Barcelona decide not to sell Vidal in January - report

Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images

The club don’t want to be short in midfield

Barcelona have reportedly decided not to sell Arturo Vidal to Inter Milan in the January transfer window despite interest from the Serie A leaders.

The Catalan giants have decided against allowing the Chile international to move because they have already loaned Carles Alena to Real Betis and have Arthur out injured.

Cadena Cope report that despite Vidal’s complaint about unpaid bonuses and frustration at not being at starter the club want to keep him for the rest of the season.

Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti has made his club’s interest in Vidal pretty clear in the last few days saying he is a “player with great character and experience, so we’ll see what happens.”

However, Barca confirmed that Alena would spent the rest of the season on loan at Betis earlier in the week and also announced Arthur is out for another three weeks.

The Brazilian has not featured for Barcelona since the win over Atletico Madrid at the start of the month, and there seems to be some concern about when he will be back to his best.

The absence of the two players means that Barca are down to just Frenkie de Jong, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets and Vidal in midfield, although Sergi Roberto is also an option.

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Messi turns up at random gym, trains while watching his own goals, meets fans

Messi trains while watching himself | https://twitter.com/Valenjure1

This really happened!

Valentina Jure was just going to the gym. She thought it’d be a day like any other. Suddenly, in through the door came a familiar face. At first, she wasn’t sure it was really him. But soon enough, she realized for sure. Lionel Messi had just entered a gym in Fisherton, a town in Rosario, the city from which the Argentine legend hails.

“He came in as if he was any other, I could not believe it,” the young Rosario resident told a local news outlet.

“He used the machines like any other; he was smiling with everyone.”

She says she told her friends on WhatsApp, and they simply could not believe it. But it was true.

Valentina has proof, a photograph of the Barcelona star training on the treadmill. Amusingly, the TVs are showing a compilation of his goals and he is watching them as he runs. She posted the picture on Twitter.

“I went to the gym and I found Messi watching Messi’s goals,” she wrote alongside the pictures.

The image went viral worldwide.

“I couldn’t believe it, literally, my phone was exploding. Journalists and people from around the world wrote to me, it was hard to believe.”

Her brother, Franco, took a picture with the Argentine star as well.

“Imagine training and then from nowhere, Messi shows up... well, it happened to me,” Franco wrote on his Twitter.

You go to the gym. Then you notice Messi is there training while watching his own goals. Then you meet him. It happened to @Valenjure1 and @FrancoJure! pic.twitter.com/kqcLO6EXnJ

— Luis Mazariegos (@luism8989) December 31, 2019

There’s just one thing Valentina wants to clear up.

“I just want to tell people the channel which showed his goals was already on when he got there. I want to clear that up because people have written to me that he is self-centered, and it’s nothing of the sort, he was extremely humble with every one of us who was there.”

Messi is currently on holiday in his home country of Argentina, and it seems he has been working on staying in tip-top shape. Barcelona play Espanyol in the Catalan derby on Saturday.

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Adama Traoré: ‘If I have to join Real Madrid, I’ll join them’

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The former Barcelona player is not closing any doors

Adama Traoré has revealed he is perfectly willing to join Real Madrid if they were to come knocking, in an interview with Jugones. The 23-year-old Catalan, born to Malian parents, has been having a good season for Wolverhampton Wanderers, and some are speculating he could be due for a move elsewhere.

Traoré got his start through La Masia and made his first-team debut at Barcelona, but eventually moved to England to seek more opportunities. First, he joined Aston Villa and then Middlesbrough, before joining Wolves in 2018.

“I don’t close any doors. I know Barça gave me a lot. But if I don’t have an option to join Barça, and I have to go to Madrid, well, then, I have to go to Madrid,” he said.

“There was a misunderstanding with Barça. My exit was not the best,” he goes on to say.

Traoré is known for his dribbling skills and his physique, as he is one of football’s most muscular footballers. Incredibly, Traoré claims he does no weightlifting at all.

“I don’t do weights. I know it’s hard to believe. I do zero weights. It’s genetic,” he said.

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Messi and Barcelona’s crazy stats over the last decade

Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

The club have enjoyed a phenomenal 10 years

Barcelona wave goodbye to the decade with some amazing memories having clinched seven league titles, two European Cups and five Copas del Rey over the last 10 years.

The Catalan giants boast the best win record in Europe’s top five leagues over the last decade, picking up a total of 289 victories.

Those results mean they won more games than the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester City and Bayern Munich.

Barcelona: 289

Real Madrid: 273

Juventus: 260

Manchester City: 250

Bayern Munich: 250

Messi Magic

One of the main reasons for Barcelona’s success is having that man Lionel Messi in the ranks. The GOAT has come up with some simply astonishing statistics over the last 10 years that keep him head and shoulders above the competition.

Messi has won more games than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues, although Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique also make it into the top six.

1. Messi: 260 wins

2. Sergio Busquets: 245 wins

3. Cristiano Ronaldo: 244 wins

4. Thomas Müller: 228 wins

5. Benzema: 219 wins

6. Piqué: 219 wins

Here’s a look at some other key stats from the GOAT:

505 - Lionel Messi had the most goals (369) and assists (136) in this decade in the Top 5 european leagues; altogether, he had a hand in 505 goals in 343 games.
King.#Opta2010s pic.twitter.com/y5sJHFi6AY

— OptaJavier (@OptaJavier) December 26, 2019

9 - Between @FCBarcelona and Argentina, Lionel Messi has scored 50 goals in nine of the last 10 years

2010 - 60 ✅
2011 - 59 ✅
2012 - 91 ✅
2013 - 45 ⛔
2014 - 58 ✅
2015 - 52 ✅
2016 - 59 ✅
2017 - 54 ✅
2018 - 51 ✅
2019 - 50 ✅

Extraterrestrial. pic.twitter.com/TNw0Cla1yT

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 21, 2019

It doesn’t end there though. Messi picked up a record sixth European Golden Shoe in October, a record sixth Ballon d’Or in December and smashed countless other records along the way.

He’s now just 26 goals away from surpassing Pele’s record of most goals for a single club (643 for Santos) and given the form he’s showed this season that may not take too long to accomplish at all.

Pique & Busquets Pass Masters

Messi is not the only player to have shone for Barca over the last decade. Centre-back Gerard Pique has been a stalwart in defence since making his debut in 2008 and has gone on to win 29 titles in 12 years.

He reached 500 appearances for Barcelona in August and made his 111th appearance for the club in the Champions League against Slavia Prague in November. Carles Puyol, Andrés Iniesta, Leo Messi and Xavi Hernández are the only Barca players to have played more in Europe’s top competition for the club.

1 - No other defender has attempted more passes (18457) and has more recoveries (1895) in #LaLiga in this decade. Prominent.#Opta2010s pic.twitter.com/vsnh11lAVD

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 24, 2019

Sergio Busquets has also been crucial for Barca and it’s no surprise to see the midfielder topping the standings when it comes to passing the ball over the last decade. The 31-year-old has made 554 appearances for the club since his debut in 2008 and has been a model of consistency and excellence.

23014 - Sergio Busquets has attempted 23014 passes the last decade, more than any other player in the Top 5 European Leagues. Style@FCBarcelona #FCB#Opta2010s pic.twitter.com/rJ9owdzNvE

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 26, 2019

And the rest...

Not content with winning more games than any other team in Europe, Barca have also topped the scoring charts. The Catalan giants have racked up over 1,000 goals over the last 10 years, pipping Real Madrid to top spot.

1. FC Barcelona: 1060 goals

2. Real Madrid: 1016 goals

3. Bayern Munich: 863 goals

4. Manchester City: 841 goals

5. París Saint-Germain: 827 goals

Barcelona head into 2020 at the top of the table in La Liga and safely into the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League where Serie A side Napoli await.

Lionel Messi remains the best player in the world but is inching closer to retirement, and Barca’s biggest challenge of the next 10 years will be learning to cope without the GOAT.

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Barcelona make offer for Dani Olmo - reports

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Could the midfielder return to Camp Nou?

Barcelona have reportedly made an official offer to Dinamo Zagreb for midfielder Dani Olmo.

Mundo Deportivo and Sport are both reporting that the Spanish champions have been in touch with the Croatian side in an attempt to lure the midfielder back to the Camp Nou.

There is no detail offered about the fee or length of contract, but there’s a suggestion Barca want to bring him in next summer rather than in January.

Croatian newspaper Sportske novosti are also on the case and they quote the player’s agent, Andy Bara, as saying: “Yes, it’s true, the offer for Olmo has arrived. We’ll see how things develop.”

Olmo has hinted recently the time has come to move on from Dinamo Zagreb. He told Jugones: “I think my cycle there is over and I want to take the next step to continue improving.”

The youngster spent seven years at La Masia but left at the age of 16 to move to the Croatian side.

He spoke warmly about the club in November saying “they made me the footballer I am now” and refused to rule out coming back to the Camp Nou.

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Luis Suarez hoping to sign new deal at Barcelona

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The striker says he’s ‘still up to the task’

Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has been talking about his future at the club and seems confident he will sign a new deal with the champions.

The Uruguay international’s current deal runs until summer 2021 by which time he will be 34, but he’s told Sport that he could stay at the Camp Nou even longer.

“I am very happy in the club. I have always given myself to the fullest,” he said.

“Statistics and numbers back me up, I think I am up to the task and when it comes to [contract] talks, we will arrive at a good place.”

Source | Sport

Suarez has 13 goals in 21 appearances this season for Barca but will celebrate his 33nd birthday in January and is clearly heading towards the end of his career.

There’s been plenty of talk about Barca signing a replacement, with Lautaro Martinez frequently mentioned, but the club are likely to wait until the summer to strengthen.

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FC Barcelona News: 31 December 2019

Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images

Luis Suárez: ‘Derbies are always difficult’ | FC Barcelona
Luis Suárez is close to making (more) history with Barça. The Uruguayan striker is only four goals away from matching Ladislao Kubala as the third highest scorer in the history of the club, a figure that he can reach in the next few matches, beginning with Espanyol and Atlético Madrid.

Double session on Monday | FC Barcelona
Work carries on at the Ciutat Esportiva. After returning to training on Sunday, this Monday morning the first team worked out again in a session that is the first of two to be held on the day, with one eye on next Saturday’s game against Espanyol (9.00pm CET).

Injury news on Arthur and Ter Stegen | FC Barcelona
The first team player Arthur continues to receive treatment for his groin injury and he is expected to be out for around 3 weeks. The first team player Marc ter Stegen is receiving treatment for a tendon problem in his right knee as agreed following the last league game. He is currently unavailable and his recovery will dictate his return.

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen close to new Barcelona contract | Football Espana
Goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is close to signing a contract extension at Barcelona, according to a report in Diario Sport. The German goalkeeper’s deal at the Camp Nou runs through until the summer of 2022, after he penned a freshly extended contract in 2017.

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Why Vidal must follow Alena out of the Barca exit door

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

More unrest from the Chilean

When news finally broke that Carles Alena was heading to Real Betis on loan for the second half of the 2019/20 campaign, there was a tacit acknowledgment that it was for the benefit of both player and club.

Whilst the majority of supporters don’t agree that the youngster should have to ply his trade elsewhere and has to be given the chance to build on his appearances from last season at the Camp Nou, the plain fact is that he has been consistently overlooked since August.

With no purchase option available for the Verdiblancos, it does at least look as though Barca are being forward thinking in Alena’s case and allowing him much-needed match time elsewhere, but absolutely with a view to bringing him back at season’s end.

OFFICIAL | | #RealBetis sign Carles Aleñá on loan

Hit it hard these months, @Carlesale10!

➡ https://t.co/5RHDc2DzrO pic.twitter.com/XNcjiOeFJg

— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) December 28, 2019

By then, it would be difficult to justify keeping Ivan Rakitic in the side, and Sergio Busquets certainly needs to be considered on a less frequent basis than he is currently.

A midfield consisting of any mix of De Jong, Arthur, Alena and Puig would arguably be the pick for most culers, with Sergi Roberto perhaps still considered in what was once his rightful position.

That would mean that there’s no room for Arturo Vidal of course.

Nor should there be after a frankly ill-advised complaint filed over the Christmas period.

Let’s be clear firstly that the Chilean, just like Paulinho before him, has exceeded expectations in the role for which he was bought.

So far this season, Arturo Vidal scores a goal every 105 minutes he plays, making him the 3rd most efficient attacking player in la Liga.

Kind of crazy. pic.twitter.com/Ogr0jZaBtE

— totalBarça (@totalBarca) December 26, 2019

There is a school of thought that has some merit, whereby Vidal should also have been getting more game time than he has been receiving of late.

However, it’s not the first time that his true colours have shown through. Remember the angry emoji incident not long after his signing?

This latest, stunning lack of professionalism, has to end with him being shown the exit door.

#FCB | Arturo Vidal files complaint against Barcelona over €2.4 million worth of unpaid bonuses https://t.co/x2VOMJdZWi

— Republic (@republic) December 30, 2019

He may well be owed bonuses by the club, but playing out the situation in the public domain is, I would suggest, purely to engineer a move away, most likely to Inter. That is abhorrent.

His assertion that it’s his agent and lawyer that are taking things forward, as if to absolve himself of blame, is preposterous, and it followed on from his training ground meltdown pre-Clasico when he realised that he wouldn’t be making the starting XI against Real Madrid.

These types of childish actions do not befit a 32-year-old experienced professional.

Though he would be a loss to the squad for what he does bring to both the pitch and the dressing room, Barca can’t possibly countenance keeping a player that has denounced them in public and filed a lawsuit against them whilst still in their employ.

If the board aren’t a laughing stock already, they will be if they allow Vidal to stay after this.

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Inter Milan talk up move for Arturo Vidal

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Javier Zanetti thinks he’d ‘take us up a level’

Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti has been talking about a move for Arturo Vidal amid speculation he will leave Barcelona in the January transfer window.

The Serie A leaders are said to be keen on a move for the Chile international, who has already hinted he may look to move away this winter if he’s not feeling important enough.

Zanetti reckons that Vidal would help improve Antonio Conte’s side but isn’t quite sure if a deal will get done.

“We’ll see how the transfer window goes, as we have a month to get things done,” he said.

”Vidal is a player with great character and experience, so we’ll see what happens. We are talking about a player who can certainly take us up a level, and we are already at a good level.”

Source | ESPN

Vidal is expected back at Barcelona on Thursday after the Christmas break which should prove interesting after the recent reports claiming he’s suing the club over unpaid bonuses.

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“Rough agreement” between Barcelona and Milan for Todibo

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The defender could be on his way out soon

There is a “rough agreement” between Barcelona and AC Milan over Jean-Clair Todibo, according to MilanNews. The young defender would be loaned out for a fee with an option to buy. Earlier reports had mentioned that Barcelona want to affix a buyback clause to any deal that sees him leave, because they still think he has potential.

In addition, we are told that the player is being tempted by teams in Germany, and has to agree to move to the Rossoneri before the deal can materialize. Bayer Leverkusen have been mentioned to be interested, and in the past, before he signed for Barcelona, Schalke 04 and Bayern Munich have been rumored to be in for him as well.

#Todibo, accordo di massima tra #Milan e #Barcellona: prestito oneroso con diritto riscatto. Il Barça sarebbe ben disposto a cederlo ai rossoneri ma ora bisogna attendere la scelta del giocatore, tentato da squadre in Germania @MilanNewsit

— Antonio Vitiello (@AntoVitiello) December 30, 2019

Todibo joined Barcelona in 2018 after leaving Toulouse in the middle of the season.

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Ter Stegen may require surgery to fix knee issue

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The goalkeeper would receive the treatment at the end of the season

Marc-André ter Stegen has been struggling with tendinitis, a pain in a tendon in his knee, and could require surgery, according to Diario SPORT. The goalkeeper is a doubt for Barcelona’s games to start the new year, and if the pain does not go away, he may be forced to visit the surgeon.

However, such an operation would be done after Euro 2020; that is, after the conclusion of Barcelona’s season. At the moment it is said that he is undergoing a conservative treatment to keep him healthy.

Both the player and Barcelona’s medical staff have seemingly agreed on this conservative treatment, and the hope is that the pain will eventually go away without the need of surgery.

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Arthur out for three weeks, Ter Stegen has knee injury

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More injury problems for the Spanish champions

Barcelona confirmed on Monday that Arthur will miss the next three weeks as he continues treatment on his injury, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been sidelined with knee trouble.

The team returned to training on Sunday and have two sessions on Monday as they step up preparations for their next La Liga clash with Espanyol.

Arthur will definitely miss Saturday’s game, while Neto may get the chance to come in for Ter Stegen who has picked up a knock.

“The first team player Arthur continues to receive treatment for his groin injury and he is expected to be out for around 3 weeks.

“The first team player Marc ter Stegen is receiving treatment for a tendon problem in his right knee as agreed following the last league game. He is currently unavailable and his recovery will dictate his return.”

Source | FC Barcelona

Neto was back in training on Monday and could make his first La Liga start for Barca on Saturday, while Arthur’s continued absence is likely to be good news for Ivan Rakitic.

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FC Barcelona News: 30 December 2019

Photo by Maja Hitij/Bongarts/Getty Images

Return to work | FC Barcelona
It was a session that was also attended by Iñaki Peña and Carles Pérez from Barça B with Ansu Fati doing part of the group work. Moussa Wague didn’t train, nor did Sergi Roberto with the coach’s permission. Before the session began, a minute’s silence was held in tribute to Sergi Roberto’s mother, who left us last Saturday.

Antoine Griezmann complains about Barca training time | Sport
Antoine Griezmann is not happy with Barcelona’s training time. In a tweet he said “And we train at 6pm” in response to a club tweet promoting the Barcelona v Real Madrid basketball game that starts at 6.30pm at the Palau Blaugrana. The French forward is not happy because he loves basketball and showed that with some emojis illustrating his displeasure.

A decade of Barça Clásicos | FC Barcelona
Since 2010, a total of 36 Clásicos have been played: 20 in LaLiga, 2 in the Champions League, 8 in the Copa del Rey and 6 in the Spanish Super Cup. Overall, Barça have won almost half the matches; 16 of the 36 Clásicos played this decade. The best streak for the blaugranes was three straight wins in the 2011-2012 season: 3-2 in the Super Cup, 1-3 in LaLiga and 1-2 in the Copa del Rey. Los Blancos have won 10 times, with the same amount of games drawn, including the last one (0-0).

Eighty percent of Barcelona members do not want Valverde to continue | Marca
Ernesto Valverde’s contract with Barcelona ends in the summer of 2021, but either party is allowed to terminate the deal in June 2020 and, if the decision was left to the members of the club, they would overwhelmingly prefer to see him leave earlier rather than later.

Ousmane Dembele linked with shock loan return to Rennes | Football Espana
Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele has been linked with shock return to former side Rennes for the rest of the 2019-20 season. The French international is currently sidelined with a thigh injury, and he is not expected to return to first team action until early February.

Ter Stegen becomes a father | Marca
Marc Andre ter Stegen has become a father for the first time following the birth of his son Ben on Saturday. The Barcelona goalkeeper and his wife Dani announced the news on social media.

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Ter Stegen set for new Barcelona contract - report

Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images

The club want to tie down their No. 1

Barcelona are reportedly in talks with goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to extend his contract at the Camp Nou.

Sport report that club officials have begun negotiations with the goalkeeper’s representative to offer him a new deal that runs until June 2025.

The extension would mean Ter Stegen has the longest contract of all the current first-team squad and confirms his status as one of the team’s most important players.

There are not expected to be any problems with the negotiations as Barca attempt to secure the Germany international’s long-term future.

Ter Stegen has developed into one of the world’s best goalkeepers at the Camp Nou, and there have been rumors of interest over the Christmas period.

Mundo Deportivo have reported that Juventus, PSG and Bayern Munich are all pretty keen on the goalkeeper which may have speeded up Barca’s desire to extend the 27-year-old.

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Thierry Henry an option to replace Valverde - report

Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images

The Frenchman has admirers at the Camp Nou

Ernesto Valverde’s future continues to make headlines and Monday brings a fresh rumor that former striker Thierry Henry is a possible option to replace the 55-year-old.

According to Sport, the Frenchman’s name is now in the frame despite his lack of top-level management experience.

The report reckons Henry has a great relationship with Eric Abidal, gets on well with Gerard Pique, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets and of course the club’s French contingent.

He has the all-important Barca DNA, is a strong ambassador for the club and also seems to have an ally in president Josep Mari Bartomeu.

Of course his management record is not the greatest. He worked as an assistant to Roberto Martinez with Belgium and was fired from Monaco after just 19 games in charge.

He was appointed Montreal Impact boss in November on a two-year contract, but Barca expect to be able to snap him up if Valverde does indeed leave at the end of the season.

The report claims the club are not too bothered about his management record and cite Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique as examples of inexperienced coaches who have came in and won trophies.

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Barcelona return to training ahead of Espanyol test

Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images

The team are back in action after the Christmas break

Barcelona were back to work on Sunday evening as the team took part in their first training session after the Christmas break.

The majority of the first team were present, while Ansu Fati also joined in part of the session as he continues his comeback from a hip problem.

Inaki Pena and Carles Perez were also part of the group, while Moussa Wague missed out with conjunctivitis.

Sergi Roberto was also absent on compassionate leave after sadly losing his mother to illness on Saturday. A minute’s silence was held before the session.

Tornada als entrenaments amb els disponibles i Peña i C. Pérez del @FCBarcelonaB

S. Roberto no s’entrena amb permís del tècnic i Wague amb una conjuntivitis, tampoc

Ansu Fati fa part de treball amb el grup

Messi, Suárez, Neto i Vidal s’incorporaran el 2 de gener pic.twitter.com/hqHrLDRa1j

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_cat) December 29, 2019

The South American contingent of Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi, Neto and Arturo Vidal are still away and not expected back until January 2.

Barcelona will have a double training session on Monday and return again on Tuesday as they step up their preparations for Saturday’s clash.

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Riqui Puig can benefit from Alena exit, says Kluivert

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The youngster could be promoted to the first team

Patrick Kluivert says that Carles Alena’s departure to Real Betis for the rest of the season on loan could be good news for Riqui Puig.

The 20-year-old has not made a single first-team appearance for Barca this season but has said he is willing to be patient and wait for his chance at the Camp Nou.

Kluivert reckons Alena’s exit means Puig could be promoted to the first-team but it’s all up to Ernesto Valverde to make that call.

“I think so, it depends on Valverde. If there is a space, I think Riqui has to be the first to go up. I have told Riqui,” he said.

“Everyone wants to play in the first team and then look at their interests. To grow it is not bad to go on loan to a good team to continue growing as a player and person.”

Source | Onda Cero

Barcelona are back in training on Sunday as they begin to prepare to return to La Liga action in January with a trip to Espanyol up first for the champions.

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Poll: Barca fans want Klopp as boss, to sell Dembele & promote Puig

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The Liverpool boss is the preferred choice

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is the top choice to replace Ernesto Valverde as Barcelona manager, according to a poll run by Mundo Deportivo.

The newspaper conducted a survey at the Camp Nou asking club members who should be in charge of the Catalan giants. The poll was conducted on Saturday, December 21.

Unsurprisingly 80% voted against Valverde remaining as manager for another season, with Klopp emerging as favourite to be the club’s next permanent coach.

Here’s a look at the results:

Jurgen Klopp: 33.6%

Ronald Koeman: 31.96%

Roberto Martinez: 17.21%

Pep Guardiola: 6.96%

Robert Moreno: 3.27%

Erik Ten Hag: 1.63%

Luis Enrique: 0.81%

Abelardo: 0.40%

Oscar Garcia: 0.40%

Mundo Deportivo also asked members about some other topics, and there is one poll that Ousmane Dembele will not one to read about.

A massive 72.66% of voters want to sell the Frenchman at the end of the season, while Riqui Puig is the favourite to be promoted to the first team.

The midfied starlet garned a whopping 64.33% of the vote, ahead of Carles Perez and Ansu Fati.

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Betis move is a ‘step forward’ for Alena - Bartomeu

Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

The president has sent his best wishes to the midfielder

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has said his club are convinced that Carles Alena’s loan move to Real Betis will be a step forward in the midfielder’s career.

The Spanish champions announced on Saturday they have agreed a deal for the 21-year-old to spend the rest of the season with Rubi’s men after struggling for game time at Camp Nou.

Bartomeu has wished Alena success at the Benito Villamarín Stadium in a post on Twitter.

Much success in this new stage at Betis, @CarlesAle10. We are convinced that it will be a step forward in your career. See you soon!

— Josep Maria Bartomeu (@jmbartomeu) December 28, 2019

Alena has made just three starts for Barcelona this season and was in the starting XI for the team’s final match of 2019 against Alaves at the Camp Nou.

He will now be aiming to feature regularly for Los Verdiblancos who finished the year down in 13th place in the table.

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FC Barcelona News: 29 December 2019

Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images

Everything you need to know about the return to training | FC Barcelona
It’s back to normal for the first team, with the training routine returning after a week of holidays. Ernesto Valverde’s squad will work out on December 29 (at 6:00pm CET) at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, with the league match against Espanyol on the horizon (Saturday, January 4 - 9.00pm CET).

Agreement with Betis for the loan of Carles Aleñá | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona and Real Betis have reached an agreement for the loan transfer of Carles Aleñá until the end of the season. Real Betis will take over the player’s registration, but the agreement doesn’t include any purchase option.

The 50 best goals of the decade | FC Barcelona
From 2010 to 2019, many Barça goals have been celebrated. It hasn’t been easy, but we’ve chosen the best 50 of the decade. In LaLiga, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, the players have exhibited their quality when putting the ball in the back of the net. From Messi to Griezmann, Xavi to Iniesta... they’re all in the video. Some goals may even have been forgotten and are worth seeing again.

Barcelona could face stadium protests at Napoli | FC Barcelona
Barcelona have reportedly been warned they may face a half empty stadium in their Champions League last 16 away game against Napoli. Ernesto Valverde’s side have been drawn against their Serie A side in the knockout rounds, however the club have been blighted with fan protests in recent weeks, with fears growing that fans will continue to stay away from games in 2020.

‘It seems unfair if money is missing’ - Barcelona star Vidal frustrated over alleged unpaid bonuses | Goal
Arturo Vidal has accused Barcelona of being “unfair” amid claims he is owed up to €2.4 million (£2m/$2.7m) in unpaid bonuses. According to Spanish newspaper ABC, Vidal has filed a complaint against his club to La Liga and the Spanish Footballers’ Association.

Barcelona won’t give in to Vidal’s demands | Marca
Barcelona are standing firm over Arturo Vidal’s complaint about not being paid a bonus from last season. The Chilean midfielder believes he’s owed 2.4 million euros by his current employers, but the Catalan club won’t be paying him the money.

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Luis Suarez shines as goalkeeper in Forlan farewell match

Photo by DANTE FERNANDEZ/AFP via Getty Images

The Barcelona striker has been practising his goalkeeping

Luis Suarez played in goal over the weekend in a farewell match for Uruguay striker Diego Forlan who announced his retirement earlier this year.

The Barcelona striker took part in the match at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo along with players such as Juan Sebastian Verón, Juan Roman Riquelme and Christian Stuani.

Photo by DANTE FERNANDEZ/AFP via Getty Images

Suarez played the first half in his normal position and set up goals for Loco Abreu and Forlan and then took his place between the sticks for the second half.

The Barcelona striker did a pretty decent job as goalkeeper, by all accounts, in a match that finished 6-6 between a Uruguay team and an international Friends XI.

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Vidal says it’s ‘unfair if money is missing’

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The midfielder has offered his view

Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal has responded to reports that he has begun legal proceedings against his club for unpaid bonuses.

The 32-year-old is currently in Chile over the festive period and says his affairs are being handled by his representatives.

“I’m not in charge of that - that’s why I have my agent, my lawyer, who takes care of the awards and stuff,” he said.

“It seems unfair to me if money is missing, but it is an issue that is alien to what we are experiencing today.”

”[My future] is a subject I said when I arrived that I’ll talk about it when I’m back. I’m on holiday and I just want to talk about what’s going on here.”

Source | ADN (via Marca)

Reports have claimed Barca were surprised by Vidal’s decision to file a lawsuit against them but do not believe they owe the midfielder anything.

The team are due to return to training on Sunday, although Vidal, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi are not expected back until January 2.

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Ter Stegen wanted by Bayern, Juventus and PSG - report

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The goalkeeper has attracted plenty of interest

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is reportedly attracting interest from several of Europe’s top clubs including Juventus, Bayern Munich and PSG.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the three clubs have already made their interest known to the German goalkeeper to see if he has any interest in leaving the Camp Nou.

Bayern want a replacement for Manuel Neuer which seems pretty funny given the way they supported their goalkeeper over Ter Stegen in the row over who should be Germany’s No.1

Serie A champions Juventus are also in the market for a replacement for Gigi Buffon, although they would have to sell to be able to afford Barcelona’s goalkeeper.

The third club mentioned are PSG who are looking to the future to find out if Ter Stegen could be an option going forwards.

As for Barca, well they reportedly view Ter Stegen as “untouchable” and are keen to extend his current deal next year.

The German is said to be willing to see out the rest of his career at Barca, but he wants to be part of a competitive team which will fight for titles at home and abroad.

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Carles Alena joins Real Betis on loan

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The deal does not include a purchase option

Barcelona confirmed on Saturday they have agreed a loan deal with Real Betis for midfielder Carles Alena.

OFFICIAL | | #RealBetis sign Carles Aleñá on loan

Hit it hard these months, @Carlesale10!

➡ https://t.co/5RHDc2DzrO pic.twitter.com/XNcjiOeFJg

— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) December 28, 2019

The 21-year-old will spend the rest of the season with Rubi’s side where he will hope to see some game time after struggling for minutes at the Camp Nou.

“FC Barcelona and Real Betis have reached an agreement for the loan transfer of Carles Aleñá until the end of the season.

“Real Betis will take over the player’s registration, but the agreement doesn’t include any purchase option.”

Source | FC Barcelona

Alena also posted a message on Twitter saying he was “very happy” to be joining Betis, let’s wish him well for the rest of the season.

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Newspapers get excited about Neymar & Barca again

Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

This is one rumor that keeps on going...

Rather predictably Neymar is splashed all over the front pages in Spain once again after catching up with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez over the Christmas break.

The trio were photographed together in Uruguay while celebrating after Suarez renewed his wedding vows and that seems to be enough to fuel some more transfer rumors.

Mundo Deportivo have the picture of the trio and the headline ‘Neymar, Cule’ on Saturday. They are reporting that the Brazilian has not given up on returning to his former team and both he and Barca will try again to complete a deal next summer.

Sport are also getting excited about seeing the three stars together. They report that Neymar “sent a message” to Barcelona and PSG by attending the event of his former team-mate and being photographed with Messi and Suarez. Barca are reportedly struggling to find an exceptional centre-forward that excites them so could be tempted to go for Neymar again instead.

Neymar and Barcelona do not make it on to the front page of Marca, but there is still a lengthy report discussing the future of the Brazilian. They report Neymar’s return remains difficult for Barcelona but is not impossible and liken it to a game of chess. Much will depend on Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele’s progress and how Neymar fares at PSG for the rest of the season.

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FC Barcelona News: 28 December 2019

Photo by Aaron van Zandvoort/Soccrates/Getty Images

Barça and Messi kings of the 2010s | FC Barcelona
The 2010s were a decade defined by Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona. From 2010 to 2019, the club have achieved some record-setting statistics in wins, goals and assists, led by the Argentinian forward. No other player from Europe’s top five leagues has matched such numbers.

Barcelona return to training on Sunday | Sport
Barcelona return to work on Sunday to prepare for the derby clash with Espanyol on Sat Jan 4 (9pm) at Cornella El Prat. Valverde will have all his squad available, with the exception of Leo Messi, Luis Suarez, Neto and Arturo Vidal, who have extra time off to spend Christmas at home in South America.

Busquets is Barcelona’s most important player alongside Messi, says Real Madrid’s Casemiro | Goal
Sergio Busquets is Barcelona’s most important player alongside Lionel Messi, according to his Real Madrid counterpart Casemiro. The Brazilian was responding to comments Busquets recently made, saying he had been studying Casemiro’s style of play – something the Madrid man described as “an honour”.

The slow-burning contract talks that are frustrating Semedo | Marca
Nelson Semedo received a good offer to leave Barcelona for Atletico Madrid last summer. He was the right-back Diego Simeone wanted to sign and, despite Atletico’s insistence and the player’s willingness to go, Barcelona decided against letting him depart.

Inter Milan accelerate to sign Arturo Vidal | Sport
Inter Milan have accelerated towards signing Arturo Vidal in the winter window from Barcelona. The Italian club have reached a deal with the midfielder and only now need to convince Barcelona to sell, per Tuttosport.

ABC: Arturo Vidal is claiming 2.4 million from Barca in unpaid bonuses | Sport
The Chilean midfielder, who is currently negotiating his way out of the club with Inter Milan trying to sign him, say that Vidal has only been paid 1.7m euros of the 4.1m he believe he is owed.

‘The best is yet to come’ - Rakitic not thinking about leaving Barcelona | Goal
Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic has insisted that he is not thinking about leaving Barcelona as rumours continue to swirl over his future. The 31-year-old will enter the final year of his contract at the end of this season and has been linked with a number of clubs across Europe in the last few transfer windows.

Chelsea forward Willian not interested in Barcelona | Football Espana
Barcelona remain interested in signing Chelsea forward Willian but the player has no interest in a move, say reports. Pep Guardiola was linked with bringing him to the Camp Nou, however no move materialised, and he moved on to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, and then Chelsea.

Barcelona identify PSV striker Donyell Malen | Football Espana
Barcelona have identified PSV Eindhoven striker Donyell Malen as a transfer target, according to Diario Sport. Malen has already hit 17 goals this campaign for the Dutch giants and is particularly finding incredible goalscoring form in the Eredivisie, where he has netted 11 times in 14 appearances.

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Vidal starts legal action against Barca over unpaid bonuses

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The midfielder has been linked with a January move

Arturo Vidal may just have taken a step towards the Barcelona exit door if the latest reports about the Chile international prove to be accurate.

ABC are reporting that Vidal has begun legal action against his club over unpaid bonuses he believes are due to him from last season.

The midfielder is said to have received only €1.7 million of the €4.1 million owed to him and is demanding the remaining €2.4 million be paid.

Barcelona are of a different opinion entirely and were reportedly surprised to be hit with the lawsuit that was filed by Vidal’s legal team on December 5.

The club believe he is not due the bonuses because he did not play enough games last season and there’s a suggestion he could be trying to force his way out of the club.

Inter Milan have been linked with a move for Vidal for some time now, and the midfielder spoke about his future before Christmas saying he was happy at the club but “we’ll see when I get back” from holiday.

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Busi is ‘Barca’s most important player, along with Messi’ - Casemiro

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The Real Madrid star has praised his rival

Sergio Busquets has come in for praise from Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro who reckons the midfielder is Barcelona’s most important player along with Lionel Messi.

The Brazilian has been talking about just how highly he rates the 31-year-old and why he has so much admiration for the Barcelona midfielder.

“To talk about Busquets I have to say that in recent years he has been a reference for many people. His profile and that of Xabi Alonso are very similar. They are two great players especially with the ball.

“We talk about Messi, Suarez or before that Neymar, but Busquets is for me the most important. We talked about Iniesta, Xavi, but he was always there with the darkest job and is one of the best defensive midfielders.

“Compared to me he is different. He may not have the physical display like mine but he is always positioned very well, is always well placed and that is very important. For me, next to Messi he is the most important Barcelona player in recent years.”

Source | Revista Libero

Busquets has started 11 of Barca’s 18 La Liga games this season, and the team has struggled when he’s not been around.

He missed El Clasico due to illness and Barca toiled in midfield, and he was also missing from the starting XI for the defeats against Levante, Granada and Athletic Bilbao.

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Ivan Rakitic hasn’t spoken to Ernesto Valverde about his Barcelona future

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The midfielder has been linked with a January exit

Ivan Rakitic says he hasn’t spoken to manager Ernesto Valverde about his Barcelona future amid speculation he could leave the club.

The midfielder was benched by Valverde at the start of the season but has returned to the starting XI for the last few weeks while Arthur has been out injured.

Rakitic has reiterated several times this season that he does not want to leave the club, and his latest comments again suggest he’s not expecting to depart.

“No [we haven’t spoken]. There’s nothing to say, I think everything is clear,” he said.

”For me, it’s important to enjoy football. I’m happy to go to training in the morning and prepare myself for a match in the best way possible.

”In the end, it’s the coach who decides who plays and how much.”

Source | Sportske Novosti

Barcelona are expected to allow some players to leave in the January transfer window.

Carles Alena looks set to join Real Betis on loan, while Arturo Vidal continues to be linked with a move to Inter Milan.

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Messi catches up with Suarez as striker renews wedding vows

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Jordi Alba & Sergio Busquets also flew in

Luis Suarez has renewed his wedding vows with wife Sofia Balbi over the Christmas holidays in a ceremony that was attended by team-mates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

The Barcelona striker was celebrating 10 years of marriage with the ceremony which took place in the Uruguayan tourist resort of La Barra.

Photo by EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP via Getty Images

Messi, who flew back to Argentina to join his family for Christmas after Barca’s 4-1 win over Alaves, was in attendance along with his wife Antonella Roccuzzo and eldest son Thiago.

Photo by EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP via Getty Images

Busquets also flew in for the occasion and was photographed with partner Elena Galera Moron, while Alba also made the trip with partner Romarey Ventura.

Photo by EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP via Getty Images

Photo by EITAN ABRAMOVICH/AFP via Getty Images

Neymar was also in attendance and posted a selfie of himself with Suarez and Messi on Instagram stories which is bound to fuel a few rumours ahead of the transfer window.

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Pedro still hoping for Barcelona call

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The Chelsea winger would love to return to the Camp Nou

Pedro has been talking about his future again and says he “would leave everything” if he were to get a call from Barcelona asking him to return.

The 32-year-old’s future at Chelsea is unclear as he is out of contract at the end of the season, and he’s already spoken about how he’d be happy to play for Barca again.

It seems unlikely the Catalan giants will come calling but Pedro doesn’t seem to have given up all hope just yet.

“If they call me, I’d leave it all. There was a moment this pre-season, when we played against Barcelona, that, after speaking to the coach, I saw a possibility that door closed quickly.

“At this moment, I don’t know what is going to happen to me, only that I finish my contract at Chelsea at the end of the season.”

Source | L’Esportiu

Pedro has made just four Premier League starts for Chelsea this season under new boss Frank Lampard and has reportedly attracted interest from both Aston Villa and West Ham United.

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FC Barcelona News: 27 December 2019

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Messi: ‘It’s very special to be the top scorer in LaLiga’ | FC Barcelona
Leo Messi, in an interview for LaLiga, has talked about several things, such as being the top scorer in the history of the competition or his great free-kick success. Next, we review the highlights of the Argentine’s statements.

Barcelona aren’t planning to buy in January | Marca
Barcelona have no intention of signing any new players in the upcoming January transfer window. This is due to the significant investment they made in the summer on players like Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong.

Arturo Vidal is having a record season | Marca
Arturo Vidal’s future is up in the air as the Chilean midfielder feels he deserves to be playing more and his numbers so far this season prove that he may have a point. The midfielder is having a great season, having scored five goals already in LaLiga Santander this season in 524 minutes.

Alena will join Real Betis on loan for the rest of the season | Marca
Real Betis have reached an agreement to sign Carles Alena on loan from Barcelona for the rest of the season. There was an option to move to Getafe as well, but Real Betis were the midfielder’s first choice.

Ousmane Dembele’s cruel Christmas | Sport
The Frenchman’s career at Barca has been stop-start, with various controversies along the way like his frequent lateness last season, bad diet and Fortnite sessions until the early hours, but he did well to put all that behind him. Then, out of nowhere, the thigh injury.

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Valencia closing in on Barcelona youngster Abel Ruiz - report

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Barcelona and Ruiz are ready to part ways

Nineteen-year-old Abel Ruiz of Barcelona B could be heading to Valencia soon. The youngster started in the Valencian academy before joining Barcelona seven years ago, and he could be on his way back.

While the striker has shown a lot of promise, he hasn’t been at his best lately, and Mundo Deportivo reports that Ruiz and his club agree he should go elsewhere to recover his best form. Barcelona are expected to want to retain control over the player in the long term as well, suggesting perhaps a loan or sale with a buyback clause could be in the cards.

Valencia could be motivated to sign Ruiz if Kevin Gameiro leaves them to join Olympique Lyonnais. The French forward has picked up more playing time since the appointment of Albert Celades at Valencia, so los che might stay firm. However, if a big enough offer comes, Valencia are said to be tempted to let Gameiro go. In that case, they would be in search of a new forward.

Regardless, it seems Ruiz could be on his way out one way or another.

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Carles Aleñá loan to Real Betis complete - report

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The Barcelona player will go without a purchase option

Barcelona midfielder Carles Aleñá will move on loan to Real Betis, according to Diario SPORT. There is a total agreement from all parties, according to the report, and it’s simply a matter of official documents being approved before an announcement is made.

The Catalans have forbidden any purchase option, meaning the midfielder will be gone for six months only and then return, per the report. This is because Barcelona are said to believe in him in the long term.

Aleñá nearly left last summer but manager Ernesto Valverde was said to have wanted to keep him around on a trial basis. Aleñá started the first league match but has had trouble finding playing time since.

It is expected that Aleñá will not return to Barcelona’s training facilities after the Christmas break, instead heading directly to Seville to join the green-and-whites.

Getafe, Milan, and Celta were said to also be interested in the youngster.

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Messi explains the secret of his free-kick success

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The GOAT has been studying goalkeepers...

Lionel Messi has been talking about his free-kicks and explained how he has become such a dead-ball specialist.

The Barcelona captain has become lethal from set-pieces around the penalty area in recent seasons and says he has worked hard refining his technique.

“Recently I have been looking into it, and especially in free-kicks, to see if they [goalkeepers] move before, if they make a small movement, if not how they react, how they place the wall.

“It’s true that I am now studying this a bit more. Everything is work and training, I have been getting better with training.”

Source | La Liga

Messi also spoke about the amount of records he has broken during his career and reckons being La Liga’s top scorer is the one that means the most.

️ "To be the top scorer in #LaLigaHistory is very special. It's one of the best records I have."#Messi speaks to #LaLiga in an exclusive 90th anniversary interview.

⚽️❤️ pic.twitter.com/yPKxqk3u6e

— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) December 26, 2019

Messi scored the 50th free-kick of his career in October in Barcelona’s 5-1 win over Real Valladolid at the Camp Nou.

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FC Barcelona News: 26 December 2019

Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images

‘We may never see a player like Messi again’ - Griezmann amazed by Barcelona superstar | Goal
Antoine Griezmann has described his superstar Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi as a player of a quality ‘we may never see again’. The French attacker linked up with Messi and Barca in the off-season after the Catalan club activated his €120m (£107m/$134m) release clause during the summer transfer window.

‘I did not join Barcelona to win titles’ - Griezmann reveals reasons for leaving Atletico | Goal
“I did not leave Atlético to win the Champions League or win more titles,” Griezmann told UEFA.com”. I came here to Barça to learn a new style of play, a new philosophy and to grow on a personal level.

Overtaking Pele, reaching a Barcelona milestone and the records that Messi could break in 2020 | Goal
The Argentina international is actively chasing down the record for the number of goals scored for a single club, currently led by former Santos forward Pele. The Brazilian managed 643 goals for the side, but Messi is hot on his heels with 618 for Barcelona, needing just 25 to match the legendary striker.

Barcelona plan to loan out players in January | Marca
The January transfer market has almost arrived and Barcelona are studying the possibility of sending two of their fringe players out on loan. Jean-Clair Todibo and Carles Alena haven’t played much for Ernesto Valverde in the first half of the season and it doesn’t seem as though that’ll change before the end of the season.

Inside La Masia: How Barcelona’s future stars live | Marca
Barcelona’s star-studded list of graduates from La Masia is longer than most clubs can boast from their youth academies. Lionel Messi, Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Pep Guardiola, Sergio Busquets and so many more have come through to represent the Catalan club and lead them to great success.

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FC Barcelona News: 25 December 2019

Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Ernesto Valverde: ‘Messi approaches perfection” | FC Barcelona
2019 comes to an end and amidst all the success, a few names spring to mind. The first, of course, is none other than Leo Messi who scored a total of 50 goals in the calendar year, claimed his sixth Ballon d’Or and his sixth Golden Shoe. A player from another galaxy coached by Ernesto Valverde who sat down with the Club’s official media to look back over the last 12 months in an exclusive interview.

Ernesto Valverde: ‘So far so good’ | FC Barcelona
As 2019 gives way to 2020, Ernesto Valverde has spoken exclusively to the club media. The FC Barcelona coach looks back at the highs and lows of the year just ending, and also looks ahead to the year to come.

Barcelona to make attempt to sign Neymar from PSG in summer - sources | ESPN
The Barca hierarchy believes that Neymar is the natural replacement for Lionel Messi. The club believe it will be easier to bring Neymar back to Camp Nou once Messi is gone, given that Neymar has already played there and there are not too many players at his level.

Barcelona want Manchester United teen Angel Gomes | Football Espana
Angel Gomes has stalled on signing a new contract at Manchester United and Barcelona are reportedly keen on a deal. The 19-year-old has broken into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first-team squad this season, making five appearances including three starts in the Europa League to date.

Getafe’s final push for Alena | Marca
In recent weeks, Getafe have not hidden their desire to acquire Barcelona midfielder Carles Alena in the January transfer window. The 21-year-old is liked by Jose Bordalas and Getafe president Angel Torres, who was clear when asked about his thoughts on Alena.

When is the next El Clasico? The dates of Real Madrid vs Barcelona 2019-20 fixtures | Goal
The next Clasico, which is the second of the 2019-20 season, will take place on March 1, 2020 at the Santiago Bernabeu. The first Liga Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid in the 2019-20 campaign – originally set to be played on October 26 – was postponed and was rescheduled for December 18 following political unrest in the region.

Laporta: Pique would make an ideal Barcelona president | Marca
Joan Laporta has admitted that he’s planning to run for Barcelona presidency again in the near future. Laporta was in charge of the club between 2003 and 2010 and oversaw the most successful era in its history.

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Valverde talks Messi, Dembele, Griezmann and De Jong

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The Barcelona boss has been talking about his players

Ernesto Valverde has given a big interview to FC Barcelona where he’s talked about a range of issues after a rollercoaster 2019 for the club.

The Barcelona offered his thoughts on his key players including his attackers, new signings and Ousmane Dembele’s injury.

The whole interview is available here, but here’s a round-up of what he had to say about his key players.

Valverde on Messi

It’s impossible not to miss Messi. When he came back [from injury], a player who hasn’t played or had pre-season either, obviously finds it a bit more difficult to pick up form but he quickly connected with us. I think he’s in form now, even when he’s not in form, he’s in form.

Leo is such a clear talent it’s difficult to find something else to say that has not been said. In terms of his play, in terms of his passing, it’s not just any old pass that he’ll play, it’s perfection - the perfect pass.

Valverde on Dembele

All injuries are unexpected and leave a bad taste because it’s a stop in a player’s career. This one has been especially cruel because he was very focused, very committted, he was working well. He has so many qualities that you want to see him out on the field, it looked like we were getting there and now it’s a big break for him. It’s a source of hurt for him mentally as well. He’s recovering, working hard.

Valverde on Griezmann

I can see him integrating more and more. It’s not easy for a player who has come from a totally different style of play in terms of training and competition. He’s a players who gives us a lot. He is not just a great goalscorer, he also provides assists and has a great work rate. For a team like us it’s important to have a player like that who can connect with the midfield and know when he he has to help the full-back. He’s doing a great job for us and we are very happy with him.

Valverde on Frenkie de Jong

He is a young player, who’s got lots of energy. He can go forwards and backwards on the pitch which means the team can join together a lot. He’s also got great organisational capabilities, he moves the ball well, he can always salvage high pressing with great runs. He performs at a very high level. I think he can still offer us more, in terms of playing faster and participating more in the final third. He can improve and we need to insist on that.

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De Jong: We aren’t playing badly but must improve

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

The midfielder feels he’s not as dominant as at Ajax

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been talking about life at his new club and how he and the team can improve going forward.

The Dutch international has become a regular since signing from Ajax and says that while he is happy he thinks the team can play better football.

“My versatility is an advantage, as the coach says. I now mainly play left in midfield, also because Arthur is injured. These first months I am especially happy that I play a lot and that I am in midfield.

”From time to time I have shown my qualities, but in general everything can be a lot better. I am not as dominant as at Ajax. In this position I have to score more goals and give assists. That requires some adjustment and therefore time.

“Everything at Barca is really great and I realise that. As a team we aren’t playing badly, but we have to do better.

“Every now and then we are a bit too unsure on the ball. Sometimes our football is very beautiful, and then a game later you ask yourself where that good form and good feeling has gone.”

Source | De Telegraaf

Barcelona signed off 2019 with a 4-1 win over Alaves at the Camp Nou that sees them two points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga over the festive period.

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Neymar is Barcelona’s top priority for 2020 - report

Photo by Angelo Blankespoor/Soccrates/Getty Images

Christmas brings fresh new rumors

Barcelona are off on their Christmas holidays but will start planning for 2020 after the festive period, and their top priority for next year remains Neymar.

The Brazilian is plastered all over the front page of Mundo Deportivo on Christmas Eve with a report that says the PSG man is Barca’s big target for next summer.

Barca will reportedly renew their attempts to land him but only if he stays injury-free and continues to come up with the goods on the pitch for the French champions.

The Catalan giants have also been busy with their calculators and reckon they can bring Neymar back to the Camp Nou for a fee of about €180 million.

Barca will raise most of the funds for that by flogging Philippe Coutinho to Bayern Munich and will pay Neymar the same salary he was on before he left for PSG.

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