointments which haven’t exactly inspired too, even if we are led to believe that Messi had nothing but respect for Ernesto Valverde.

How many times have we, as supporters, felt that Leo has been carrying the weight of the team on his shoulders? That he’s been the talisman that everyone has turned to when the going got tough.

Barca are a ship without a rudder at present and have been for a while, and they’ve seemingly no idea where they’re headed.

They’re certainly not the world beaters they were five years ago.

The 8-2 just brought everything into sharper focus and, when the dust settles, can you really blame Messi for wanting to leave? Is it really any wonder he’s had enough?

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Arturo Vidal: Barcelona must ‘change a lot of things’

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The midfielder has also talked up a move to Juventus

Arturo Vidal has been talking about where it’s all been going wrong for Barcelona on the pitch and how the team can improve.

The Catalan giants are coming off the back of a difficult season where they lost La Liga to Real Madrid and were thrashed 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Vidal says a lot needs to change at the Camp Nou and offered his thoughts on what needs to happen.

“Barcelona first have to change their way of thinking because football has evolved a lot, their DNA is already lagging behind and other teams are improving in other aspects; football at the moment is more physical, with more strength and speed, and technique sometimes takes a back seat

“Barcelona has to change a lot of things. A team, which I think is the best in the world, cannot have 13 professional players and the rest are youngsters. Not because they do not deserve to be there, but they have to be competing with the best and who has to play.

“All teams have 23 players fighting for positions, growing and improving every day; But when they do not progress, when you think that with your DNA you can always win, you are very wrong.

“There are very good players, we have Messi who is number one and is an alien, but he needs help, he needs players who improve the team and give better results.”

Source | La Tercera

It’s not clear if Vidal will be part of the team next season. Reports have suggested he’s not part of Ronald Koeman’s plans, and there have been rumors about a move to Serie A.

Vidal has also spoken about the speculation and said he’d be “happy” if he were to receive a phone call from new Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo.

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Argentina president urges Messi to return to Newell’s

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The 33-year-old wants to leave Barcelona

Argentina president Alberto Fernandez had told Lionel Messi to head home and play for Newell’s Old Boys amid huge speculation about the Barcelona captain’s future.

Messi seems determined to leave the Camp Nou this summer. He’s told the club he wants to go and failed to report for PCR testing on Sunday ahead of pre-season.

Fernandez spoke about the situation in a television interview and urged Messi to come back to Argentina.

“You’re in all of our hearts and we’ve never been able to watch you play in our country, give us the pleasure of coming to finish your career at Newell’s Old Boys, which is your club.”

Fernandez | Source

Messi has not yet spoken about his future publicly but continues to be linked with a host of clubs. However, a move to Manchester City to work with Pep Guardiola again looks the most likely option if he does depart.

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Ilaix and Konrad to train with first team in pre-season

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The youngsters will get the chance to impress

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman is reportedly going to give 17-year-old starlet Ilaix Moriba and 19-year-old Konrad de la Fuente the chance to shine in pre-season.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Ilaix will be one of four Barcelona B players to train with the first team ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Goalkeeper Arnau Tenas and defenders Sergio Akieme and Jorge Cuenca will also join Ilaix and will be hoping to catch Koeman’s eye.

Sport go even further and say Konrad will also be part of the group and say all five youngsters took part in PCR testing on Sunday.

They will join up with fellow starlets lñaki Peña, Ronald Araujo, Riqui Puig and Ansu who will also be with the group and are expected to be officially promoted to the first team for 2020-21.

It’s worth noting that Koeman will need to make up the numbers with a host of players missing next week. There are a total of 14 players away on international duty, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is injured, Miralem Pjanic self-isolating, and Lionel Messi doing his best to leave.

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Lautaro put off Barcelona move by Messi crisis?

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There’s speculation he could extend at Inter

The current Lionel Messi crisis that is engulfing Barcelona at present could have repercussions when it comes to the Catalan giants’ transfer plans.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, top target Lautaro Martinez could be put off a move to the Camp Nou because of the uncertainty surrounding Messi’s future.

Rumors about a move for the 23-year-old have gone quiet lately, and the report reckons Inter are going to try and take advantage by extending Martinez’s contract.

Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu has already admitted talks for the have striker stalled, but there’s no sign they have resumed and Barca still need to sell before they can buy.

The report notes that playing alongside Messi was one of the big reasons for Martinez wanting to join Barcelona but if the captain is no longer going to be around, or just possibly for one season, it could have an impact on the Inter man’s future plans.

Martinez is currently contracted to Inter until 2023, but recent reports in Italy have suggested Inter are willing to offer a two-year extension that will double his salary.

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La Liga announce Messi’s €700m release clause is still active

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The league have sided with Barcelona

La Liga have responded to Lionel Messi’s desire to leave Barcelona and recent reports surrounding the saga.

Cadena SER claimed on Saturday that Messi’s €700m release clause expired at the end of last season and is no longer valid.

However, La Liga have announced that Messi remains under contract and his release clause is still active.

“In relation to the different interpretations (some of them contradictory to each other) published in recent days in different media, related to the contractual situation of the player Lionel Andres Messi with FC Barcelona, ​​La Liga considers it convenient to clarify that, once the player’s contract with his club:

“The contract is currently in force and has a ‘termination clause’ applicable to the event that Lionel Andres Messi decides to urge the early unilateral termination of the contract of June 26, by which regulates the special employment relationship of professional athletes.

“In compliance with the applicable regulations, and following the corresponding procedure in these cases, La Liga will not carry out the prior visa process for the player to be removed from the federation if they have not previously paid the amount of said clause.”

Source | La Liga

Messi failed to attend PCR testing on Sunday at Barcelona, meaning he can’t start pre-season training with the club on Monday. Barcelona are yet to respond to the most recent events but have so far been adamant they won’t sell their captain.

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Barca must pay €14m to cancel Suarez’s contract early - report

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The striker is expected to leave this summer

Barcelona reportedly need to pay Luis Suarez €14 million if they are to terminate his contract at the Camp Nou early.

The striker has already been told he’s not part of Ronald Koeman’s plans, and the club could now look to pay off his remaining contract that still has a year to run, according to Goal.

Suarez was at Barcelona on Sunday for PCR testing and is expected to be at the club again on Monday to begin pre-season testing.

Sport are reporting that Suarez will not negotiate with other clubs until his contract with the Catalan giants has been wrapped up.

The striker wants to leave “in the best possible way” and would even be happy to stay if Koeman changes his mind about his plans for the future.

Suarez has already been linked with a host of clubs including Ajax, Juventus, Atletico, PSG and Inter ahead of the start of the 2020-21 season.

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FC Barcelona News: 30 August 2020

Photo by Xavi Torrent/Getty Images

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and transfer rumors

Lionel Messi’s release clause may have expired | Football Espana

Lionel Messi’s €700m release clause is reportedly now invalid. Barcelona are still unlikely to allow him to leave for free but may have to accept an offer in the region of €100m.

Report: Vidal prefers Juve to Inter | Football Italia

Arturo Vidal is keen to return to Italy this summer but would reportedly prefer to head to Juventus than Inter and a reunion with Antonio Conte.

Lionel Messi: Barcelona unwilling to negotiate forward’s exit this summer | Sky Sports

Barcelona remain unwilling to negotiate captain Lionel Messi’s exit this summer despite his desire to leave and interest from Manchester City, Juventus, and Inter.

Braithwaite asks for No.10 shirt at Barcelona should Messi leave | Marca

Martin Braithwaite has asked for the No. 10 shirt at Barcelona should Lionel Messi leave the club this summer. The striker currently wears No. 19.

I hope Messi goes to City, says ex-Barcelona assistant Unzue | AS

Former Barcelona assistant Juan Carlos Unzue says he hopes Lionel Messi goes to Man City “to remember old times with people he already knows and has felt a shared success with.”

Barça sack the legal team which advised Lionel Messi to leave on a free transfer | Sport

Barcelona have sacked legal team Cuatrecasa who are currently advising Lionel Messi, including his decision to leave the club on a free transfer.

OFFICIAL: Albert Roca is Koeman’s new fitness coach at Barça | Sport

Albert Roca is returning to the Camp Nou to be Ronald Koeman’s fitness coach. He held the same position at the club under Frank Rijkaard and joins from Hyderabad.

Barça players called up for international duty | FC Barcelona

A total of 14 Barcelona players have been called up for international duty in the UEFA Nations League including Frenkie de Jong, Ansu Fati, Trincao and Sergio Busquets.

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Lionel Messi fails to attend PCR testing at Barcelona

Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The captain seems determined to leave

Lionel Messi did not return to Barcelona as scheduled on Sunday for PCR testing ahead of pre-season as expected.

The captain informed the club on Saturday that he would not be turning up. Messi’s argument is he’s used a clause to end his contract and is no longer a Barcelona player.

As we know, Barcelona do not share the same opinion and believe the clause expired in June and is no longer valid.

It’s not clear yet what will happen and how Barcelona will respond. Their current stance is that they are not willing to sell or negotiate a deal for the 33-year-old.

Luis Suarez did show up for the tests on Sunday despite being told he’s not in Ronald Koeman’s plans for next season.

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Pedri discusses where he wants to play for Barca

Photo by Noelia Deniz/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images

The 17-year-old’s versatility is an asset

Pedri has been looking to the new season at Barcelona and where he’d like to play for the Catalan giants if he gets the chance under new manager Ronald Koeman.

There’s plenty of excitement around the 17-year-old, and Barcelona have already admitted they’ve had offers for the youngster before he’s even kicked a ball for the club.

It’s not clear if Pedri will be part of the first-team squad for 2020-21 or sent out on loan, but the teenager is already clear where he wants to play.

“I feel comfortable playing in the hole, although it’s true that I’ve played on the wing -on both sides. It’s good to be versatile. That’s important for a player, because it means the coach can use you in other positions.”

“Playing for Las Palmas was good for me, as playing in the Segunda División -a tough league- has meant I have gained confidence.”

“Passing football is my best virtue. My aim is to make the others play, and enjoy playing football.”

“My main objective is to debut, first of all. I haven’t done that yet, and I’m looking forward to it. I have to improve and work hard to do that. Whatever my debut is, I will always remember it. It will be the most special day of my life, because I’ve always dreamed of that.”

Source | FC Barcelona

Pedri has been training with Barcelona for a little while now but will get the chance to test himself up against the first team from next week when the players return to action at the Ciutat Esportiva.

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Messi’s €700m release clause has expired - reports

Photo by Rafael Marchante/Pool via Getty Images

The latest development in the saga

Lionel Messi’s infamous €700 million release at Barcelona reportedly expired at the end of the 2019-20 season and is no longer valid.

Cadena SER are reporting that they have seen a copy Messi’s contract and reckon the clause is not active in the final year which is optional.

It’s the latest development in what is becoming an increasingly tense, ugly and really quite sad standoff between Barcelona and Messi.

The latest news also means it’s all getting a bit complicated. Messi’s lack of a buyout clause means any interested parties won’t have to pay €700m but the whole saga could still end up in court.

Messi is due back for PCR testing on Sunday with the rest of the first team but has reportedly already informed the Catalan giants he won’t be attending.

Sport have claimed Barcelona have already responded by reminding Messi he is still under contract and needs to show up.

What next?

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Hristo Stoichkov blasts Barcelona board over Lionel Messi

Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images

The 54-year-old has let rip at the board

Hristo Stoichkov is never shy of giving his opinions and has let rip at his former side over their treatment of Barcelona captain Lionel Messi.

The Argentine has told the club he wants to leave after growing increasing disillusioned at the Camp Nou, and Stoichkov, like most of us, can’t seem to quite believe it has come to this.

“We’re erasing a myth, we’re giving the best player in Barcelona’s history a kick up the backside. We’re staining his name, his charisma. I’m a member, so that’s why I’m saying we’re staining it.

“This board has ruined everything. It seems as though they want to pit the fans against the players. I won successive league titles, the club’s first European Cup - I don’t know how to repay the love from the fans.

“But this board doesn’t show its face. It pays journalists to add fuel to the flames. As a club, it’s pitiful.”

Source | TUDN

Messi contines to be linked with a host of clubs with Manchester City the favorites to land the forward if he does leave Barcelona. Yet the Catalan giants appear determined that the only way Messi goes this summer is if his €700m release clause is met.

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Messi will not return for pre-season training - reports

Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The captain remains determined to leave

Lionel Messi has reportedly told Barcelona he will not be at the club tomorrow for PCR testing or the start of pre-season training on Monday.

According to multiple reports, the captain informed the club of his decision on Saturday and remains convinced he can take advantage of a clause to leave for free.

La Vanguardia report Messi will send another burofax, signed by his father, to confirm his decision and has already told Josep Maria Bartomeu of his plans.

According to the report, Messi’s lawyers have told the captain he doesn’t need to attend as he’s already informed them he is using a clause in his contract to leave. Barcelona, of course, dispute the validity of the clause.

It’s not clear yet what Barcelona will do in response to the latest development in Messi’s future or if they will sanction their captain as they did with Arthur when he failed to report back ahead of the Champions League.

Barcelona have so far made it clear they are not interested in selling Messi and don’t even want to sit down and talk with the captain about a possible exit, but the captain is sending a pretty strong message with his latest move.

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Rumor mill gets excited after Van de Beek misses Ajax match

He is/isn’t a target for Barcelona

The rumor mill got itself all excited on Saturday after Donny van de Beek was left out of the Ajax squad for their friendly against Eintracht Frankfurt.

De Telegraaf report the 23-year-old was “was unexpectedly missing” and added that, according to sources at the club, it was because of “developments” regarding his future.

The report speculates about interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester United and thinks that the midfielder has probably played his game for Ajax.

Van de Beek has been linked with a move to Barcelona since Ronald Koeman took charge, with Sport even reporting on Saturday that the midfielder is willing to wait for Barcelona.

However, a move to Barcelona was quickly shot down. Gerard Romero was quick to tweet he’s not a target which got Manchester United fans even more excited.

Certainly a move to Barcelona right now looks unlikely. The club still need to sell before they can buy and the only player who seems determined to go is the one they don’t want to sell.

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Minguella says ‘90% chance’ of Messi staying at Barca

Photo by Manu Fernandez/Pool via Getty Images

The captain’s future remains a huge talking point

Josep Maria Minguella, the agent who helped Lionel Messi join Barcelona, reckons there’s a strong chance the Argentina international will stay at the Camp Nou.

The Barcelona captain has made it pretty clear he wants to leave, but Barcelona do not want to sell their star player.

The two sides are also in disagreement over a clause in Messi’s contract. The forward believes it means he can leave for free, Barcelona think it expired in June.

Minguella has offered his view on the situation and explained why he thinks Messi is likely to stay.

“I understand that the contract remains totally in effect, that there hasn’t been any change in the dates.

“With the passing of time, there is contact between the two legal teams. Right now, Messi’s legal team don’t see the situation clearly.

“The interpretation of the clause stops any institution coming in to buy a player saying he is free. One day, there is the legal threat that they have to pay anything from one euro to 700million.

“There is a 90 per cent chance that Messi will continue at Barca.”

Source | Sport

There will be plenty of focus on the Barcelona training ground tomorrow. The first team are due back for PCR testing ahead of starting pre-season, and there are conflicting reports flying about as to whether Messi will attend.

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Gossip: Suarez to Atleti, Barca want Immobile, Juve eye Messi

Photo by Manu Fernandez/Pool via Getty Images

The transfer rumors are coming thick and fast

Atletico keen on Suarez

Today’s gossip starts with news that Atletico Madrid are thinking about making a move for Barcelona striker Luis Suarez, according to AS.

It won’t be financially easy for Atletico to do a deal, but they could join the running if Suarez is released from his Barcelona contract.

Simeone is said to be a big fan of Suarez, while the report suggests Atleti are hopeful the Uruguayan could have a similar impact to David Villa when he arrived in 2013.

Barcelona want Immobile

Over in Italy La Gazzetta dello Sport has been reporting that Barcelona like the look of Lazio striker Ciro Immobile.

The Catalan giants are struggling to bring Lautaro Martinez in from Inter and could turn their attentions to Immobile instead.

The 30-year-old finished the 2019-20 season as the top scorer in Serie A but has not yet agreed a new contract with Lazio.

Juventus ask about Messi

And finally we bring news that Juventus can be added to the list of clubs reportedly interested in signing Lionel Messi.

L’Equipe reckon the Italian champions have been in touch with Jorge Messi to talk about the possibility of landing the GOAT.

Apparently the Turin giants are thinking about pairing with Cristiano Ronaldo with Messi in an attempt to win the Champions League

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Memphis Depay responds to Barcelona rumors

Photo by Julian Finney - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

The Dutchman has been linked with a move to the Camp Nou

Memphis Depay has responded to rumors he is wanted at Barcelona by new manager Ronald Koeman.

The Dutchman is reportedly an option if Barcelona can’t land Lautaro Martinez this summer, and Depay spoke about his future after Lyon’s win over Dijon on Friday.

“At the moment I’m here, but I can dream of big clubs, we’ll see what happens,” he said.

“I do not see the future, I do not know if I will do the full season here. I have been here for four years, I became captain. After you have to look at your career, there is no Champions League. At the moment I don’t know.

“I have not spoken with him [Koeman] yet. He was very involved in my recovery, he came to see me in Rome. When I was training in Holland, he came to see me. Our relationship is good and now he is the coach of Barcelona. Personally, I am focused on Lyon.”

Depay bagged a hat-trick in Lyon’s win as Rudi Garcia’s side opened up their Ligue 1 campaign with a big win.

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FC Barcelona News: 29 August 2020

Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and transfer rumors

Pedri: "My aim is to enjoy myself playing football" - FC Barcelona
A Barça fan from a young age, Pedri has always stated his joy at receiving his big opportunity. In the programme he also took part in a series of games -such as trying to identify players from childhood photos.

A new session at the Ciutat Esportiva - FC Barcelona
As has become customary over the past few days, two groups of players are continuing their preparation for the start of the new season

Neymar and Angel Di Maria contact Lionel Messi over PSG move - Football Espana
Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly stepped up their efforts to sign Lionel Messi, with Neymar and Angel Di Maria contacting him over a move to France.

Lionel Messi requests Barcelona meeting to agree amicable exit - Football Espana
Lionel Messi will not reverse his decision to leave Barcelona this summer but wants to schedule a meeting with the club’s board so that he can secure an amicable exit.

Barcelona reject Messi meeting request and stand firm on €700m release clause - Football Espana
Barcelona will not accept a request from Lionel Messi to hold a meeting with the club to discuss his exit and they will only sanction his exit for his €700m release clause, claims Guillem Balague.

Liverpool forward Mane opens the door to Barcelona move - Football Espana
Liverpool forward Sadio Mane is open to a summer transfer to Barcelona and the Catalan giants are said to be keen on exploring a deal.

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Papers: Barcelona insist Messi is not for sale

Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

A look at the top headlines

Lionel Messi remains on the front pages in Spain on Saturday with the latest updates claiming Barcelona will simply refuse to sell the captain despite his desire to leave

Mundo Deportivo lead the way with ‘Not for Sale’ as their main headline and pictures of Messi and president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

MD report Barcelona remain adamant they will not let Messi go unless his €700 million buyout clause is met. The Catalans aren’t interested in player swap deals and are determined Messi will be part of Ronald Koeman’s “project.”

Over at Sport the headline is ‘Now Messi asks to negotiate a way out.’ The Catalan daily reports Messi wants a meeting but Bartomeu won’t sell.

Sport also report interest from Manchester City and PSG but also say Barcelona aren’t interested in player swap deals as they try to keep hold of their captain.

It’s a different story altogether at AS though. They report ‘Messi has a price’ and believe Barcelona could be tempted by a bid of €100 million plus three players.

AS are also reporting how Messi is changing strategy in his attempts to leave by wanting to talk to the club and avoid legal action. Messi is also considering not appearing for PCR testing on Sunday at the club ahead of the start of pre-season training.

And finally Marca are also talking about Messi trying to negotiate his exit but Barcelona doing their best to block him.

Marca report that Barcelona will only sit down and talk to Messi if it’s to discuss renewing his contract at the Camp Nou. They also report that at the moment there is “no short-term solution in sight.”

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Andres Iniesta sends message to Barcelona new-boy Pedri

Photo by Noelia Deniz/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images

The legend took time out to send good wishes

Andres Iniesta has sent a message to new signing Pedri who is settling into life at the Camp Nou following his move from Las Palmas.

Pedri, who has been likened to Iniesta by former boss Pepe Mel, has been in pre-season training with fellow new signings Francisco Trincao and Matheus Fernandes and the club’s returning loanees.

Iniesta has sent a video message to the 17-year-old sending him good wishes for his time at the club.

“Hi Pedri ! I’m Andrés , I wanted to wish you the best of luck, that everything goes great, that you enjoy the moment, that you learn a lot and that everything you want and for everything you fight for is fulfilled and I hope everything goes very well, a big hug.”

Source | FC Barcelona

Pedri has also been talking about his first few weeks at the club. The teenager says he already gets on very well with Trincao and Matheus and his top priority is to make his debut for his new club.

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Klopp talks Messi and Wijnaldum rumors

Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

The Liverpool boss offered his view on the speculation

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was asked about the futures of Lionel Messi and Georginio Wijnaldum in his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Klopp said Liverpool have “no chance” of landing Messi due to the costs involved but then spoke about the possibility of the Argentine playing for Pep Guardiola’s side.

“It would obviously help Manchester City and make it even more difficult to beat them, which was already very difficult. For the Premier League it would be great, 100 per cent, having the best player in the world in the league. The numbers are not for us. We don’t have to start thinking about it. No chance, but, good player to be honest!”

“I’m not sure the Premier League needs a boost but it would be a boost, for sure. It would be interesting to see as well. Messi never played in another league, other than Spain. Actually, I would like to see it - but I’m not sure I will.”

Klopp was also asked about Wijnaldum amid speculation new Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman wants to bring the Netherlands international to the Camp Nou.

“That’s an open contract situation, otherwise we would know. It’s all between us and the player, these kind of things. It’s all good at the moment, all fine. Gini played very well in pre-season and has obviously had a couple of good seasons for us. That’s all I can say about that.”

Wijnaldum’s current Liverpool deal expires in 2021 and he is yet to agree a new deal with the Premier League champions.

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Barcelona B sign defender Moussa Ndiaye

Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images

The teenager has a buyout clause set at €100 million

Barcelona announced on Friday they have signed 18-year-old center-back Moussa Ndiaye from the Aspire Academy Dreams in Senegal.

The teenager arrives on a three-year deal, with the option for two more seasons, for a fee of €500,000, plus variables. He has a buyout clause set at €100m.

❗ [ÚLTIMA HORA] El Barça B incorpora a Moussa Ndiaye

El defensa senegalés, de 18 años, llega procedente del Aspire Academy Dreams y firma por tres temporadas, ampliables dos más

Más info #ForçaBarça ❤https://t.co/R1Z17IOSsM

— FC Barcelona B (@FCBarcelonaB) August 28, 2020

Barcelona have offered some details on Ndiaye who will join up with Francisco Javier García Pimienta’s Barcelona B team for 2020-21.

“Ndiaye is a left sided defender who can play at both centre back and fullback. He is 1.78 metres tall and boasts great strength and speed -as shown in the Under-20s African Cup of Nations in 2019, in which he was named Player Of The Tournament. He also made his mark in the Under-20s World Cup in Poland, where Senegal reached the quarter finals before losing to South Korea on penalties.”

Barcelona B also unveiled new goalkeeper Alex Ruiz on Friday. The 19-year-old has signed for one season, with Inaki Pena expected to be promoted to the first team for next season.

[ÚLTIMA HORA] Álex Ruiz s’incorpora al Barça

El porter de la Damm, de 19 anys, signa per una temporada, ampliable una més, i s’incorpora al filial de Garcia Pimienta.

➡ https://t.co/irzp6OiEa0 ⬅#ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/rYfQ9NMIKO

— FC Barcelona B (@FCBarcelonaB) August 28, 2020

Barcelona B were back at work on Friday. The players underwent their usual medical checks and will have their first pre-season training session on Monday.

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Messi wants to meet with Barca to discuss friendly exit

Photo by Rafael Marchante/Pool via Getty Images

The captain wants to find an amicable way out

Lionel Messi reportedly wants to meet Barcelona for talks to try and find an amicable way out of the Camp Nou.

According to El Periodico, the captain remains determined to leave but does not want to go to war with the Catalan giants.

The two parties seem a long away apart at present. Messi thinks he can go for free because of a clause in his contract but Barcelona reckon it’s expired.

President Josep Maria Bartomeu has offered to resign if it will keep Messi at the Camp Nou but is reportedly completely unwilling to sanction his sale.

The president is also said to be unwilling to negotiate, meaning the only way Messi can leave is through his €700 million buyout clause which isn’t going to happen.

It’s not clear what will happen next or whether Messi will be able to convince Barcelona to soften their stance and negotiate a fee with interested clubs.

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Neymar reportedly called Messi about joining PSG

Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images

The two spoke about the future

Neymar reportedly gave his old buddy Lionel Messi a call about joining PSG. It’s been a few years since we’ve seen the dynamic duo play together, but that hasn’t stopped the rumors of Neymar coming to Barcelona and now Messi joining PSG.

Since Messi told Barcelona he wanted to leave the club, there have been a few teams linked with being able to move for him. PSG has been included in that list, mostly due to their ability to make money appear out of nowhere.

Neymar’s ability to lobby Lionel Messi to join him in Paris will be interesting. A move to the Premier League or Serie A will probably be more appealing for Messi on a team basis. However, a move to the French capital to join an old friend has its perks.

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Messi yet to respond to Bartomeu offer to resign

Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images

No word yet from the Barcelona captain

Josep Maria Bartomeu reportedly told Lionel Messi that he would resign if the captain decided to stay at Barcelona. The Barca president has been seen as one of the key reasons behind Messi’s decision to leave the club.

Messi and his dad were apparently told about this offer and haven’t yet responded. The two seem to be taking their time to consider all their options on the matter. Sport is reporting that Messi will make some sort of public statement soon, making his thoughts on the matter all the more clear.

Something has to give in the next couple of days. Sunday is the day wherein Messi is supposed to attend PCR tests. Then on Monday Ronald Koeman will have his first training session as Barcelona’s first team manager. We likely won’t have an official decision by Monday, but as they say, something gotta give.

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Lionel Messi, Barcelona and the end of an era

Photo by Miguel Ruiz/FC Barcelona via Getty Images

It’s time to start fresh and do it all over again

Carles Puyol and Victor Valdes left in 2014. Xavi left in 2015. Dani Alves left in 2016. Andres Iniesta left in 2018. Sergio Busquets is on his way out, so too Gerard Pique. And now, Lionel Messi, the king of kings, the golden ace, seems to be leaving Barcelona as well.

This isn’t how Messi was supposed to leave. He always wanted to end his career at Barca, but he needed to be on a team that would be competitive. This team, under this regime, is going nowhere. It hurts because it could’ve and should’ve ended so much better.

If this is indeed the end, it couldn’t have ended any worse; after suffering the club’s worst defeat in history. Messi deserved an emotional farewell in his home, a stadium overflowing with fans chanting his name one last time and millions watching in tears all over the world. Instead it was a burofax.

Photo by Manu Fernandez/Pool via Getty Images

He was supposed to say goodbye after delivering on his Champions League promise, not after the first trophyless season in years. Everything about this is just unfair, unfair to a player who has given everything he has to this club, unfair to the greatest player of all time.

This is not a send-off worthy of Leo Messi, but one that epitomizes the incompetence of the board and president Josep Maria Bartomeu. Bartomeu tried to make Messi a villain and a dictator in the public eye, but we know better, and it seems he does now, too.

By offering to resign for Messi to stay, Bartomeu has put the ball in Messi’s court and covered himself as usual. If Messi called for his resignation, then the president is a victim of his dictatorship, and if he leaves anyway, Bartomeu will be able to say he did everything he could.

The truth is that Leo is not a dictator, he is not power-hungry, and he is not a villain. He never wanted to be in charge of the decisions, all he wanted was for a competent board to make them. There is no doubt in my mind that if he had that, he’d be here until his legs gave up.

The Argentine was blamed for failure one too many times, and as much as it does hurt, no one can blame him for wanting to leave. He has stuck with Barca through the decline that has been coming ever since Bartomeu took over, but enough is enough.

His magic has never been seen before, and it will never be seen again. He deserves a chance to finish his career as a winner, not as a babysitter for a sinking ship in rebuild mode.

The possibility of finishing his career with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City as a Michael Jordan-like “Last Dance” is attractive to all fans, and I’m sure it’s attractive to him. If that is the path he chooses to take, I wish him nothing but the best, and it may turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Barcelona.

Don’t get me wrong, I hope with all my heart that he stays, but it is undeniable that he is getting older and his work-rate has slowed in recent years. He needs a team that will mould itself to make him shine brightest, something that Guardiola can and has already given him.

New manager Ronald Koeman doesn’t seem to want to give him that, as he begins a total rebuild that values the team over anything else. That is fair, but it underestimates Messi’s monumental impact on the team.

Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

There have been ends of eras before at the club, and there have been massive players who left where we thought the damage would be irreparable. Johan Cruyff and Ronaldinho come to mind. However, each time Barca has bounced back, and we will bounce back again.

But this is a departure unlike any other, especially because there is no plan in place, one of Bartomeu’s countless faults. It seemed Neymar could be that guy, but he left and was never replaced, yet another of Bartomeu’s faults.

However, in a year there will be a new president, and the club can truly begin its new era. Messi was always going to leave eventually, and there are potential presidents out there who have clear ideas on how to replace him, even if our current one doesn’t.

The simple answer is La Masia, as well as other young players, and it will take time, but Barcelona will find success again. It’ll just have to be without Messi.

Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images

We will miss him unlike any other, and his departure will be felt unlike any other. I’ll say it again, the worst part of this is not that he’s leaving, it’s how he’s leaving, but this is the reality that has been created by Bartomeu, the worst president we have ever had.

The fact that he’ll go down as one of the club’s most successful presidents trophy-wise speaks volumes about Messi and what he’s been able to do with this team. But it’s time to move on.

For someone who grew up watching the magic of this golden generation, it seems hard to believe there will ever be a team like 2011. This era will never be forgotten, but it’s onto the next one now.

To Valdes, to Pique, to Busquets, to Puyol, to Xavi, to Iniesta, and especially to Messi: all we can say is thank you. Thank you for showing us why we call football “The Beautiful Game,” and thank you for giving every ounce of your heart and soul to Barca. Thank you for everything.

Now, as the curtain closes over the best period in our history, we must look to the past in order to build our future.

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Rumors: Koeman keen on Wijnaldum, Juve eye Suarez

Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

A look at the latest gossip

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman reportedly remains keen to bring Georginio Wijnaldum to the Camp Nou from Liverpool, while rumors of interest from Juventus in Luis Suarez have returned.

Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Wijnaldum is one of Barca’s “great objectives in the current transfer window and is seen as an affordable option because his contract expires in 2021.

Barca would need to shift Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal first and haven’t yet made an official approach for Wijnaldum, according to Goal. The Dutchman is also not pushing for a move but is keeping his options open.

As for Suarez, Di Marzio reports that Juventus want to bring in the Uruguay international from Barcelona as a free agent.

Suarez is reportedly asking for €25 million as part of a severance package to end his deal early after being told by Koeman he’s not in his plans.

Juve are looking for a new No. 9 to replace Gonzalo Higuain in Turin.

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