Gala boss makes Inaki Pena prediction after keeper joins on loan

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‘He is one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe’

Galatasaray boss Domènec Torrent has been talking up Inaki Pena after the goalkeeper completed a loan move from Barcelona B.

The 22-year-old will spend the rest of the season with the Turkish side and has already said he’s looking forward to learning from Fernando Muslera.

Torrent says that Pena had lots of offers this winter and is expecting the youngster to be Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s back-up next season at the Camp Nou.

“He will be Barcelona’s second goalkeeper behind Ter Stegen from next season. He is one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe. Many offers came from La Liga and Barcelona rejected them all,” he said.

“We spoke with a lot of people from Barcelona. He himself was not interested in the offers, but only the offer from Galatasaray. The first option in his mind was Galatasaray.

“Our goalkeeping coach worked with him for six or seven years. You will see Iñaki Peña in Barcelona’s starting eleven in many games next season.

“The reason why there is talk of six months is that Barcelona needs him next season. He comes knowing Muslera’s situation, that he will be able to play in a month or a month and a half. Despite that, he accepted the challenge.”

Source | Diario Sport

Pena will be hoping for some game time at Galatasaray after completing his move and could well get a chance soon with Muslera currently out with a serious knee injury.

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Deadline Day: Aubameyang arrives, Dembele stays at Barca

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The window has now closed

The January transfer window has finally closed with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang having reportedly completed his move to Barcelona on a free transfer, while Ousmane Dembele remains at the Camp Nou.

It was something of a rollercoaster final day of the window for the Gabon international with a move seeming to break down before being resurrected late in the day.

Aubameyang passed a medical on Monday evening and the deal is apparently done.

We’ve not had official confirmation yet, and there’s no rush because it’s a free transfer, but it is expected on Tuesday.

Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang joins Barcelona, done deal and here we go. Contract agreed and now set to be signed by Aubameyang in Barcelona headquarters. Medical successfully completed. #FCB

Arsenal will save his huge salary as they wanted. Deal in place. #AFC #DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/IZEDCj2Zky

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2022

Meanwhile, Dembele has stayed at Barcelona despite reports of interest from PSG, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day.

There are now reports coming out that Barcelona chiefs and Xavi will meet on Tuesday to discuss Dembele’s situation at the club.

It’s thought the club aren’t particularly happy Dembele hasn’t managed to find a way out, after being told to leave, and could even think about terminating his contract.

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Iñaki Pena confirms Galatasaray loan

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The youngster is off to Turkey

Barcelona goalkeeper Iñaki Peña confirmed the news we were expecting this week. The youngster spoke to reporters after landing in Istanbul and confirmed he would be joining Turkish side Galatasaray on loan till the end of the season.

“It makes me very happy to play with a player like Fernando Muslera, I can learn a lot from him,” he said.

“My future at Galatasaray is uncertain for now, I don’t know what will happen at the end of the season.”

Peña | Diario AS

Barcelona are yet to make the deal official but it’s thought it will be a straight loan without a purchase option and Pena will return at the end of the season.

It remains an important piece of player development to loan out young guys not getting adequate playing time. Peña is a nice player, and at 22-years-old he needs all the time between the posts he can get. Hopefully, the spell at Galatasaray sees some nice development take place.

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Barcelona’s Aubameyang talks break down - report

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The striker’s salary is a problem

Barcelona’s proposed loan move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reportedly looks to be off after negotiations between the two clubs broke down.

Aubameyang has been spotted in Barcelona earlier today and there had been reports he would have a medical at the club on Monday afternoon.

However, it’s now being reported that “the proposed loan deal has collapsed due to a disagreement over the planned salary coverage for the next six months.”

The update comes from the usually reliable David Ornstein at The Athletic who adds that “barring a late change in Barcelona’s financial proposal” the deal is definitely off.

The report also reckons that Aubameyang is now returning to London after what was only a “family trip to the Spanish city.”

Aubameyang had reportedly been willing to take a pay cut to join the Catalan giants and seemed pretty keen on the move after failing out with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.

However, it seems that Barcelona still couldn’t make the numbers work and the 32-year-old will not be arriving at the Camp Nou.

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Aubameyang in Barcelona ahead of possible loan move

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The striker’s flown in on deadline day

Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been spotted in Barcelona ahead of a rumored loan move to the Camp Nou.

The striker was caught on video coming out of the airport on Monday morning before promptly getting into a car and heading off.

LA BOMBA DEL DÍA en @JijantesFC

La llegada de @Auba al PRAT

#mercato pic.twitter.com/6PecvqkYzc

— Gerard Romero (@gerardromero) January 31, 2022

Barcelona are hoping to complete the transfer of Aubameyang before the window closes tonight with Arsenal willing to let the former captain leave.

Reports in Spain have stated that Aubameyang is willing to play for “practically nothing” to secure a move after falling out with Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta.

The latest report comes from ESPN who reckon the two clubs are still “discussing how much of his £250k-per-week wages the Spanish giants can pay.”

Barcelona have apparently told the Gunners they “can only pay a small portion of the player’s salary and are awaiting a response from the north London club.”

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has reported that “the deal is expected to go through only if the Catalan club can move at least one player out.”

One player who is expected to leave is Inaki Pena. There are also plenty of conflicting rumors about Ousmane Dembele and you can expect plenty more as the day progresses...

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‘Totally improbable’ - Le Parisien rules out Dembele joining PSG

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It’s deadline day!

Ousmane Dembele’s name will crop up a lot on deadline day but the view from the French capital is that the forward will not be moving to Paris Saint-Germain before the window closes tonight.

The latest update comes from Le Parisien who are reporting that it’s “totally improbable or even impossible” for Dembele to move to PSG today.

There had been talk of Barca wanting €20 million for the 24-year-old or even entering into a swap deal with the Ligue 1 side but Le Parisien thinks those reports are wide of the mark.

“PSG has not planned any new arrivals” this winter is the argument, particularly in attack where Mauricio Pochettino has plenty of options to choose from.

Back in Spain there is a report from Diario Sport about Barca setting a deadline of 8pm tonight to sort out Dembele’s future.

The report reckons there is interest in Dembele from Premier League clubs and mentions three clubs: Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

It seems Barca are pushing hard to offload Dembele on deadine day but it’s going to be a difficult to do a deal, particularly with precious little time left to negotiate.

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FC Barcelona News: 31 January 2022

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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

Barça's returning youth players - FC Barcelona
Several Barça players have now left before sealing a return to the Club. The list continues to grow with Adama's return, who left Barça in summer 2015 bound for Aston Villa and the English Premier League.

PSG and Barcelona negotiating over Ousmane Dembele - SPORT
Paris Saint Germain and Barcelona are negotiating over Ousmane Dembele. They are best placed to sign the winger from Barcelona in January, SPORT have learned.

Barcelona trying to push Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang deal over the line - SPORT
Barcelona are close to agreeing on a deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to sign before the transfer window closes on Monday night. Per the Athletic, conversations between Arsenal and Barcelona are focused on a loan deal for the rest of the season. Auba has a contract until 2023 with the Gunners, but is out of favour, has been punished for ill-discipline and been stripped of the captaincy.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang accepts coming to Barça almost for free - SPORT
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has shown his desire to play for Barcelona is huge. Not for money, but to re-state his case as one of the world’s best strikers. Barcelona are trying to get Ousmane Dembele out and then they will be able to go for the Gabonese forward on loan from Arsenal.

Inaki Peña is a Galatasaray player, pending confirmation - SPORT
Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Peña is now a Galatasaray player. They have loaned him to the Turkish club until the end of the season without an option to buy.

Frenkie de Jong: Barça is not the best club in the world but it's the most beautiful - SPORT
He is in the eye of the hurricane but Frenkie de Jong is still convinced he can hit his best form in a Barcelona shirt. In an interview with NOS Sports the midfielder looked at Barcelona’s season so far.

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Aubameyang willing to play for ‘practically nothing’ at Barca - report

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The striker could join on loan

Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly willing to play for “practically nothing” in order to seal a loan move to Barcelona.

There have been multiple reports that Barcelona are close to completing a temporary deal for the striker and the only real issue to be addressed is who will pay Aubameyang’s salary.

Diario Sport are now reporting the Gabon international is so willing to make the move he will take a huge pay cut to get the deal over the line.

There had been talk that Aubameyang can only sign if Ousmane Dembele leaves, but it seems that this is not the case and there is some room on the wage bill.

Aubameyang won’t be the only player to take a pay cut to move to Barca. New signings Ferran Torres and Adama Traore have both moved on reduced salaries, while Dani Alves is said to be earning the lowest salary permitted by La Liga.

Meanwhile, it shouldn’t be forgotten that first-teamers Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Samuel Umtiti have all agreed pay-cuts this year to help the club out during their current financial crisis.

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Ajax reject Barcelona’s Tagliafico offer - report

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The club didn’t want any of the players offered

Barcelona’s hopes of landing left-back Nicolas Tagliafico from Ajax before the transfer window closes look to be slipping away after the Eredivisie side rejected an offer from the Catalan giants.

Tagliafico has seemingly been really keen to leave Ajax, after falling down the pecking order, and moving to Barcelona to offer some competition to Jordi Alba.

Barca spoke to Ajax about a loan and offered the club some players in exchange but “none of the players offered convinced Marc Overmars,” as reported by Diario Sport.

Ajax have now decided they only want a straight fee for Tagliafico which is something Barcelona can’t make work financially.

Marca are reportedly that talks between the two clubs are now completely off and there’s no chance of Tagliafico being granted his wish of moving to Barcelona.

The report adds that Barca are focused on strengthening the attack and will only go for a defender if there are any funds left over.

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Dembele to PSG rumors emerge ahead of deadline day

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Could we be in for some late drama?

Time is rapidly running out in the January transfer window which means all sorts of rumors are cropping up right now and Ousmane Dembele’s name is starting to feature once again.

Foot Mercato are reporting that PSG have a “verbal agreement” with Dembele and are trying to sort everything out before the window closes on Monday night.

If they can’t get the deal done then they’ll wait until the summer when Dembele will be a free agent after his Barca contract expires.

Journalist Gerard Romero is also talking about PSG and Dembele. He reckons Barca are asking for €20 million, while PSG could throw in Mauro Icardi as part of the deal.

Diario Sport are also reporting on negotiations between the two clubs and describe the operation as “red hot” but don’t really offer any details.

And then there’s good old Fabrizio Romano who reckons there’s been talk of a “swap deal” between Barca and PSG but no agreement found yet. More talks are appparently planned.

Barcelona and PSG have a little over 24 hours to try and find an agreement, otherwise the 24-year-old will see out the rest of the season at the Camp Nou.

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Barca ‘close’ to agreeing deal for Aubameyang - report

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The transfer could happen on Monday

Barcelona are reportedly close to agreeing a loan deal for Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

A move has been rumored for a few days now but there seems to be growing optimism that a transfer can be completed before the window closes on Monday.

The Athletic are reporting that “progress has been made in talks between all three parties” and the transfer has “advanced significantly” over the weekend.

The report adds the main problem now is to find out who is going to cover the striker’s enormous £350,000-a-week salary.

Arsenal aren’t thought to be asking for a loan fee but want Barca to cover as much of the salary as possible which may be tricky for the Catalan giants.

Interestingly, The Athletic also claim “reports that Barcelona could not land Aubameyang unless they shifted Ousmane Dembele are thought to be wide of the mark.”

All of which means that if Arsenal and Barca can find an agreement on Aubameyang’s salary the deal should go through.

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Frenkie: Barca is still the most beautiful club in the world

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The midfielder has spoken out

Frenkie de Jong has been talking about his form and Barcelona’s season once again and has made it clear he’s still happy at the Camp Nou despite speculation over his future at the club.

The Dutchman was interviewed after Barca’s defeat to Athletic in the Copa del Rey and admits he has been somewhat surprised by the club’s recent troubles but it’s not changed his view of the Catalan giants.

“I was surprised, but I still hold Barcelona in the same regard. It is not the best right now, but it is still the most beautiful club in the world,” he said.

“I have always wanted to play for Barcelona, it came true. Now it’s just about making sure that this dream will become as beautiful as possible.”

De Jong was also typically honest about his form and opened up a bit on where he feels he needs to play to be at his best.

“I think I can show more. One moment I was in better shape than the other. I think I can bring a lot more for the team. I can excel a lot more,” he added.

“I am at my best when I get the ball a lot, especially during the first build-up phase, but also just after that. There have been periods when I had to wait longer. When I was the only one who got the ball in the final phase. Then there were times when I did not get the ball at all. That is not where my strength lies.”

Source | NOS

De Jong is under a bit of pressure for his place in the starting XI for the first time since he joined Barcelona with youngsters Pedri, Nico, and Gavi all around now and battling hard for minutes.

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Alejandro Balde forced off with injury during Barcelona B clash

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More frustration for the young defender

Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde picked up an ankle injury and had to be replaced during Barca’s mini-Clasico clash against Real Madrid on Saturday.

The 18-year-old started the match but was replaced with less than 10 minutes on the clock at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.

Balde picked up the injury after a heavy tackle from Santos. The defender was able to walk off but looked in some distress as he went off.

Alejandro Balde devastated after picking up injury pic.twitter.com/bDyYSVeJLO

— 9CAMPNOU (@9Campnou) January 29, 2022

It’s another tough blow for the youngster who has made six first-team appearances this season but is having a frustrating campaign.

Balde suffered a back injury at the start of the season which forced him out just when it looks as though he’d get a chance to impress in the first team as Jordi Alba was also sidelined.

The youngster was then sidelined again just after Christmas after testing positive for Covid-19 along with a host of other players at the Camp Nou.

There has been speculation that Balde could be included in a deal to bring in Nicolas Tagliafico in January but the defender reportedly isn’t interested in leaving.

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FC Barcelona News: 30 January 2022

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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

Adama Traoré comes to FC Barcelona on loan - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona and Wolverhampton Wanderers have reached an agreement for the loan of the player Adama Traoré until 30 June 2022. The blaugranes will pay the player's wages and there is an option to make the deal permanent.

Adama Traoré thrilled to be back - FC Barcelona
Returning star tells Barça TV how excited he is to return to the place where he grew up and how he plans to work hard for the team

The three stats where FC Barcelona are best - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona are continuing to improve and climb the table in La Liga as they are now just a point off Champions League qualification. Barça have take 11 points from the last 15 on offer with three wins and two draws with four of those games coming away from home.

WOMEN: FC Barcelona 4-0 Betis: Oshoala hat-trick in spectacular win - FC Barcelona
The Barça women have continued their relentless march through the Liga Iberdrola by putting four goals past Real Betis in a game preceded by an emotional tribute to Kety Pulido, who captained the team to its first Copa de la Reina in 1994 and passed away this week.

FC Barcelona B 2-2 Real Madrid Castilla: Reaction just in time - FC Barcelona
Barça B produced a comeback against Real Madrid Castilla in Saturday’s 'Miniclásico' at the Estadio Johan Cruyff to salvage a 2-2 draw after going 2-0 down, with the equaliser coming in dramatic fashion right at the end.

Dembélé has transfer options ahead of Monday night's deadline - Football Espana
Ousmane Dembélé doesn’t appear to be short of options as we head into the final days of the January transfer window. Clubs around Europe have just over two days to conclude their transfer business ahead of going with what they have for the rest of the season.

Barcelona make one final attempt to land Ajax defender Tagliafico - Football Espana
Barcelona are making one final assault to sign Ajax full-back Nicolas Tagliafico. The Blaugrana have been pretty active during this window despite their financial issues, with Ferran Torres arriving on a big-money deal and Adama Traore joining on loan. And with two days remaining in the transfer window, they may not be done just yet.

Atletico Madrid block Barcelona's bid to sign Alvaro Morata - Football Espana
Atletico Madrid are said to have blocked Barcelona’s attempt to sign Alvaro Morata. Barca have been targeting Morata throughout this window as they look to strengthen their striker department.

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Inaki Pena set to join Galatasaray on loan - report

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The stopper is set for a new challenge

Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena is closing in on a loan move to Turkish side Galatasaray and should complete his transfer before the January window closes on Monday.

The youngster is wanted by Catalan coach Domènec Torrent to replace stopper Fernando Muslera who is out for a while with a knee injury.

Reports in Turkey reckon the loan is already agreed, while Mundo Deportivo add that there is no purchase option and Pena’s intention is to return at the end of the season.

Inaki has been with the first-team squad for a while now but it still waiting for his big chance to impress and now seems to have decided to go and find first-team football elsewhere.

Both Pena and Neto have both been linked with moves away but the youngster’s departure suggests his Brazilian team-mate will see out the season at the Camp Nou now.

It seems like this will be Neto’s last season at Barcelona though and if he does depart it offers the chance for Pena to be Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s back-up next season.

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Barcelona growing pessimistic about Dembele exit - report

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Time is running out

Barcelona are reportedly growing pessimistic about the chances of offloading Ousmane Dembele before the transfer window closes on Monday.

The Frenchman’s been told to leave after failing to agree a contract extension but there have been no offers received yet, according to Diario AS.

Mateu Alemany is said to be “working against the clock” to try and find a solution because the last thing Barca want is for Dembele to stay and sit in the stands for the rest of the campaign.

Time is rapidly running out to find a new club for Dembele with the January window due to close at midnight in Spain on Monday night.

There are lots of Dembele rumors flying about right now. Sport reckon Barca have withdrawn their last offer which was a one-year extension which allowed the forward to leave in the summer for €10 million.

The news means that if the Frenchman does decide he wants to stay after all, he would have to renegotiate all over again with Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Barca have no news on Dembele and that his agent is no longer in the city with 48 hours left to go in the transfer window.

The ever-unreliable Daily Mail has a more excitable report and reckons two “unnamed” Premier League are keen but provides no other new information whatsoever.

You can probably expect a lot more of that kind of thing before the window closes on Monday.

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Adama Traore’s hoping to bring happiness to Barcelona

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The new signing has spoken

Adama Traore has given his first interview after completing a loan move back to Barcelona from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The winger has returned to the Camp Nou after seven years away and there’s even an option in the transfer to make the move permanent.

Adama says he’s delighted to head home and wants to bring happiness to the fans with his performances on the pithc.

“I’m so happy to come back here. I think it’s been a long time. So for me it’s a special moment because it’s been many years,” he said.

“I grew up here in his town with my family and friends and so i’m very happy and it’s a special moment. After that I would like to give back that happiness on the pitch.”

Source | Barca TV

The new signing will be hoping to make his first appearance since returning in Barca’s next match against Atletico Madrid next Sunday. He could wear the No. 11 or the No. 25 shirt or even the No. 7 is Ousmane Dembele departs before the window closes.

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OFFICIAL: Adama Traore joins Barcelona on loan

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The deal is done

Barcelona have confirmed that Adama Traore has returned to the club on loan from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Adama 2.0 #MadeInLaMasia pic.twitter.com/zXi1mpeTZR

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 29, 2022

The deal has been rumored for a few days but has now been made official, with the 26-year-old heading back to the Camp Nou for the rest of the 2021-22 season.

Adama has reportedly taken a pay cut to join Barcelona and the deal includes a purchase option which is believed to be around €30m.

Here’s the club’s official statement:

“FC Barcelona and Wolverhampton Wanderers have reached an agreement for the loan of the player Adama Traoré until 30 June 2022. The blaugranes will pay the player’s wages and there is an option to make the deal permanent.

“The presentation of Adama Traoré as a new FC Barcelona player will be on Wednesday 2 February behind closed doors. The club will announce further details shortly.”

Welcome back to Barcelona, Adama Traore!

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Miralem Pjanic says he’d like to stay at Besiktas

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The midfielder is currently on loan

Miralem Pjanic has been talking about his future and has suggested he could be tempted to stay at Besiktas once his loan deal expires.

The midfielder left Barcelona last summer on a season-long loan, although the deal does not include a purchase option.

However, Pjanic says he’s happy at the Turkish club and his preference would be to stay.

“We are happy here. I have a two-year contract with Barcelona and at the end of the season I will return,” he said.

“I have a good relationship with the Besiktas fans and if it was up to me, of course I prefer to stay here. Now I am at a high level, as I want. Since the arrival of the new coach, we are better.

“Barcelona is a great club. A club that everyone respects. I’m happy at Besiktas. Turkey is a beautiful country. Besiktas is a great club. I want to continue being a Besiktas footballer.”

Source | Diario AS

Pjanic has been able to play regularly at Besiktas, something he couldn’t do at Barcelona, and has made 19 appearances in total this season.

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Signing Adama is a curious piece of business by Barca

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The winger is set to join on loan

This getting the band back together lark has gone too far now.

It was acceptable when Dani Alves was signed, and the various other incidents that were harking back to Laporta’s glory years.

Re-signing Adama Traore has taken things a step too far, however.

We’re told that he will only cost the club £350,000 for his six-month loan and if he does well, then a €30m fee for his services will be the cost to sign him permanently.

That might be seen as a bargain in this day and age, but I have to be convinced because I can see absolutely no upside to this transfer whatsoever. Whatsoever.

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

For far too long now all we’ve seen from the wide man is this incredible burst of speed followed by aimless balls into the box, with no real accuracy.

He doesn’t score anywhere near enough goals and his assists rate isn’t that much better either. In 160 Premier League games he has 8 goals, 14 assists, 22 big chances created and a shot accuracy of just 28%.

Adama Traore's #PL stats.

Apps: 160
⚽️ Goals: 8
️Assists: 14

Will he be missed Wolves fans?#WWFC pic.twitter.com/o9raAEsI4h

— PremStat (@prem_stat) January 28, 2022

Maybe the pace of the Spanish game will suit him better, though Xavi has a real job on his hands trying to refine and retune his skill set.

Will he bully players out of possession and give the blaugranes an outlet like they’ve not had in years? Absolutely.

Barcelona are better than that though. Much better.

I’m prepared to eat my words and my non-existent hat if Adama comes good back at Camp Nou.

If he can add goals and assists to his interplay, then his signing really would be something to shout about.

Perhaps, in the current financial climate at the club, he’s the best we can do. He does at least know the club and how it work, so in terms of a bedding in process, it should be relatively short.

If you had told Middlesbrough fans in 2017/18 that both Martin Braithwaite and Adama Traoré would both be playing together for Barça in about four years, you would have got some very strange looks. pic.twitter.com/ikgEvuzpEd

— Matthew Clark (@MattClark_08) January 27, 2022

But I’m clutching at straws here.

Does his hire mean that Dembele might actually be on his way this month, or will this be another knock to the French World Cup winner’s confidence. ‘THIS is who we’re playing instead of you, pal.’

By and large, maybe it doesn’t matter too much who Barcelona bring in at this point as long as they all get the job done.

It’s fourth place or nothing for the club and if Adama helps achieve that then he will have served a purpose if nothing else.

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FC Barcelona News: 29 January 2022

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

Another session at the Ciutat Esportiva - FC Barcelona
The available first team players worked out on Friday morning local time at pitch 2 of the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Xavi Hernández's squad have trained for the final time this week as they will rest over the weekend before returning to action Monday to prepare for their next game which comes in La Liga against Atlético Madrid on Sunday 6 February at 4.15pm CET.

Barcelona could lose Dembélé and three more ahead of deadline - Football Espana
Barcelona could still facilitate four exits ahead of the end of the January transfer window. Less than three days remain in the current window, which is set to slam shut on Monday night. It has already been a busy window for Barca, who have signed Ferran Torres, while the loan signing of Adama Traore is pending.

Fati aiming to return from latest injury setback within 60 days - Football Espana
Barcelona star Ansu Fati has a clear aim as he looks to recover from his injury setback. It has been a torrid time for the young striker, who has missed much of the last year through injury issues. Fati missed around nine months with a knee injury before returning and suffering a from a hamstring issue.

Barcelona eye Aubameyang as Morata alternative as deadline approaches - Football Espana
Barcelona could consider a shock transfer as they look to strengthen the top end of the field further. The Blaugrana have been surprisingly active in the transfer window so far, and they may not be done.

Barcelona won't be forced to activate option to buy in Traore deal - Football Espana
Barcelona will not be forced to sign Adama Traore permanently at the end of this season. Traore is on the verge of completing a move to the Blaugrana as part of a loan deal until the end of the season. The winger came through Barca’s La Masia academy before leaving for England back in 2015, but he now returns to his home town having grown up very close to Camp Nou.

Pedri opens up on Barcelona rise and injury struggles - Football Espana
Barcelona starlet Pedri says he wouldn’t change how much he played last season despite the injury issues that followed. Pedri burst onto the scene last season to win a regular spot in Ronald Koeman’s first-team plans. He played a pivotal role and also became a starter for Spain ahead of Euro 2020.

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This Week in Barça B: Frustration

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Two bad results ahead of a crucial Mini Clásico

Sergi Barjuan and Barça B had a full fortnight to prepare for a crucial week of matches in the Third Division. The Mini Clásico against Real Madrid Casilla is this Saturday, and Barça had two tune-up games against relegation candidates to pick up some points, and get some much-needed confidence for a huge game this weekend.

The first challenge was against UCAM Murcia at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, and Barça started pretty well with a goal after five minutes and a 2-1 lead going into halftime. But the home team fell asleep in the second half and allowed Murcia to equalize in a very frustrating match that, like so many this season, Barça should have easily won but somehow didn’t.

⚽ El resum de l'empat d'ahir contra l'UCAM Murcia (2-2) a l'Estadi Johan Cruyff

Revive los goles de Matheus e Ilias Akhomach en el empate de ayer ante el UCAM Murcia#ForçaBarça ❤ pic.twitter.com/U2sOh7ePPB

— FC Barcelona B (@FCBarcelonaB) January 23, 2022

There was no time to rest and Barça had a chance to finally return to winning ways when they traveled to 19th-place Costa Brava. Barjuan’s team dominated possession but offered zero attacking threat, and somehow found themselves down 2-0 to the second-worst team in the division.

That was when Ferran Jutglà, who was back at Barça B with the first team not in action during the international break, showed that he’s too good for this level and scored twice in the second half, including a last-second equalizer to rescue a depressing point.

⌚ Bon dia, culers

Així va ser l'empat del Barça B amb un doblet de @JutglaFerran UE Costa Brava (2-2)

Un doblete de Ferran Jutglà nos dió un punto en Palamós#ForçaBarça ❤ pic.twitter.com/w1SvqvJoHn

— FC Barcelona B (@FCBarcelonaB) January 26, 2022

Thanks to the two bad draws against two bad teams, Barça have been overtaken by a mediocre Real Madrid in the standings ahead of their meeting at the Catalan capital. There is some serious debate starting to happen about Barjuan’s job status after several weeks of poor performances and even worse results, and you have to wonder what will happen if the Mini Clásico ends badly for Barça.

Meanwhile the transfer window remains open, and it’s not just the main squad that is going through changes right now: Barça B have made a new signing in 20-year-old defender Alpha Dionkou, who came through the Manchester City academy and spent the first half of the season on loan at Segunda B side San Fernando, one of Barça B’s rivals in the Third Division.

Dionkou will sign on a permanent transfer and provide some needed depth at right-back, with Guillem Jaime the only player in that position in the squad and one who is starting to get noticed by Xavi Hernández and the first team staff. As Dionkou arrives, one player could be on his way out as midfielder Kays Ruiz is reportedly on the transfer list.

Ruiz returned to Barça from PSG in the summer in a high-profile transfer and was given a generous contract by the club, but between Covid, injuries and some alleged attitude issues, the 19-year-old has struggled to earn his spot in the team and the club has until Monday to find a new home for Ruiz, who has made just five appearances for Barça B this season.

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This Week in Barça Femení: First Trophy

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A perfect Sunday

Barcelona’s all-conquering women’s team have won their first trophy of the season, and they did it the only way they know how: total destruction. After a hard-fought semi-final win in El Clásico against Real Madrid, Barça Femení faced Atlético Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup title match.

Atleti eliminated Barça from the Supercopa last year, and it was clear from the very start that the Blaugrana wanted revenge. Barça gave the Colchoneras absolutely no chance, and Caroline Graham Hansen scored a hat-trick to lead her team to a spectacular 7-0 win and the first piece of silverware of 2022.

[HIGHLIGHTS] #BarçaAtleti (7-0) #SupercopaFemenina pic.twitter.com/jPwbgYZet9

— FC Barcelona Femení (@FCBfemeni) January 23, 2022

If seven goals and a title wasn’t enough, Barça finished a perfect Sunday with a beautiful gesture: Atlético star Virginia Torrecilla returned to the pitch for the first time in almost two years since undergoing surgery for a brain tumor, and she was celebrated by her former Barça teammates in a truly awesome moment.

Virginia Torrecilla's appearance in the Spanish Super Cup final was her first for Atletico Madrid since undergoing surgery for a brain tumour.

Opponents Barcelona threw her in the air at full time to celebrate.

Football family ❤️

@FCBfemeni pic.twitter.com/39jSdE8hIb

— GOAL (@goal) January 23, 2022

Following Sunday’s festivities Barça enjoyed a rare full week of training in preparations, and they are back in action in the Primera División with a home match against Real Betis. Captain Alexia Putellas will not be available for this weekend because of knee discomfort, but there are no real concerns and the world’s best player will benefit from a weekend off as her teammates are massive favorites to continue their perfect start to the season.

And another chapter was added the biggest transfer story involving Femení this week: Arsenal superstar Vivianne Miedema revealed in an interview that he has spoken to Barça and Paris Saint-Germain about a free transfer this summer, but is yet to make a decision on her future.

“In the coming weeks I have to get a certain feeling for the right club, [but] the door to Arsenal is definitely not closed yet.

“I want to win the Champions League. I want to get the most out of it [her career]. That means I may have to take the next step. I’m 25 and that’s still quite young, but I’ve been around for a while.

“The years to come should officially be my peak years. I have to spend it somewhere at a club that best suits my ambitions.”

Source: AD via Eurosport

Miedema is a brilliant striker who would be a great addition even to the best team in the world, and Barça signing her on a free transfer would be an absolute steal. But PSG are also an excellent destination in women’s football, and this will continue to be a fascinating transfer saga.

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Barcelona worried about Memphis Depay injury - report

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The Dutchman remains sidelined

Injuries have been an issue for Barcelona throughout the 2021-22 season and continue to cause a few headaches. Ansu Fati has been ruled out after another relapse, while Barcelona are also worried about Memphis Depay.

The Dutchman has missed eight of Barca’s 10 ten games due to physical issues and the club are worried about the situation, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The report reveals that Memphis is continuing to have problems with his left thigh which is making Xavi very cautious and unwilling to take any risks, particularly with Fati out and Ousmane Dembele’s future uncertain.

Barca think that Memphis’ continued discomfort means he is suffering from muscular overloads which could put him at risk of “fibrillar rupture.”

Xavi and Dr Ricard Pruna have therefore urged “extreme precaution” with Memphis ahead of a hectic February with crucial games against Atletico Madrid in La Liga and Napoli in Europa League.

Indeed MD even reckon that the situation with Memphis, plus Ansu’s injury, is another reason why Adama Traore will arrive and why Barca still want to add a striker too before the close of the transfer window.

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Adama Traore: I’m very happy to be back at Barçelona

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The winger is set to join on loan

Adama Traore was back at Barcelona for a medical on Friday ahead of completing a loan move back to the Catalan giants.

The Wolves winger was spotted at a hospital in the city before heading over to the Ciutat Esportiva for a few more tests before sealing the deal.

Adama Traoré in Barcelona in order to complete his move from Wolves. €30m buy option clause included, not mandatory. #FCB

⤵️ @victor_nahe x Cope pic.twitter.com/tWYBf3TbxC

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 28, 2022

Adama was stopped by reporters at TV3 and didn’t want to say much but did basically confirm the deal was going ahead. He said only, “I’m very happy to be back at Barcelona.”

Barcelona are expected to announce the deal shortly and unveil Adama as the club’s latest January signing on Monday at the Camp Nou.

It’s been reported he will spend the rest of the season on loan at Barcelona, and the deal will include a non-mandatory purchase option set at around €30 million.

Adama will join Ferran Torres and Dani Alves as new signings at the club this winter and there is talk there could be one more before the window closes.

However, Barca will have their work cut out bringing anyone else in as they’ll need to find some room on the wage bill first.

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Pedri believes in Xavi’s vision: He’s going to bring us joy

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The midfielder’s been talking about the new boss

If there’s one person we didn’t have to doubt would support Xavi through thick and thin, it’s Pedri. The young Spaniard is the perfect mentee for Xavi to shepherd through the strains of life as a Barca star, and Pedri admits it’s a privilege to have the club legend as his boss.

“As a Barcelonista, it’s pride, as a footballer and a midfielder like me, a privilege,” he said.

“I didn’t know Xavi personally and, although I didn’t have doubts, in the day-to-day, he demonstrates that he knows football like few others.

“It’s clear to me that we are all going to learn and improve at his side, as much as individuals as a team.

“With him, and with the team he is forming, we are going to have a lot of joy.”

Pedri | Source

As someone who hopes to watch Pedri for years to come in a Barca kit, this is great to hear. Let’s hope that belief continues.

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Podcast: Morata, Traore, and Dembele: Transfer Window Special

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Chatting with Emile Avanessian

This week on the Barca Blaugranes podcast, I interview Emile Avanessian. Emile writes for Hardwood Hype and more recently has done a piece on players who were compared to Xavi, some fantastic NBA work, and a piece on Barca Femeni. This time around we chat about Barcelona being a point off Atletico heading into the break. Then we dive into transfer rumors with Alvaro Morata and Adama Traore being rumored each day. Finally, end with chatting about Ousmane Dembele.

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more here.

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Alemany told Barca to sign Ferran instead of Sterling - report

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The director wasn’t convinced by the Englishman

Barcelona were linked with Raheem Sterling before signing his team-mate Ferran Torres from Manchester City in the Januay transfer window.

According to Diario Sport, Barcelona director Mateu Alemany was a big reason why the Catalans opted for Ferran over Sterling.

The report reckons Alemany even met with Sterling face-to-face and the impression he had was that the England international was not what Barcelona needed.

Alemany was not worried about Sterling’s “indisputable talent” but had concerns over his commitment and whether he would be able to adapt to life at the Camp Nou.

He reported back to Xavi and recommended that Barcelona not go ahead with signing Sterling and actually proposed that Ferran be brought in instead.

Alemany had already spoken to the Spain international and knew he was “crazy” about joining Barcelona.

The report adds that Xavi “did not think about it for a moment” and the signing was then completed “relatively easily” once Barca had managed to agree a price with City.

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FC Barcelona News: 28 January 2022

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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

Back to work - FC Barcelona
On Thursday, the FC Barcelona squad were back at work after a two-day break to continue preparations while just three of the team, Sergiño Dest, Dani Alves and Ronald Araujo, are away on international duty.

Napoli: Historic club that builds from the back - FC Barcelona
On February 17, FC Barcelona will be receiving the visit of SSC Napoli at the Camp Nou in the first leg of their playoff to get into the last 16 of the Europa League. The team from southern Italy are always a danger and are currently riding high in second place in Serie A, just four points adrift of leaders Inter Milan.

Barcelona activating operation return with Grimaldo the next target - SPORT
Barcelona are active in the winter window. Adama Traore is coming back to Camp Nou and he will have his medical on Friday. But it’s not the only operation the club are looking at.

Ousmane Dembele camp opens door to January departure - SPORT
According to Cadena SER, Ousmane Dembele has opened the door to a possible January departure. The player has not agreed to sign a new deal but sees he will not play for the club again and it’s a situation that benefits nobody.

Adama Traore: Deal done to bring winger back to Barcelona - SPORT
Barcelona and Wolves have reached a deal to loan Adama Traore to the Catalan club until the end of the season. The player is keen to return home and has lowered his salary to make it so Barcelona can register him without having to sell any other player.

Barcelona's deal with Spotify could lead to the renaming of Camp Nou - Football Espana
Barcelona are negotiating a sponsorship deal with Spotify, and according to Catalunya Radio as carried by Mundo Deportivo the deal won’t just involve the Swedish music company becoming the main brand sponsor of Barcelona’s shirt but also Camp Nou.

Mingueza turns down transfer proposals ahead of transfer deadline - Football Espana
Barcelona defender Oscar Mingueza is not entertaining offers of an exit. The versatile centre-back is being touted for an exit during this transfer window having struggled for regular minutes.

Barcelona want to sign Thomas Meunier on loan until the end of the season - Football Espana
Barcelona are trying to move quickly to re-enforce their squad during the January transfer market according to Marca. Their priority is offensive players but they’re also looking to strengthen the defence. Xavi is keen to bring in a full-back.

Barcelona plan Gavi contract talks for early February - Football Espana
Barcelona already have a plan to tie talented youngster Gavi down to a new contract. Gavi’s contract situation is a little problematic for Barca, the young midfielder set to see his deal expire in the summer of 2023.

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Mixed fortunes for Barca trio in World Cup qualifying

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Wins for USA and Uruguay but Brazil were held

Barcelona have three players away on international duty for World Cup qualifying currently with Dani Alves, Sergino Dest, and Ronald Araujo all in action on Thursday.

Alves is back with the Brazil squad and come on as a substitute early in the first half of a chaotic 1-1 draw against Ecuador in Quito.

Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro put Brazil, who have already qualified, ahead in the fifth minute with a close-range effort.

Things then got even worse for Ecuador when goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez was sent off 10 minutes later for a reckless challengs. Former Barca defender Emerson Royal followed him off the pitch shortly afterwards as both teams were reduced to 10 men.

Emerson’s sending off saw Alves arrive just after the half-hour mark with Philippe Coutinho the man to make way for Brazil.

Photo by Santiago Arcos-Pool/Getty Images

The drama did not end there though. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was shown two red cards in the match but had both rescinded by VAR. The first was after he caught Enner Valencia with a high boot and the second was for a late foul on Ayrton Preciado.

VAR downgraded Alisson's red card to yellow following this pic.twitter.com/umze8KJPSQ

— GOAL (@goal) January 27, 2022

Yet despite it all Ecuador snatched a draw late on when Felix Torres headed home to rescue a point. The result keeps Ecuador in third, and on target to qualify, while Brazil go on to play Paraguay next.

Ronald Araujo’s Uruguay boosted their hopes of qualification with a 1-0 win in Paraguay. The Barcelona defender started the match and played all 90 minutes, helping his team keep a clean sheet.

Araujo during Uruguay's 1-0 win against Paraguay. Araujo played the whole game #PARURU pic.twitter.com/Uogf0U1ZEw

— FCBarcelonaFl  (@FCBarcelonaFl) January 28, 2022

Luis Suarez scored the only goal of the game in the 65th minute with a left-footed shot after a pass from Diego Godin.

Paraguay finished the game with 10 men after Gustavo Gomez picked up a second booking in stoppage time. The result means it’s a winning start for new Uruguay coach Diego Alonso.

Sergino Dest also enjoyed a clean sheet with the USMNT who also picked up all three points against El Salvador in a 1-0 win.

The Barcelona defender started the game and played all 90 minutes, while Antonee Robinson grabbed the winner early in the second half with just his second international goal.

ANTONEE ROBINSON WITH THE BREAKTHROUGH FOR THE USMNT pic.twitter.com/ybatzdZaGj

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 28, 2022

The USMNT now face Canada next on Sunday in a big game at the top of the table and then host bottom side Honduras on Wednesday.

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Rumors: Aubameyang, Tagliafico, Meunier and Mingueza

Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images

Not long left before the window closes

Aubameyang is Barca’s Plan B?

Today’s rumors start with news that Barca have a Plan B just in case they miss out on signing Plan A which is Juventus striker Alvaro Morata.

Diario AS reckon that Arsenal outcast Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is Xavi’s second choice and could join Barcelona on loan for the rest of the season if Morata isn’t signed.

The Gabon international seems destined to leave Arsenal after falling out with Mikel Arteta but Barca must resole the Dembele situation before signing Morata or Aubameyang.

Balde doesn’t want to join Ajax

Over at Marca the word is that Barca still want Nicolas Tagliafico from Ajax but Alejandro Balde isn’t interested in being used in the deal.

Balde hasn’t been used much by Xavi so far but would rather stay at the Camp Nou or wait for a better offer.

Barcelona and Ajax are said to be still “locked in talks” over Tagliafico, but once again any transfer is dependent on Dembele’s future being sorted out first.

Meunier on Barca’s radar?

Another player who Barca might sign, if they can do something with Dembele, is Borussia Dortmund defender Thomas Meunier.

Marca report that Barca have already been in touch with Dortmund to talk about the possibility of a loan before the January window closes.

Both club and player are said to be “open” to a potential move, while the report adds Barca could also try to offload Oscar Mingueza or Sergino Dest to make a deal happen.

Mingueza reluctant to leave

Yet it seems unlikely that Mingueza will depart as the defender has already turned down two offers to leave Barcelona and has also seen a possible move to Valencia fall though.

Bordeaux and Hertha Berling both expressed an interest but Mingueza said no. The defender was interested in joining Valencia but Los Che signed Eray Comert instead, so say Mundo Deportivo.

The report adds that Mingueza could be tempted to leave and knows he may find game time hard to come by but wants “an attractive project that guarantees him minutes.”

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Adama Traore set for Barcelona medical - report

Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images

The winger is due at the club on Friday

Adama Traore is reportedly set to have a medical at Barcelona on Friday ahead of a loan move to the Camp Nou.

The winger is expected to spend the rest of the season at Barcelona with the deal including a purchase option of €35 million, according to The Athletic.

Catalunya Radio are also reporting that Traore is due at Barcelona tomorrow and reckon he could be presented as a new signing on Monday.

The 26-year-old has taken a pay cut to return to Barcelona from Premier League side Wolves and his signing does not take the Catalans over their salary cap.

Traore is expected to take over from Ousmane Dembele whose future at the club remains uncertain ahead of the final few days of the window.

It’s being reported that Dembele is potentially open to an exit now but finding a new club before the window closes next week may be difficult.

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Benfica open to Grimaldo negotiations with Barca

Photo by Pedro Fiúza/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Could another former player return?

Benfica are reportedly open to talking with Barcelona in regards to Alejandro Grimaldo. The full-back left the Camp Nou in 2015 but if there’s one thing Xavi likes, it’s former Barcelona players coming home.

Dani Alves has already returned, Adama Traore might be next and Grimaldo could make it a hat-trick if he also comes back to the Camp Nou before the close of the January transfer window.

The key to the deal taking place, like most of Barca’s other rumored deals, is that they’re willing to take the player on a loan deal with an obligation to buy.

Barca and Benfica are no stranger to doing business together, most recently nearly getting a Samuel Umtiti deal done over the summer.

The good news for Xavi is that Benfica are keen on a few Barcelona players, with Oscar Mingueza, Riqui Puig and Alex Balde all mentioned, which may make the deal a bit easier to get done.

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Who should Barca sign before the window closes?

Photo by Broer van den Boom/BSR Agency/Getty Images

Just a few days left...

Just a few days left of the January transfer window now, and we’re down to the nitty-gritty. The Barca equivalent of squeaky bum time.

Still plenty of time left to do some decent business, but that’s the only reason any transfer business should be being done for Barca - if it’s decent.

The financial situation precludes them from doing anything else, so if the right player isn’t available at the right price, the deals don’t get done.

Period.

With Ansu being ruled out conservatively again for a couple of months, a striker would appear to be a priority, which seems a little odd when you have the likes of Luuk de Jong and Martin Braithwaite in situ and no desire to move them on.

Neither are really what might be termed ‘Barca’ players, though arguably both are hard-working and can be relied upon to give of their best - their lack of quality notwithstanding.

Photo by Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Rumours linking the club with Alvaro Morata aren’t without foundation, and the player clearly wants to join, however, there’s a long way to go in the deal and the question has to be asked as to whether, in fact, he would be a better option than either Braithwaite or De Jong in the short term.

After all, he too isn’t really what could be termed as a ‘killer,’ and doesn’t score enough goals to necessarily justify a purchase at this particular point in time.

The case of Nicolás Tagliafico is a different one entirely.

He too wants to join the Blaugranes and there’s a good case to be made as to why the club should go all out to make it happen.

Simply put, Jordi Alba needs to be put under consistent pressure now.

He’s had years of no real challenge to his starting position and now that the standard of his performances are beginning to wane, that has to be addressed.

Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

Tagliafico has the experience to not be overawed by playing for the club, and the skill set to ensure that Alba won’t be an automatic choice in future.

And then there’s Adama Traore who is once again being linked with a return to Barcelona. The winger is thought to be keen to head back to the Camp Nou, and a loan deal with a purchase option of €35 million is being mooted.

Adama come through the ranks at Barca and made his debut in 2013 but had departed for Aston Villa in 2015 after just four appearances. Will he be able to make an impact at the club second time around if he does return?

Wolverhampton ask for buy option clause included for Adama Traoré. Barcelona will cover full salary until the end of the season. All parties involved now working to complete the deal. #FCB

Tottenham had no fresh contacts with Adama agents today, after deal in stand-by. #THFC

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 27, 2022

If Xavi and Laporta genuinely want to put Barca back to where they need to be, then strength in depth in every position is a must.

Franck Kessie would certainly provide that too in the middle of the park, though it would be at least the summer before the AC Milan star joined the club, if indeed he came at all.

This window and the next one will be a decent barometer of where Barca are at in terms of their requirements, with perhaps this one being the more important because of the absolute need to qualify for the Champions League.

Then, and only then, will we see if the club are in good enough shape to get the likes of Haaland and De Ligt et al on board.

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FC Barcelona News: 27 January 2022

Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images

A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors

Huge international games coming up in the Americas - FC Barcelona
Sergiño Dest, Ronald Araujo and Dani Alves are involved in Concacaf and Conmebol World Cup qualifiers this week

Barcelona are lining up Adama Traore as an alternative to Alvaro Morata - Football Espana
Barcelona have lined up Wolverhampton Wanders winger Adama Traore as an alternative if they fail to land Juventus’ Alvaro Morata according to Catalunya Radio, ESPN and Diario AS. It’s an unusual decision given they don’t play the same position. Adama is very much a wide player while Morata is a number nine. Adama has played 23 games this season and scored just once.

Bordeaux are interested in signing Oscar Mingueza from Barcelona - Football Espana
Barcelona are working hard to lighten their wage bill and move on non-essential members of their squad. One such player is Oscar Mingueza according to Marca, who’s been placed on the transfer market.

There's been a radical turn in Ousmane Dembele's negotiations with Barcelona - Football Espana
Ousmane Dembele’s representatives, Moussa Sissoko and Marco Lichsteiner, met with Xavi yesterday afternoon to make clear that their client is completely committed to Barcelona and wants to renew his contract with the club according to Diario Sport.

Barcelona are considering bringing Alex Grimaldo back from Benfica - Football Espana
Barcelona are keen to bring in a left-back to increase the strength of their defence and offer competition to Jordi Alba. Several names have been mentioned as possible candidates including Nicolas Tagliafico of Ajax and Jose Gaya of Valencia.

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Bayern confirm Barca target Sule is off in the summer

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The defender will leave on a free

Barcelona have been linked with a host of players once again this winter, including Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule who will be a free agent in the summer.

Oliver Kahn, Bayern’s CEO, has spoken about the defender and confirmed that he will leave after turning down the offer of a new contract at the Allianz Arena.

“The negotiations with Niklas dragged on for a very long time. We made him an offer. He didn’t accept it. He wants to leave the club at the end of the season,” he said.

“We have a certain responsibility when it comes to the offers. We we have to stick to certain financial conditions. It’s normal in this business that you’ll not always each an agreement.

“We made Niklas a very, very good offer. He’s been solid and playing with confidence lately. We still need that from him for the rest of this season. But we have certain economic limits. Sometimes you just don’t reach an agreement, it happens.

“The talks with Niklas went on for months. I think he has shown very good performances here in the past five years. He’s one of the best center-backs out there right now. I think we always showed him respect and appreciation.”

Barcelona aren’t the only club being linked with Sule. Premier League sides Chelsea and Newcastle United have all been mentioned, and he shouldn’t lack for offers come the summer.

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Adama to Barcelona rumors return after Ansu Fati injury

Photo by Jack Thomas - WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images

Here we go again....

Barcelona are once again being linked with a move for former winger Adama Traore in the final days of the January transfer window.

Traore’s name has already cropped up this winter but is now back in the rumor mill after injury to Ansu Fati and with Ousmane Dembele’s future still uncertain.

Catalunya Radio are reporting that the former Barcelona man is the club’s “main option” to strengthen the attack in January and the interest is described as being “serious.”

Mateu Alemany is being mentioned as the man behind the deal and is working with Adama’s agent, Jorge Mendes, to get a deal done.

The winger is seen as a more “viable” transfer than Alvaro Morata, who is Xavi’s preferred options, but who is a difficult player to bring in as Atletico aren’t keen on the move.

The report adds that right now Barca don’t have any room on the wage bill to sign Adama but that could change if Dembele renews or departs before the window closes.

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Xavi meets with Ousmane Dembele’s agent - report

Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Is there an end to the saga in sight?

Barcelona boss Xavi has reportedly met with Ousmane Dembele’s agent Moussa Sissoko again this week in a bid to end the ongoing saga regarding the Frenchman.

According to multiple reports, the two men met for the first time and Sissoko made it clear that Dembele does want to stay even though he hasn’t signed a new deal yet.

The meeting was apparently designed to try and defuse the tension between player and club and outline his commitment to the club.

There’s been a lot going on with Dembele recently. He’ been left out of the two last matchday squads, failed to turn up at Barcelona because of illness, and apparently had PSG on the phone....

El Chiringuito have managed to snap the moment ‘Leonardo Psg’ rang Ousmane Dembélé’s agent. https://t.co/zucJJrYZ8C

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) January 26, 2022

Jordi Cruyff was apparently also at the meeting but Mateu Alemany wasn’t present because he has tested positive for Covid-19 in the last few days.

Barca were receptive to Sissoko’s latest move but the message from the Catalans remains exactly the same: Dembele either renews or finds a way out.

Of course time is running out in the transfer window which leaves little time for Dembele to complete a move away before the end of the month.

If he does end up staying it seems like he may well spend the rest of the campaign in the stands, even though Xavi has previously said that’s something he doesn’t want to do.

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Oscar Mingueza wanted by Bordeaux - report

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

But the defender is not too keen

Barcelona defender Oscar Mingueza has reportedly attracted interest from French club Bordeaux who are hoping to do a deal for the 22-year-old before the close of the transfer window.

Mundo Deportivo are reporting that the Ligue 1 side have already found an agreement with Barcelona for the transfer of Mingueza but the defender may need a bit of convincing to make the move.

Mingueza has rejected the option of going to Bordeaux for now but Vladimir Petković’s side “hope to be able to convince” the defender it could be a good idea before the window closes on Monday.

The 22-year-old has struggled for minutes recently, particularly since Xavi took over, and may find game time hard to come by in the second half of the season if he does stay at the Camp Nou.

Meanwhile, Barca continue to be linked with moves for Nicolas Tagliafico and Alvaro Morata but will need to free up some space on the wage bill before they can strengthen the squad this winter.

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