Betis interested in Abel Ruiz

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Will Abel Ruiz be the key to a deal for Firpo?

Barcelona have clearly made left-back a priority for their final transfer of the summer window as the Neymar rumors have cooled off in a major way, and it looks as though Junior Firpo of Real Betis is the preferred choice.

Betis were unwilling to talk at first, but the latest reports seem to indicate they’re willing to sell. The negotiations are underway and there seems to be a €5 million difference between Betis’ asking price and Barça’s offer, and there could be a player or two involved in the deal to make it happen. For weeks the key name has been Barça left-back Juan Miranda, but now we have an interesting development.

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Betis are interested in Blaugrana striker Abel Ruiz, who has two years left on his contract and a reported release clause of 100 million euros. Barça have no plans of selling Ruiz and want to use him as a backup to Luis Suárez this season, but if Betis are serious about Ruiz and use that as leverage to sell Firpo, will Barça cave in and include Ruiz in the deal?

If they do, as with Miranda, there will certainly be one or two clauses to protect Barça and allow them to bring Ruiz back on a cheaper deal if Betis exercise some sort of option to buy him in a year, but it’s hard to tell at this point. Certainly it sounds easier for Barça to just play the extra five million to avoid the risk of losing a potential star in Abel Ruiz, and they’ll probably do that in the end.

But for now we should be asking this: how valuable is Ruiz in Barça’s eyes? Is he really the striker of the future or is he just the key to make a deal for the left-back of the future? We’ll find out soon.

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Andrés Iniesta: “Antoine Griezmann and Neymar are two of the best in the world, but...”

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“Whether they are both necessary is a different question”

Former FC Barcelona captain Andrés Iniesta has given his opinion on the prospective signing of Neymar, in an interview with DAZN. The current Vissel Kobe midfielder spoke about whether the Brazilian was a good signing, taking into account that Barça already spent heavily on reinforcing the forward line by the capture of Antoine Griezmann.

“They are two of the best in the world individually, and they would be amazing signings, but it’s another question if the two are necessary, or how the team would gel, or what Barça really want,” he said.

Iniesta also spoke about Eden Hazard: “He’s a player who makes a difference. He’s extremely complete: right, left, dribbling, speed, he’s strong... he has brutal quality to be an important player for Real Madrid, and I always liked him.”

And here’s what he said about his future: “At the personal level, surely I will try to be a coach, develop, and let’s see what happens in the future. But as of today, I have a hard time visualizing it, because I still feel enthusiasm to continue playing football.”

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Carles Puyol: I rejected Real Madrid twice

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The former captain says he got two firm offers to join Madrid

Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has revealed that he was twice approached to join Real Madrid, in an interview with TV3. Puyol is a legendary figure for Barça, having served as captain for the longest time anyone ever has (2004-14), so it would have been quite a shock had he agreed the move.

“Two times they wanted to sign me, but I already was in the best club in the world, and I wanted to win titles with Barça, and that’s why I stayed,” the former defender said.

He says the first time los blancos approached him was in 2001, after Puyol played against Luís Figo in Real Madrid colors for the first time since his transfer from Barcelona in 2000.

The second time came three years later.

“José Antonio Camacho signed [as manager] for Madrid, and they wanted me and Ronaldinho” for the 2004-05 season.

Puyol would win his first La Liga title that campaign

“Even more than the World Cup, the title I felt the most for was the UEFA Champions League win in Paris, in 2005, because it was with Barça, which is what I feel the most.”

Puyol also spoke about his famous goal in Barça’s 6-2 victory in el clásico, which he celebrated by kissing his captain’s armband.

“That celebration in the goal at the Bernabéu comes from inside, and although I scored few goals, I thought if I did score, I had to celebrate it in that way.”

Puyol also may have dropped a hint about his future, asking speculatively, “do you imagine Gerard Piqué as president, Xavi as manager, and me as sporting director? Do you think we’d do a good job?”

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PSG offer Neymar a deal: stay one more season, leave next year - report

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Paris are trying to negotiate his exit

Neymar will be given an offer to stay one more season at Paris Saint-Germain in exchange for a promise to leave next summer, according to Diario SPORT.

PSG’s director, former Brazil international Leonardo, is said to be departing to meet with his compatriot in China face-to-face to propose the deal.

Neymar, it is rumored, has decided he wants to leave Paris this summer one way or another. However, PSG have asked for a high fee in exchange for his transfer, and only one serious buyer has appeared - FC Barcelona.

The report tells us that the French club do not see a replacement of his stature on the market, and they are worried no one will meet the valuation of their star forward anyway. Thus, they see a deal to leave next season as the best solution for all parties involved.

Neymar reportedly finds that the proposal arrives too late and is not acceptable. He’s said to be at the point of no return, and his relationship with the supporters and the manager, Thomas Tuchel, is strained. It’s also said that Barcelona is the only team that interests the Brazilian at the moment.

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Lionel Messi and Frenkie de Jong nominated for FIFA “The Best” Award

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Two Barcelona players are in contention

Lionel Messi and Frenkie de Jong have been nominated for FIFA’s “The Best” Award for the best male player in the world. The award has been given three times, and Messi has not won it yet, though he has placed second twice. It’s De Jong’s first nomination.

Messi earned it after winning the top scorer awards for La Liga, the European Golden Shoe, and the UEFA Champions League last season with Barcelona, as well as a podium finish at Copa América. De Jong is nominated for his performances with AFC Ajax last season, where they made an improbable run deep into the UEFA Champions League, as well as his work in the Netherlands’ second-place UEFA Nations League finish.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Matthijs de Ligt (Ajax last season, Juventus now), Eden Hazard (Chelsea last season, now Real Madrid), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Sadio Mane (Liverpool), Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), and Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) have also been nominated.

The award’s roots trace to the FIFA Ballon d’Or award. At first, the Ballon d’Or was given by France Football magazine. This changed for a few years when FIFA officially co-sponsored it. However, the partnership broke up, and now we have FF giving out the Ballon d’Or and FIFA giving out the “The Best” prize.

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Will Junior Firpo be the man to put pressure on Jordi Alba?

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‘The squirrel’ is virtually untouchable

With the news that Real Betis have dropped their initial demand for a €30m transfer fee for Junior Firpo, it appears that Barcelona are edging closer to acquiring the left-back as cover for Jordi Alba.

A difference of €5m apparently exists between the two clubs’ valuation of the player at present, but all the noises surrounding the deal would suggest that this can be bridged.

Firpo is close, while Neymar is further than ever from signing with Barcelona. The left back is set to become the last expensive acquisition this summer.

— Rafael Hernández (@RafaelH117) July 24, 2019

Ernesto Valverde is known to want any deal completed before the squad fly out to America on Monday to undertake their two-game mini tour against Napoli, but is the 22-year-old the right man to put pressure on a player that is virtually untouchable at this point?

In 28 appearances for the verdiblancos last season, he managed to score three goals and supply four assists.

When looking at that particular statistic against Marc Cucurella, for example, it compares very favourably, given the former Barca youngster scored a solitary goal and provided two assists in his 31 appearances.

For the record, Alba managed two goals and eight assists in his 44 appearances.

Firpo can match his contemporary for his dynamism in getting forward and is certainly a useful supplementary attacker in that regard.

His pass completion rate is only slightly worse than Alba’s (82.9% to 85.6%) and he’s also better in the air, but perhaps his biggest failing is his lack of maturity and discipline.

That’s something which Alba has often been accused of, but Firpo’s 10 yellow cards in 2018/19 surpasses that of the former.

Further, there’s the issue of consistency.

Barcelona accelerates the Firpo signing. He has a 40m clause. FCB dont want to pay more than 20m. Valverde wants him to go to the US got preseason.
(ESPN Samuelmarsden moillorens) pic.twitter.com/kzVWrYBEHv

— Goal Digger (@GoalDiggerFCB) July 30, 2019

If there’s one thing that Barca can rely on with Jordi Alba, it’s his work rate. The ethic to bomb up and down his channel from first minute to last, week in and week out, as well as motoring back to cover defensively.

There have been concerns over his defensive ability from time to time but that too has been something levelled at Firpo, whose game can be a little raw.

He’s also been accused of not always giving 100 percent in every match, which certainly won’t wash at the Camp Nou.

Now announce Firpo pic.twitter.com/vJciWH8l4Q

— Simone Tirrito (@simone_tirrito) July 30, 2019

How well will he settle into life with the Blaugrana too, given that he wasn’t schooled at La Masia? That’s absolutely something that Cucurella - and Juan Miranda - have over him.

Very definitely signed as the second-choice in the position could be the biggest problem of all.

Like others who have joined Barca in the recent past, eg Cillessen, Alcácer etc., the swift realisation that they won’t actually get to play many games comes as a bitter blow.

He remains a decent enough prospect, but can Barca really afford to pay €20-25m at this moment for a player who’ll largely be nothing more than a reserve?

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Barça, Zenit agree Malcom deal

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The Brazilian may be headed to Russia soon

After a year of good and bad moments, it looks as though Malcom’s time with Barcelona has come to an end. The Brazilian is expected to be moving to Russia as Barça and FC Zenit have reached an agreement on a €40 million transfer plus €5 million in variables, according to a report from Diario SPORT.

There was no traction on a move for Malcom after Everton’s interest cooled off over the weekend, but the last 48 hours brought not only interest but a real offer from Zenit, who agreed personal terms on a 5-year deal with Malcom before negotiating with Barça. The Russians initially offered €35 million, then accepted Barça’s counteroffer and the deal moved quickly after that.

Malcom is currently in Barcelona training with his soon-to-be former teammates, and an announcement is expected to be made very soon.

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FC Barcelona News: 31 July 2019

Photo credit should read JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images

Back to training in Barcelona with a double session | FC Barcelona
The Japan tour and the Rakuten Cup are now just a memory and Barça were back in the more familiar surroundings of the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Tuesday. As usual at this stage of the preseason, Ernesto Valverde is running both morning and afternoon workouts as his players continue to get geared up for the start of the season proper.

Suárez and Wague back at work | FC Barcelona
The Barça squad have trained for the second day since returning to Japan and there were two ‘new’ faces among them. Luis Suárez and Moussa Wague are back at work after playing for their respective countries at the Copa América and the African Cup of Nations.

English teams at the Gamper | FC Barcelona
With Arsenal visiting the Camp Nou for the Gamper Trophy match this Sunday (8.00pm CEST), we take a look back at previous appearances by English sides at the competition. And we unearth a number of curious tales involving dodgy penalty shootouts, Maradona’s shirt and a historic first meeting between two countries that had just been at war.

Philippe Coutinho ‘stuck’ at Barcelona | Football Espana
Out-of-favour Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho looks set to stay at the club this summer, report El Mundo Deportivo. The Brazil international has cut a frustrated figure for the Catalan club this season, finding starting opportunities limited at the club and struggling to find consistent form.

Zenit accelerate move for Malcom | Marca
Barcelona winger Malcom has been strongly lined with a move to Zenit Saint Petersburg and the deal seems to be closer than ever. It is clear that Malcom is not a part of Ernesto Valverde’s plans, while Barcelona need to recoup some money in order to fund their transfer activity for the rest of the window.

Barcelona should avoid Neymar move for many reasons, says former board member | Goal
Bringing Neymar back to Barcelona would not be in the club’s best interest, according to former board member Toni Freixa. Freixa was a board member during the presidencies of Joan Laporta, Sandro Rosell and Josep Maria Bartomeu, as well as a candidate during the 2015 presidential election.

How Barcelona spent almost €1bn in five years without winning the Champions League | Goal
In fact, the outlay lies at an enormous €966 million (£885m/$1078m) since the Blaugrana last lifted the trophy in 2015, a staggering amount of money when you consider the manner in which they were dumped out by Roma and Liverpool in consecutive years despite holding significant first-leg advantages.

Only five million euros separate Barça and Betis over Junior deal | Sport
FC Barcelona are keen to sign a left-back and hope to have a deal in place for one this week, before Ernesto Valverde’s side travel to the United States. It’s for that reason that the club have intensified talks with Real Betis over Junior Firpo. Betis are now ready to lower their demands but an agreement is not yet in place.

Reports: Manchester United keen on Barça defender Umtiti | Sport
According to French website ‘le10sport.com’, Manchester United are interested in Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti. Manchester City, coached by Pep Guardiola, have been linked with the France international before but it’s their city rivals now said to be keen on a move.

Barça are yet to receive a single offer for Samuel Umtiti this summer | Sport
Unless there’s a late change, Samuel Umtiti will remain at FC Barcelona this season. Despite reports in England which suggested that Manchester United had launched a bid for Umtiti, the club insists that they’ve yet to receive a single offer for the World Cup winner this summer. Barça are open to letting Umtiti leave for the right price but, at the same time, would be happy to keep the defender on their books.

False bomb threat targeting Messi and Suarez’s car at Barcelona airport | Marca
A phone call made to the emergency services that claimed there was a suspicious package under Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez’s car at Barcelona’s El Prat airport has turned out to be a false alarm. A call was made to 112, alerting the emergency services of a suspicious package under the car of the Barcelona stars, but security services with search dogs have confirmed that there were no explosives under the car.

Barça managed to avoid losing Carles Perez to Valencia for free | Sport
The winger is one of Barça B’s best players and SuperDeporte say he was close to agreeing to move to Valencia recently. Perez was out of contract in 2018 and Valencia moved quickly to try and bring him in for free. They made an appealing offer, but Barça managed to convince him to renew.

FC Barcelona launches ‘Gallina de piel’ range in honour of Johan Cruyff | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona has launched a new collection of exclusive clothes and accessories called Gallina de piel in honour of the late, great Johan Cruyff. The different products can only be purchased in the Barça Store at the Camp Nou, and go on sale in a special space on the first floor from August 1.

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Barcelona closing in on Junior Firpo - report

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Real Betis are reportedly willing to sell

Barcelona are reportedly closing in on a move for Real Betis full-back Junior Firpo, according to multiple reports.

ESPN report that Barcelona are “increasingly confident” of landing the 22-year-old and want the deal all sewn up before they fly out to the United States on Monday.

They reckon that Betis are willing to sell Firpo for €25 million, the only problem is that Barcelona are yet to offer more than €20 million.

Sport have a similar story regarding Firpo. They reckon the reason Barcelona are reticent about spending big on the youngster is because he will essentially be back-up to Jordi Alba.

It seems as though Betis had been expecting plenty of interest from elsewhere for their full-back but that has not happened, and so they are willing to drop their initial asking price of €35m.

There still seems to be a bit of negotiation to go between the two sides, but it looks as though Firpo could well become Barca’s fourth summer signing.

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FC Barcelona has an official manga, and it’s weird

Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage

Players such as Lionel Messi and Gerard Piqué fly through a time portal while riding a dragon and match wits with a demon

As part of FC Barcelona’s pre-season tour through Japan, the club, along with the Catalan Board of Tourism and the Government of Catalonia, decided to produce a manga featuring some players - Marc-André ter Stegen, Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi, Gerard Piqué, and Sergi Roberto.

You might have thought that the manga would have just explained the history of the club and some of the player’s careers.

But maybe you thought differently. Maybe you thought it was about a time-traveling dragon. If you did, you’re a very strange person. But you’re also right.

The official Barcelona manga starts out with Piqué just showing up to training riding a dragon. pic.twitter.com/K1gpsX6Etc

— Luis Mazariegos (@luism8989) July 30, 2019

There’s very little explanation for this, but Gerard Piqué just shows up to training one day riding a dragon that looks straight out of Game of Thrones. This is just page 2. He simply tells his teammates he found it in Montblanc, a town in Catalonia. Like that explains it.

He also says this is St. George’s dragon. Now, St. George is the patron saint of Barcelona and the cross of St. George is featured in the FC Barcelona crest. So that’s kind of cool, but could someone point out to Piqué that St. George slayed the Dragon? Is this a zombie dragon?

So on page 2 a dragon shows up and on page 3 they ride the dragon through a time travel and end up in the Meiji era of Japan.

Makes sense. #BarçaManga pic.twitter.com/qAVeOJrmv4

— Luis Mazariegos (@luism8989) July 30, 2019

The players just agree to ride on a bus with the dragon and they randomly go through a time portal. Suddenly they find themselves in the Meiji era of Japan.

There, they meet a couple of Japanese kids who offer to help the players get enough food to feed the dragon to give him enough strength to open up another portal to return to the present day. But when they get to their village, they are faced with the demon Katsu-maka. Now you may think that being a demon, he must be doing something incredibly evil. But he actually says his plan is just to “annoy” the town.

That’s when the players realize what’s making this particular demon so grumpy is that he’s bored, so they decide to entertain him with their football skills.

The players engage in “The Death Rondo” which makes the demon absolutely dizzy at their high-speed precision. (Let’s just assume Suárez’s touch was perfect this time.)

The Barcelona players use their advanced passing skills to make a demon dizzy#BarçaManga pic.twitter.com/KABXXAO7Wv

— Luis Mazariegos (@luism8989) July 30, 2019

It ends with something called “The Ultimate Pass” (which involves the dragon channeling his fire through Ter Stegen, I think) and “The Invisible Dribble.” The demon is so impressed he leaves them alone. The players and the dragon eat food, and have some nice cultural exchange moments with the Japanese kids. Then they ask the dragon - who speaks English by the way - to open up another time travel portal, and they return home.

Once home, they show the Japanese kids (who also came through the portal) around Catalonia. Afterwards, the kids say their goodbyes and go back to the Meiji era. Finally, the dragon offers to take the players to visit his cave. For some reason the comic ends with the dragon and the players playing a VR game. This is one final, random twist in this madcap tale.

The story ends with the players in the dragon's cave playing a VR game. This really comes out of nowhere since the story so far had nothing to do with VR or video games, but oh well. #BarçaManga pic.twitter.com/k7uNTZH7F6

— Luis Mazariegos (@luism8989) July 30, 2019

If this manga intrigues you, the good news is that it’s free. You just have to give your name and e-mail and agree to get communications from the club. I mean, you could also give completely fake information, and I doubt that it will stop you. But that’s up to you. Click here.

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Marc-André ter Stegen’s great gesture for Andrés Iniesta’s son

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Leonardo travels to China to try to convince Neymar to stay - report

Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

PSG do not want to lose their prized asset

PSG director Leonardo is flying to China to meet with the coach and players, but most especially Neymar, according to Diario SPORT. The forward’s desire to leave PSG is an open secret at this point, and it seems his compatriot wants to change his mind with a “lightning” visit.

If Leonardo is unable to convince Neymar, the report says then PSG will make a final decision concerning his situation in the coming days.

Leonardo has made it his priority to retain the services of the Brazilian megastar since being appointed, according to the report. He has been said to be in touch with Neymar, but in those conversations, the player has stayed firm. However, we are told that Leonardo wants to make one last push to prevent his exit.

Another report from SPORT says that PSG want Josep Maria Bartomeu to personally advance the operation on Barcelona’s behalf. The report states that negotiations are on “standby,” and that the time for intermediaries is over. PSG now reportedly want Bartomeu to personally get involved, although not necessarily publicly.

The deal is not “dead,” but there is a chance that it could come undone if the president does not act. Until this point there is an impasse, with PSG reportedly asking for more money and Barça trying to offer mainly players in exchange for Neymar’s return.

Another key detail in this report is that Barcelona are the only buyers truly in for Neymar. Manchester United, Juventus, Bayern Munich, and especially, Real Madrid have been mentioned as potential partners in the deal. But perhaps their interest is not very strong.

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Abel Ruiz will be Suarez’s back-up this season

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

The club will look to youth rather than invest

Barcelona had been linked with bringing in a new No. 9 in the transfer window to provide back-up to Luis Suarez, but it seems that job will now be handed to Abel Ruiz.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the 19-year-old is set for the role after captaining Spain Under-19s to victory at the 2019 European Championships this summer.

FT #U19EURO final: Portugal 0-2 Spain
Torres 34, 51 mins ⚽️⚽️
8th title for Spain pic.twitter.com/fVnrKFxE6M

— UEFA.com (@UEFAcom) July 27, 2019

The teenager is due to arrive back at Barcelona B on Friday and has been talking about how keen he is to start the new season and how he’d love to train with the first team.

Ruiz may now be handed some opportunities to stake a claim for a spot in the squad and allow Suarez a breather. The Uruguayan barely got any time off last season and spent the summer at the Copa America.

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FC Barcelona News: 30 July 2019

Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images

Barcelona return to training without Gerard Pique | Sport
FC Barcelona returned to training on Tuesday after arriving back in Catalonia from Japan on Sunday. The first team players trained under the eye of coach Ernesto Valverde in a morning session at the Ciutat Esportiva. Gerard Pique, who missed Saturday’s win over Vissel Kobe, was unable to train with his teammates.

Valverde is delighted with Barça defenders Todibo and Araújo | Sport
The two games in Japan allowed Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde to take a proper look at Jean-Clair Todibo and Ronald Araújo and see that he can have confidence in them if needed. The coaches are delighted with the performances of the two young centre-backs and have translated to the club that they will use them depending on the needs of the team during the season.

Zenit say “conversations for Malcom are at an advanced stage” | Sport
Zenit Saint Petersburg’s president and director general Alexander Metvedev has confirmed the club’s interest in signing Malcom from Barcelona. ”Negotiations for Malcom are advanced with Barcelona and we’re going through an active and decisive phase,” he told Fontanka.

Miami, from El Clásico to Napoli-Barça | FC Barcelona
Barça return to a special place that holds good memories. Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, which once hosted a Barça v Real Madrid fixture, will now be the venue for Napoli v Barça.

Paris Saint-Germain are now asking for 180 million euros for Neymar | Sport
Negotiating with Paris Saint-Germain has never been easy and for Barcelona it’s been impossible. A deal to bring Neymar back was seen as a pipe dream weeks ago, but the player’s determination to leave the French club has opened the door.

Sources: Man United’s Darmian on Barca radar | ESPN
Barcelona are considering Manchester United’s Matteo Darmian as a low-cost alternative to first-choice left-back targets Junior Firpo, Philipp Max and David Alaba, sources have told ESPN FC. Head coach Ernesto Valverde wants Barca to push through a move for Real Betis’ Junior this week, while Augsburg’s Max is another target.

Time for Barcelona to roll up their sleeves | Marca
Now that Barcelona are back in Catalonia, it’s time for them to resolve some of the situations they put on hold before going to Japan. They need to fulfil their transfer market needs and offload some players as soon as possible. Like every summer since arriving, Ernesto Valverde has asked for a smaller squad as he believes it’s the best way to have all of the players at his disposal completely switched on and focused on the job at hand.

‘Barcelona interest shocked me’ - Bayern ace Thiago opens up on childhood and future plans | Goal
After impressing at Barcelona’s famed academy, Thiago eventually made the step up to the first team and he loved learning from his more experienced team-mates. “As a professional, I’m not a guy who could get impressed with players, but I have a lot of respect for them,” the midfielder went on.

Gerard Pique’s FC Andorra take final Segunda B place | Football Espana
FC Andorra, the team owned by Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, have been promoted to Segunda B to replace crisis-stricken Reus. Pique deposited the €452,022 fee for his club to be promoted into the third level of Spanish football to replace Reus, who had been automatically demoted from the second flight midway through last season due to their financial woes.

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PSG lower Neymar asking price to €180m - report

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Sergi Roberto: Barca will be under more pressure this season

Photo by Hiroki Watanabe/Getty Images

The midfielder also feels his team have gone up a level

Sergi Roberto says Barcelona will be under more pressure this season because of their defeats to Liverpool and Valencia at the end of the last campaign.

Barcelona had looked on course for the treble, but threw away a 3-0 lead in the Champions League against the Reds and were beaten 2-1 in the Copa del Rey final.

Roberto reckons those defeats will have an impact on the club going forwards.

“We start the season with more pressure than last year because of everything that happened at the end of last season, but I also think we’ve gone up a level. The signings we have made so far have increased the level of the squad.”

Source | TV3

There will be expectations on Barcelona to show they have learned from last season’s painful defeats. There will also be scrutiny on new signings Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong to show what they can do in their first seasons with the Spanish champions.

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Barcelona sign Brazilian youth player for Víctor Valdés’s Juvenil A

Photo by UEFA/Handout via Getty Images

Igor Gomes is the newest addition to the family

Víctor Valdés already has his first reinforcement for the coming season. Barcelona have announced the capture of Brazilian defender Igor Gomes to become a part of the former goalkeeper’s Juvenil A team.

[ÚLTIMA HORA] Igor Gomes se incorpora al Barça. El defensa brasileño, de 18 años, llega procedente del Coimbra y jugará en el Juvenil A de Víctor Valdés

Bem vindo ao Barça Igor!#FCBMasia #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/B9Smr6aj9v

— FC Barcelona - Masia (@FCBmasia) July 29, 2019

The 18-year-old defender comes from Portuguese lower-league club Coimbra. Gomes gained his reputation this year by shining in the São Paulo Junior Cup with Brazilian club Volta Redonda.

This is also the first signing for Patrick Kluivert, the former forward who has recently taken over as director of youth football at Barça. However, Mundo Deportivo says the player had already agreed to join prior to Kluivert’s appointment.

The right-footed defender has signed on for 5 seasons.

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Barcelona await Manchester United offer for Ivan Rakitić

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United are rumored to want the Croatian as a potential Paul Pogba replacement

Barcelona maintain the option of selling Ivan Rakitić open, and have a potential buyer in mind, according to Diario SPORT.

Real Madrid are linked with the purchase of Paul Pogba from Manchester United, and that could precipitate a chain of transfers. United do not want to part with the Frenchman, at least not for a massive sum, but if they were to sell Pogba, Rakitić could be a good replacement.

The report states a representative of the English club reached out to Barcelona, although no official bid has been made for the Croatian.

Barça reportedly ask for no less than 50 million euros. Inter Milan have been rumored to want Rakitić’s services, but we are told that they have not made a concrete offer either.

Rumors from last summer say that Paris Saint-Germain offered 90 million for the player.

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Marco Verratti: If he wants to go, Neymar should be allowed to leave

Photo credit should read LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP/Getty Images

The PSG midfielder once was also linked with a move to Barcelona

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has spoken out about the Neymar situation, opining that the Brazilian should be allowed an exit if he truly wants to leave.

“I prefer that Neymar continue with us. I have never heard him say he wants to leave. But I don’t know what he told the club. It would be disappointing to see him go. I’d never like to hear him say he wants to go, I’d prefer if he stayed,” the Italian said.

Neymar has been heavily linked with an exit from the Parisian club, with Barcelona mentioned as his #1 choice for where to play next. That situation is not too dissimilar from the one Verratti himself, when, in the same window in which Neymar ultimately left Barça, he was trying to make a move in the opposite direction. In the end, Verratti stayed at PSG and Neymar joined him.

“In that time I needed explanations from PSG, because I had seen things that were not fit for a club that wanted to win big competitions. Now, I’m happy of that decision to stay.

“Nobody forced me to stay but I think if a player want to go, he will always find a way to do it. When a player really wants to leave, the club has to let him go. I agree with what the club are asking for in the transfer, but you can’t keep a player that wants to leave the club.”

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Malcom rumors intensify as Barca exit looms

Photo by Hiroki Watanabe/Getty Images

The Brazilian looks set to depart after just one season

Malcom’s time at Barcelona looks increasingly like it’s about to end this summer, and the latest report claims he is “close” to joining Zenit St Petersburg.

According to Marca, the Russian club are able to afford the €40 million that Barcelona want for the Brazilian and could pull off a deal this summer.

Manager Ernesto Valverde is said to be keen to trim his squad before they head off to the United States on tour, and it looks like Malcom might be the first out of the door.

There’s plenty of other rumors surrounding the Brazilian right now too.

Over at Sport the word is that Premier League sides Everton, Arsenal and Tottenham are all keen but will need to stump up €45 million to land the winger.

They also report that moves to Napoli and Inter are unlikely as the two Serie A sides only want him on loan, while Borussia Dortmund have been ruled out of the chase.

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FC Barcelona News: 29 July 2019

Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images

Bartomeu: Barcelona have an obligation to plan for the post-Messi era | Marca
Josep Maria Bartomeu knows that Lionel Messi won’t last forever and the Barcelona president believes the club have to start preparing for life after the Argentine. The 32-year-old is still performing at an incredible level, but the Catalans need to start building towards the future, with him surely into his final few years at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona’s De Jong medicine | Marca
One of the brightest positives to come from Barcelona’s pre-season tour of Japan has undoubtedly been the performances of Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman has made extremely positive impressions so far, both against Chelsea and Vissel Kobe, despite playing in different positions.

Neymar not on PSG preseason amid Barca links | ESPN
Paris Saint-Germain have announced that Neymar has not travelled to Suzhou, China, for the French champions’ preseason friendly against Sydney FC on Tuesday amid links of a return to former club Barcelona. The Brazil international, who was confident of tempting an offer from the Spanish giants before the squad left for China, has stayed behind at PSG’s base in Shenzhen.

Barcelona hopeful on Real Betis wing-back Junior Firpo | Football Espana
Barcelona are confident they can conclude a deal for Real Betis wing-back Junior Firpo in the coming weeks, report Diario AS. It is claimed by the report that Ernesto Valverde is driving the interest in the player, with Barcelona willing to pay €20m for the player - although that is well below the valuation of Betis.

Valverde wants two more signings... and Barça’s squad cut down | Sport
With La Liga just under three weeks away, Barcelona are starting an important week in the transfer market. They have done their homework and now must make decisions. Ernesto Valverde would like everything sorted in seven days. He wants the squad lightened and a left-back signed. If Malcom goes, which is on track, he wants another attacker, too. Two signings and four departures.

Pogba sale would see Manchester United move for Barça’s Rakitic | Sport
Barcelona need to reduce the size of their squad and the priority is to make space in midfield, where there is currently a clear overbooking. All eyes are on Rafinha, but the club believe Ivan Rakitic could leave first with the transfer window in the Premier League shutting earlier.

Man City ask Barcelona about Nelson Semedo | Sport
Man City asked Barcelona about Nelson Semedo a few days ago, but the Catalans simply referred Pep Guardiola’s side to the defender’s release clause. His agent Jorge Mendes told Barcelona of the interest from the English club after their negotiations for Joao Cancelo broke down. Barcelona believe in Semedo and do not want to sell him.

Crisis at Valencia could put an end to Rafinha’s Mestalla move | Sport
Barça and Valencia are/were negotiating the transfer of Rafinha. The Catalan club had even suggested a deal could be completed this week. Everything was advanced. But the breakdown of Lim and Alemany’s relationship could change things.

Pique prepares for life after retirement | Marca
At the age of 32, Gerard Pique knows that the end of his playing career is closer than the beginning. Accordingly, the centre-back is preparing for life after retirement and some of the business moves he has made suggest that he’ll remain heavily involved in the sport even after he hangs up his boots.

Iniesta has ‘no regrets’ over leaving Barcelona | Goal
Vissel Kobe midfielder Andres Iniesta has “no regrets” over his departure from Barcelona after facing his former team in a friendly. Iniesta has been at the J.League side since 2018, when he left boyhood club Barca after a trophy-laden 16 seasons at Camp Nou.

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Valverde wants to buy two and sell four - report

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A busy end to the transfer window?

Barcelona have brought in Antoine Griezmann, Frenkie de Jong and Neto this summer but they may not have completed their spending just yet.

According to Sport, manager Ernesto Valverde wants the club to bring in two more players before the window closes on September 2nd.

The report claims Barcelona want a left-back and are in talks for Junior Firpo and Augsburg defender Philipp Max. Firpo is the top target but Barca don’t want to pay more than €25m.

Barcelona could also sign another attacker to replace Malcom, who is expected to depart after just one season at the club.

The Brazilian may not be the only player heading for the exit door either. Philippe Coutinho could also go, and if he does it’s likely a move for Neymar really might be on.

Other names in the frame to leave are Rafinha and Ivan Rakitic, and Valverde is hoping he has his final squad in place for the start of their tour of the United States.

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The Barca stars that have impressed so far in pre-season

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Manchester City make Nelson Semedo enquiry - report

Photo by Kaz Photography/Getty Images

The Premier League champions want a new right-back

Manchester City have become the latest club to be linked with a move for Barcelona right-back Nelson Semedo but have been told he is not for sale.

According to Sport, Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions have been in touch after a move for Juventus right-back Joao Cancelo stalled.

Barcelona’s response was apparently to point out Semedo’s €100 million buyout clause as they consider him to be non-transferable.

The report also reckons that Barcelona are considering offering the Portugal international a contract extension at some point during the season. His current deal runs until 2022.

There were rumors earlier in the summer that Semedo wanted out because he was not a regular at Barca, but the latest speculation has suggested the club will make him first choice next season.

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Xavi Simons falls into the money trap

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FC Barcelona News: 28 July 2019

Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images

Vissel Kobe 0 - 2 Barça: Sayonara! Blaugranes triumph to close out Japan tour | FC Barcelona
The win allows Barça to finish their 2019 summer tour in Japan on a high note, as the team will now refocus their attention on Sunday’s Joan Gamper Trophy match at Camp Nou, one day before the full squad heads to the United States for a pair of friendlies with Napoli in Miami and Ann Arbor.

Carles Perez: From Barcelona B star to first-team talisman on Asia tour | Marca
Carles Perez is on a mission to make the most of the minutes handed to him by Ernesto Valverde, as his journey to the Barcelona first team has been a long and strenuous one. The scorer of Barcelona’s two goals against Vissel Kobe on Saturday has not stood out purely because of his talent but for his fighting spirit, commitment and adaptability.

The training plan before the tour of the United States | FC Barcelona
After the tour of Japan, where Barça played the Rakuten Cup against Chelsea (1-2) and Vissel Kobe (2-0), the Blaugrana have returned home. Throughout this week, Ernesto Valverde’s squad will train at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper to prepare for the 54th Joan Gamper Trophy, which will be played on Sunday 4 against Arsenal (8.00pm CEST). The following day, the squad will head to north America, where they will play two games against Napoli.

Messi and Rakitic nominated for UEFA Goal of the Season | FC Barcelona
Ivan Rakitic’s wonder-volley against Tottenham in the Champions League group stage and Leo’s Messi bombastic free-kick against Liverpool in the semis are among the candidates for the UEFA Goal of the Year 2018/19.

Malcom might have already played his last match for Barça | Sport
The priority is to find Malcom a permanent transfer rather than loan him out. No one is unhappy with the Brazilian’s performances but they don’t see him getting enough minutes to justify keeping him on the books. The plan is to bring in around €50m from his sale.

Junior Firpo flattered by Barcelona links but focused on Real Betis | Goal
Junior Firpo is flattered to be linked to Barcelona but is keeping his focus on Real Betis. The defender is said to be a target for La Liga champions Barca after impressing for Betis last term. Junior, 22, was then part of the Spain side that triumphed at the European Under-21 Championship.

RFEF confirm weekend only football for La Liga in 2019-20 | Football Espana
The Spanish FA has confirmed all La Liga games will be played at weekends only in the 2019-20 season. Supporters from across Spain complained about fixture changes at short notice, and La Liga scheduling too many games on Friday and Monday evenings, and the Spanish FA (the RFEF) has now reacted.

Barcelona and Vissel Kobe strengthen ties | Marca
Barcelona beat Vissel Kobe 2-0 on Saturday in Japan but the day was also marked by the two clubs strengthening their partnership agreement ahead of the 2019/20 season, tightening their sports, business and marketing arrangements. The Catalans announced through a statement that the agreement will accommodate the exchanging of players of both clubs’ academies in order to test their abilities in different environments.

Pique buys Gimnastic Manresa | Marca
Gerard Pique’s has expanded his business ventures in the world of football with the purchase of Gimnastic Manresa, adding to his pre-existing ownership of FC Andorra. The Barcelona defender’s proposal was approved by 80 percent of the club’s partners.

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De Jong slotting seamlessly into Barcelona’s midfield

Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images

Simple but effective

We might’ve only seen him for 90 minutes of pre-season so far, but that’s been enough to convince many people of Frenkie de Jong’s suitability in Barcelona’s midfield.

Constantly involved, particularly in the second half against Vissel Kobe, he is already making his mark and ticking things over nicely.

Much like former Blaugrana great, Andres Iniesta, the Dutchman is always looking to play on the front foot and isn’t one for the spectacular. Where the simple ball is required, he’ll play it. Every time.

As a Cruyff disciple, we’d expect no less.

Get used to it @DeJongFrenkie21 pic.twitter.com/2a8eQz5hJr

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 23, 2019

It was Iniesta himself who described De Jong to Mundo Deportivo as “an exceptional signing, an upward leap for the club, young, very talented and, if all goes well, will be a benchmark for the Barcelona midfield.”

That’s some statement coming so early in the midfielder’s Barca career but game always recognises game.

There’s an ease and fluidity to De Jong’s movement and passing range, and he’s the type of player that makes those around him better.

His little give and goes against Vissel were a regular feature, and always with the intention of moving forward. In that regard, perhaps Arthur could learn something.

️ — Griezmann: "I've said it before and i'll say it again. Frenkie De Jong is the hardest opponent ive ever had to face. I tried to pressure him but I simply couldn't. It's great that we're teammates now." [md] pic.twitter.com/IThLa6Yipe

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) July 27, 2019

The Brazilian was excellent in his first season at the Camp Nou, but if there was one area that could be improved it was his lack of forward passing as he often preferred to play it square or back.

With De Jong settling so quickly into his rhythm, it will be interesting to see what Ernesto Valverde does with him - and Arthur - at the start of the season.

At this stage, there’s a clear overbooking in that area of the pitch, albeit that could be alleviated by player sales in due course.

Regardless, the youngster will have every right to be considered as a regular starter if his performances against Arsenal and Napoli match those against Vissel and Chelsea.

Frenkie de Jong & Andres Iniesta.

What a picture! pic.twitter.com/StfHpkvUW2

— AFC Ajax (@TheEuropeanLad) July 24, 2019

Another factor that I like and which underscores his game is his evident enjoyment at playing for Barcelona. There appears to be genuine happiness at having made the leap from Amsterdam to Catalonia, and a real desire to learn.

In this day and age, when it seems that all players want to do is move on for ever more astronomical salaries and transfer fees, it’s hugely refreshing to encounter a player who has his head screwed on.

With more players from Pep’s ‘golden era’ slowly coming to the end of their long and distinguished careers too, ensuring that the right talent is identified and secured for the long-term is imperative.

De Jong’s presence will at least allow us all to sleep that little bit easier.

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Junior Firpo proud of Barcelona links

Photo by Nick Potts/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images

The left-back could be on the way to Camp Nou

Real Betis full-back Junior Firpo says he’s proud to be linked with a move to Barcelona.

There is growing speculation that the Spanish champions could bring the 22-year-old to the Camp Nou before the close of the transfer window.

Firpo has been asked about his future and sees the rumors as a compliment.

“I’m not unsettled. That news is coming out and the truth is that it is a compliment and a source of pride to be linked to important clubs such as Barcelona.

”But I am focused on Betis because it is my club and I also have huge gratitude because they have given me everything.

”I think it’s a sign that I’m doing things right. I think I’m in a great club and in a great team and that has helped me a lot.

Source | Mundo Deportivo

Manager Ernesto Valverde hinted the club could bring in a left-back during his press conference on Friday, and it seems that Junior Firpo is at the top of Barca’s list right now.

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Sergi Roberto admits there be a problem going back into midfield

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Competition for places is fierce

Sergio Roberto seems to have mixed feelings about returning to a midfield role after spending the last couple of seasons at right-back.

The 27-year-old is expected to return to midfield for the new season, with Nelson Semedo and Moussa Wague as the team’s right-backs, but knows he faces a battle for a starting spot.

“I really like the idea [of going back to playing in midfield], but the problem is that there are a lot of people,” he said.

”I’m ambitious and I’ll work to create a space wherever the coach decides. It [returning to midfield] will be good news if I play. If I don’t play, it won’t.”

Source | Marca

Barcelona look overloaded with midfielders at the moment although have been rumors that Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal could leave the club this summer.

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Carles Perez willing to wait for his chance at Barcelona

Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images

The youngster scored twice against Vissel Kobe

Carles Perez says he wants to be part of the first team at Barcelona after netting a brace in Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Vissel Kobe.

The 21-year-old came on at half-time in Kobe and scored both goals for Barcelona to secure victory in their second and final game in Japan.

The match-winner was interviewed after the match and explained how he’s keen to break into the first-team squad.

“I’m here to take advantage of the opportunities handed to me. At the moment, I’m a B player. We don’t know what will happen but I’m going to keep doing my job, helping the team,” he said.

“It’s clear in my mind that I want to stay here. It’s about being patient, not changing everything and leaving at the first chance. Since I was a child I’ve been a Barça fan and I want to be part of the first team here.”

Source | Sport

Perez will be hoping he can get some first-team opportunities next season but that looks tough given the wealth of options in attack Barcelona have available this season.

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Griezmann ‘knows it’ll go well’ with Messi

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The Frenchman has been talking about the GOAT

Antoine Griezmann has been talking about playing with Lionel Messi at Barcelona and admits it’s something he’s been thinking about pretty much all the time.

The Frenchman swapped Atletico Madrid for Barcelona this summer and will get the chance to play alongside the GOAT for the Spanish champions this season.

Griezmann was asked about Messi, before Saturday’s clash against Vissel Kobe, and is looking forward to linking up with the Barca captain.

“I insist that I’m desperate to finally play alongside him. I want to meet him, get to know him, watch him in training, play alongside him, provide assists... it’ll be really nice,” he said.

“I’ve thought about it when I’m in bed, at training, and watching videos. You make the ‘film’ in your head and I know it’ll go well.”

Source | Sport

Messi has been pictured back in Barcelona already, after his holidays following the Copa America, and is expected to return to training with the club next week.

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The best pictures from Barcelona 2-0 Vissel Kobe

Carles Perez scored twice for the Spanish champions

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Valverde talks De Jong, Griezmann and Barca youngsters

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The boss spoke after a 2-0 win over Vissel Kobe

Ernesto Valverde offered his thoughts on Barcelona’s 2-0 friendly win over Vissel Kobe on Saturday, as his side signed off their Japanese tour with victory.

Twp goals from Carles Perez gave the Spanish champions all three points, and Valverde was happy with how his young players have stepped up in pre-season.

The Barcelona boss also talked about new signings Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong and what he thinks they can bring to the team ahead of the new season.

Valverde on Carles Perez

Carles Perez scored two goals today, so it’s a good news for his potential and shows how we can bring the young guys forward. Giving these youngsters a chance is good. They’re positioning themselves as alternatives. We’re happy with them. We’ll see who can be counted on when LaLiga and the real games come along. It’s good that the academy players have stepped up.

Valverde on Griezmann

It’s true that some players who are good fit in together easier. We will see the relationship socially and at the camp. We are excited for this opportunity. We believe in balance in the team, in front or in the back, he moves quick, he passes well, and finds space and this is what we were missing.

Valverde on De Jong

Today he played in a different position [than against Chelsea]. He played more as an interior with Sergi Roberto as the holding midfielder. We can now try him in both positions. He’s good on the ball and arrives into good positions further forward. We are lucky than he can play in both positions and we can rotate him. He offers us a lot of solutions.

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Barça 2-0 Vissel Kobe: First Win

Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images

Two teams, two good halves, two goals.

Barcelona’s preseason tour of Japan ended on a high as the Blaugrana recovered from their loss to Chelsea with a 2-0 win against Vissel Kobe on Saturday. Ernesto Valverde once again used two different teams, and both played well against Andrés Iniesta, Sergi Samper and David Villa’s side. The goals came in the second half, but the overall level from the two Barça teams was pretty good at this point of preseason.

FIRST HALF

Kobe had a good start to the game, pressing high up the pitch and troubling Barça’s buildup, and Iniesta had the best chance for the home team after he stole a ball in midfield and nearly scored a golazo from outside the box. After a nice beginning from Vissel the Blaugrana took control of the match with some pressing of their own and nice possession work.

Riqui Puig, Rafinha and Griezmann were active and always looking for each other, and Rakitic chipped in with a few strikes from outside the box, and Barça created many chances to open the scoring. They just couldn’t find the back of the net, and after 45 minutes there were no goals but it was a nice performance for First Half Barça.

SECOND HALF

Second Half Barça with a completely different team continued the dominance with De Jong and Aleñá playing well in midfield while Dembélé, Malcom and Pérez looked hungry and sharp in the final third. Carles Pérez was especially good, and he gave Barça the lead after a beautiful solo run, a one-two with Malcom and a nice finish between the keeper’s legs.

Barça continued to create chances to try and find the second against a very poor Kobe side that left spaces at the back and didn’t really trouble Neto’s goal. After a few big chances missed, the visitors scored the second goal: Guillem found Pérez inside the box, and the young man fired a rocket into the bottom corner to score his and Barça’s second.

The final whistle came shortly after, and now Barça will return to Catalonia for a week of training before the Joan Gamper Trophy against Arsenal at Camp Nou.

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Barcelona (1H): Ter Stegen; Semedo, Araujo, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Puig; Rafinha, Griezmann, Collado

Barcelona (2H): Neto; Monchu, Todibo, Umtiti, Guillem; De Jong, Roberto, Aleñá; Dembélé, Malcom, Pérez

Goals: Pérez (59’, 86’)

Vissel Kobe (1H): Maekawa; Fujitani, Dankler, Miya, Hatsuse; Samper, Yamaguchi; Ogawa, Iniesta, Goke; Villa

Vissel Kobe (2H): Maekawa; Nishi, Watanabe, Hashimoto, Osaki; Masuyama (Nasu), Samper (Kobayashi), Yasui, Nakasaka; Wellington, Tanaka

Goals: None

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FC Barcelona News: 27 July 2019

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

FC Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao receive fixture changes | Football Espana
FC Barcelona’s opening game of the 2019-20 La Liga season, at Athletic Bilabo, has been rescheduled for August 17. The game at San Mames was originally set for the evening of August 16, as the curtain raiser for the new season, however that was criticised as it would mean playing on a Friday night.

Bartomeu confirms full team to be in United States | FC Barcelona
Barça president Josep Maria Bartomeu confirmed to ESPN on Friday that the entire team will travel to the United States, including players who were not in Japan due to Copa América duty earlier this summer. Thus, players like Leo Messi, Philippe Coutinho, Arthur Melo, Luis Suárez, and Arturo Vidal will be part of the expedition that will be heading to Miami on August 5, one day after the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Arsenal.

FC Barcelona to offer Lionel Messi ‘lifetime’ contract | Football Espana
FC Barcelona are considering offering Lionel Messi a new contract - to end his career in at the club. The Argentinian international is under contract at the Camp Nou until 2021, and there is no rush from either side to enter into talks on a new deal until he enters the final 12 months of his deal.

Borussia Dortmund chase FC Barcelona forward Malcom | Football Espana
Borussia Dortmund have made a €42m bid for FC Barcelona winger Malcom, according to reports from online source Goal.com. The German side have been linked with a move for the Brazilian for over a month, and they will now step up their efforts to bring him to Germany, ahead of the 2019-20 Bundesliga season.

Paris Saint-Germain not interested in Ivan Rakitic | Football Espana
FC Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic will not be used in a deal to bring Neymar back to the club. Reports in Spain have claimed that the Croatian international could be used as a makeweight as the Catalan side look to launch an audacious bid to bring the Brazilian international back to the Camp Nou.

Jasper Cillessen has no regrets on FC Barcelona exit | Football Espana
Former FC Barcelona goal keeper Jasper Cillessen is determined to turn his career around after sealing a move to Valencia CF. The Dutch international confirmed at the end of the 2018-19 season that he wanted to leave the Camp Nou, after growing frustrated at falling behind Marc Ter Stegen as the club’s first choice goal keeper.

Segura out at Barca in backroom shake-up | ESPN
Barcelona’s director of football Pep Segura has had his contract with the club terminated as president Josep Maria Bartomeu continues to make changes behind the scenes at Camp Nou. Technical director Eric Abidal is set to take on more responsibility at the club, as sources confirmed to ESPN FC last weekend, following Segura’s departure.

Vermaelen signs for Vissel Kobe | FC Barcelona
Thomas Vermaelen has a new club: Vissel Kobe, where he joins former Blaugranas Andrés Iniesta, David Villa and Sergi Samper. The 33-year-old Belgian international joins the team against whom FC Barcelona will play their second pre-season friendly in the city of Kobe this Saturday.

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Thomas Vermaelen joins Vissel Kobe

Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images

The defender has swapped clubs

Barcelona have confirmed that defender Thomas Vermaelen has joined Vissel Kobe.

The centre-back becomes the latest ex-Barca player to head to the J-League side, joining Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Sergi Samper at the club.

✍ @thomasvermaelen signs for @visselkobe
Thanks for everything, Thomas and best of luck with your next step in Kobe!
Full story: https://t.co/PwV4CWfVaD pic.twitter.com/1e7HaLVJVN

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 27, 2019

Vermaelen joined Barcelona in 2014 but has been plagued by injury during his time with the Catalan giants.

He played just 53 games in total throughout his Barca career but still ended up winning a host of titles, including the Champions League and four La Liga crowns.

Good luck for the future Thomas Vermaelen!

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Barça vs Vissel Kobe: LIVE BLOG!

Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images

Join us to follow and comment Barça’s second preseason game!

WELCOME TO KOBE!!! The Noevir Stadium is the site of Barcelona’s second preseason friendly of the week in Japan as they face the home team, Vissel Kobe, which will be a chance to play against some former Blaugrana players: Sergi Samper and David Villa will be there, but the main attraction is Andrés Iniesta, who faces Barça for the first time since leaving the club as a legend. This should be a great chance to watch Don Andrés do his thing one last time, and you are welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. LET’S LIVE BLOG!

(Note: the comments will be open only when the team news come out, because our commenter people love commenting and sometimes there are too many comments in the comments section)

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MATCH INFO

Competition/Round: 2019 Rakuten Cup, Match 1

Date/Time: Tuesday, July 23, 2019, 6pm local time, 11am CET (Barcelona), 10am BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 5am ET, 2am PT (USA), 2.30pm IST (India)

Venue: Noevir Stadium, Kobe, Japan

HOW TO WATCH, STREAM PRESEASON FRIENDLY

How to watch on TV: ESPN (USA), FreeSports TV (UK), others

How to stream: WatchESPN (USA), Barça TV, Rakuten Sports (worldwide), others

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Matchday Thread Rules

We don’t have a lot of rules here, but there are a few things to keep in mind when joining our matchday threads:

Even if the referee sucks or we lose the game, no swearing. It’s just unnecessary. Also, don’t discuss illegal streaming links. Those who do it will be warned, and those who post links will be instantly banned. Finally, be nice to each other. This is a Barcelona community and we don’t need to offend one another.

Have fun with the game! Forever and ever, no matter the competition, VISCA EL BARÇA!

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Valverde says that Barcelona may sign a left-back

Photo by Hiroki Watanabe/Getty Images

The club have been linked with Junior Firpo

Ernesto Valverde made it clear this week that Barcelona still may want to bring a left-back on board before the season begins. The Barcelona manager discussed the matter in his pre-match presser on Friday.

“It is possible that we bring someone on,” he said.

”It’s true that in that position we had problems last season.

”We are open to signing players until the end of the market.”

Ernesto Valverde | Source

Junior Firpo has been the name that has floated around as a left-back recruit that could fill Barcelona’s need for depth. Jordi Alba isn’t getting any younger and they need depth at the position since they usually go so deep into multiple tournaments.

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Pique to miss Barcelona’s clash with Vissel Kobe

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

The defender has some discomfort in his thigh

Barcelona have confirmed that Gerard Pique will miss Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Vissel Kobe in Japan after picking up a bit of a niggle.

The club aren’t too sure how long the defender will be out of action for, but Ernesto Valverde said in his press conference it was just a precautionary measure.

“Gerard Piqué has some discomfort in his left thigh and won’t play in Saturday’s game against Vissel Kobe.

“The evolution of the injury will condition the player’s availability. Coach, Ernesto Valverde explained in his press conference prior to the game: “Piqué won’t play, as a precaution above all.”

Source | FC Barcelona

Pique started the match against Chelsea and played the first 45 minutes, but his injury means this could be the perfect chance for Jean-Clair Todibo to feature and stake his claim for minutes next season.

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Sergio Busquets says Ousmane Dembele is looking good in pre-season

Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images

The Frenchman is fit again and ready to make an impact

Sergio Busquets has been talking about the club’s preparations for the new season ahead of Saturday’s clash with Vissel Kobe and has been impressed with Ousmane Dembele.

The young Frenchman missed the end of the last campaign with injury, but Busquets reckons he has been looking good since the club got back to work.

“He looks better,” he said. ”We’ve been here for a few days and it’s a long season, but the way he has started is positive.

”Everyone has a hard time going to a new club, with a different language and a different philosophy.

”Hopefully everything goes better because he has a lot to give and we expect a lot from him.”

Source | Yahoo Sports

Dembele started against Chelsea in midweek in Barca’s first pre-season fixture, and we should get to see more of him on Saturday against Vissel Kobe.

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Barcelona confirm Pep Segura exit

Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images

More changes for the Spanish champions

Barcelona confirmed on Friday that director of football Pep Segura has had his contract at the Camp Nou terminated.

Segura still had a year left on his current deal but now follows Jordi Mestre out of the club as Barca shake things up off the pitch.

Here’s the club’s statement:

“FC Barcelona and Josep Segura have reached an agreement to terminate his contract with the club.

“FC Barcelona publicly expresses its gratitude to Josep Segura for his commitment and dedication, and wishes him good luck and success in the future.”#

Source | FC Barcelona

Technical secretary Eric Abidal is expected to take on some of Segura’s responsibilities

The move follows yesterday’s announcement that Patrick Kluivert has returned to the club as the new director of youth football.

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