Pique angry with penalty decision after Osasuna draw

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The centre-back felt he was harshly penalised

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique was pretty unhappy to be penalised for handball during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Osasuna.

The visitors had fought back from 1-0 down to lead 2-1 at El Sadar but had to settle for a point after Pique gave away a penalty and Roberto Torres scored from the spot.

Pique gave his view of the incident after the match and explained why he felt it was a harsh decision.

“I hit it with my hand, but we always have meetings at the start of the season and they talk about distance to the ball. I didn’t have time [to get out of the way].

”I wasn’t taking up more space than normal with the hand. I was jumping in my natural way.

”I’d like the referees to try it. For me, who was in the middle of it, it shouldn’t have been a penalty.”

Source | Marca

Saturday’s draw is another disappointing result for the champions. They are yet to win away from home this season and have only one win from their first three games.

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Valverde: Barcelona ‘were awful’ against Osasuna

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An honest assessment from the boss

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde says his side “were awful” after watching the champions draw 2-2 to Osasuna on Saturday.

The 55-year-old was not at all happy with his team’s performance and explained where it all went wrong for the champions in his post-match press conference.

“We did not play well at all, we were awful,” he said.

“They went ahead and we couldn’t get close to their area. Then we dominated the play in second half, we took the lead and had the game in our hands but they came back at us and levelled with that absurd penalty.

“We cannot afford to let a game like this one slip, we should have been more assertive on the pitch and kept on attacking.”

Source | Reuters

The draw means that Barcelona have managed four points from their opening three games of the season and are yet to taste victory away from home this season.

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Neymar to stay at PSG as Barca move breaks down - reports

Photo by Anthony Dibon/Icon Sport via Getty Images

The Brazilian looks to be going nowhere

After a summer of incessant speculation it looks as though Neymar will not be returning to Barcelona before the close of the transfer window and will stay at PSG.

L’Equipe are reporting that Neymar was willing to help pay €20 million towards the move himself but has now given up hope of being able to return to the Camp Nou.

Meanwhile, RMC Sport are reporting that Neymar’s “entourage” have confirmed that the Brazilian will stay with the Ligue 1 champions.

Breaking | Neymar's entourage to RMC: "He is staying at PSG." https://t.co/zjNkVvhzds

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) August 31, 2019

Over at Sky Sports the word is that Neymar has agreed to stay at PSG and “intends to respect the remainder of his PSG contract and fulfil commitments” when he returns to France after the international break.

Mundo Deportivo are also reporting that Neymar knows a return to Barcelona “is over” with time rapidly running out in the transfer window.

The latest updates comes after a frenzied few days of rumors concerning Neymar. PSG reportedly turned down a bid of cash plus players from Barcelona.

Reports earlier on Saturday suggested that Ivan Rakitic and Jean-Clair Todibo had agreed to be included in deal but that Ousmane Dembele still wasn’t willing to make the move.

The window does not officially close until Monday but it looks as though the transfer deal that has dominated the summer headlines is not going to happen after all.

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Sergi Roberto: Barcelona are ‘p****d off and angry’

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The champions were held at El Sadar

Sergi Roberto admitted Barcelona are “p****d off and angry” after being held to a 2-2 draw by Osasuna at El Sadar on Saturday.

Barcelona had looked set for victory after goals from substitutes Ansu Fati and Arthur had put them 2-1 up with less than half an hour to play.

However, the hosts equalised from the spot inside the last 10 minutes after Gerard Pique was penalised for handball.

“We leave feeling angry and p****d off. We’ve done the difficult part, which was coming back from Osasuna’s first goal, and in the end they equalise with a penalty. We’ve dropped two points.

”Osasuna pressed a lot in the first half and we struggled to get control of the ball, with their fans pushing them on a lot. They scored the chance which came their way. Now we have to think about our next games.”

Source | Movistar

Barcelona have won just one of their three La Liga games so far and may be relieved domestic football now gets put on hold for the first international break of the season.

The champions return to action against Valencia on September 14 and will hope to have captain Lionel Messi back for the visit of Los Che.

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Ansu Fati becomes Barcelona’s youngest ever La Liga goalscorer

Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

The 16-year-old made history at Osasuna

Ansu Fati wrote his name into the history books on Saturday by becoming Barcelona’s youngest goalscorer in La Liga history.

The 16-year-old headed home his first Barca goal to make it 1-1 against Osasuna just minutes after coming on as a substitute at half-time.

Ansu Fati, the youngest Barça goalscorer in #LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/KmCxSvpPSH

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 31, 2019

It was a brilliant moment for the youngster on just his second appearance for the first team. He made his debut in last week’s 5-2 win over Real Betis.

His goal means that he beats Bojan and Lionel Messi to become Barca’s youngest league goalscorer and is the third youngest in La Liga history:

3 - Ansu Faty (16 years and 304 days) has become the third youngest player to score in LaLIga history, after Fabrice Olinga (16y & 98d) and Iker Muniain (16y & 289d). Future. pic.twitter.com/TdtV22nDCp

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) August 31, 2019

Injuries to Messi, Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele have seen Ansu get his chance in the first team, and there is no doubt the teenager has grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

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Osasuna 2-2 Barça: Recap

Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

A roller coaster ride in Pamplona

Barcelona will enter the first international break of the new season without a win away from home in La Liga thanks to a 2-2 draw against Osasuna at El Sadar. The Blaugrana were repulsive in the first half, made an amazing comeback in the second but were undone by a dumb penalty from Gerard Piqué. Amid all the negativity, some good news: Ansu Fati scored his first goal for Barça, and the 16-year-old has certainly proved he deserves to be in the squad even when the injured forwards return. This kid is amazing.

FIRST HALF

Osasuna pressed high up the pitch for seven straight minutes and scored a beautiful goal thanks to a great cross by Brandon and a gorgeous volley by Roberto Torres.

Barcelona did absolutely nothing.

That was the first half.

SECOND HALF

Enter Ansu Fati.

The sixteen-year-old came on at halftime and completely changed the game within five minutes: his direct runs were a threat for the Osasuna backline from the first second, and his header from a Carles Pérez cross equalized and gave Barça a real shot at a winner with 40 minutes still to go.

Barça were full of youth, life and hunger after the goal, and the introduction of Arthur gave the team one more incisive passer who break the defense down. Barça also pressed more, and after De Jong stole a ball inside the Osasuna half it was Arthur who scored a beautiful curler into the corner to give Barça the lead and complete the comeback.

Osasuna did not lose hope despite going down 2-1 and made their own comeback bid, pressing high themselves and firing plenty of shots at goal that required Ter Stegen to make some good saves. And then Gerard Piqué was called for a handball in the box, which gave Roberto Torres the chance to equalize from the penalty spot and the score was tied with 10 minutes left.

Barça tried to go forward and find the winner, and they had a golden chance thanks to a masterful pass from Arthur to find Carles Pérez, but the young man couldn’t bring the ball under his spell and wasted the best opportunity of the game for Barça.

The final whistle came, and the champions now have four points from the first three games. That along with the horrible first half performance means we’ll have two full weeks of doubts and criticism during the international break. Yay.

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Osasuna: Rubén; Vidal, Aridane, García, Estpuiñán; Torres, Mérida (Moncayola 71’), Oier, García (Ibáñez 65’); Brandon (Villar 78’), Ávila

Goals: Torres (7’, 81’)

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Semedo (Fati 45’), Piqué, Lenglet, Alba; Roberto, Busquets, De Jong (Vidal 82’); Pérez, Griezmann, Rafinha (Arthur 53’)

Goals: Ansu Fati (51’), Arthur (64’)

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FC Barcelona News: 31 August 2019

Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Luis Suarez: Neymar must be left alone to make his decision | Marca

Luis Suarez has offered his thoughts on Neymar’s potential return to Barcelona to Uruguayan radio station 890. He said: “I know it’s a difficult time for Neymar. He must be left alone with his people to decide what he wants.”

PSG preparing for Ivan Rakitic’s arrival from Barcelona | AS

PSG are preparing for the arrival of Ivan Rakitic from Barcelona. The club have been putting together a video for his presentation and some artwork for social media. Rakitic is in the squad to face Osasuna but has not started any of Barca’s matches so far this season.

Carles Aleña left out of Barça squad again for Osasuna game | Sport

Midfielder Carles Alena has been left out of the Barcelona squad for the second match in a row. The 21-year-old started against Athletic Bilbao on the opening weekend but was taken off at half-time and has not seen any minutes since.

Neymar, almost discarded | Mundo Deportivo

Barcelona have all but ruled out signing Neymar this summer. The club are not prepared to meet PSG’s economic demands and have turned down the French club’s counter-offer. A transfer is not completely ruled out while the window remains open but looks unlikely.

Junior out injured for Osasuna v Barça | FC Barcelona

Junior Firpo has been ruled out of Barcelona’s clash with Osasuna due to a knee injury. The club gave an update on their summer signing: “The first team player Junior Firpo has a strained internal lateral ligament in his left knee, He will miss the game against Osasuna in El Sadar and his recovery will dictate his availability.”

‘I like beginnings’ - Iniesta selects Barca debut as his most iconic La Liga moment | Goal

Andres Iniesta has been asked to select his most iconic La Liga moment and reckons is was his debut for Barcelona. He told La Liga: “I had the opportunity to play for many years, to experience unique moments, winning La Liga titles, winning important games, Clasicos and others. As I like beginnings, my most iconic moment was my La Liga debut against Mallorca, and then playing at the Camp Nou against Recreativo de Huelva.”

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Three things Barcelona need to do against Osasuna

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Leonardo:Barca’s Neymar offer has not met PSG’s demands

Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

There is no agreement for the Brazilian

PSG sporting director Leonardo has given an update on Neymar’s future and says Barcelona have not come up with an offer that has met his club’s demands.

Rumors this week have suggested that Barcelona offered cash plus Ivan Rakitic and Ousmane Dembele on loan but saw the deal rejected by PSG.

Leonardo says they have had an offer from the Spanish champions but have yet to agree a deal for the Brazilian.

“The first time we received a proposal from Barcelona for Neymar was on August 27. They have not yet given us an offer which has met our demands,” Leonardo said.

“PSG’s position on Neymar has always been clear: if a satisfactory offer arrives then he could leave but that is not the case. The negotiations have not broken down but there’s no agreement for now because our demands have not been met.”

Source | Reuters

Time is rapidly running out in the transfer window which means a deal is starting to look increasingly unlikely. Leonardo also said Neymar’s made it clear he wants to leave but “if an offer doesn’t arrive which we think is worth it, he will stay.”

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Osasuna vs Barça: LIVE BLOG!

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Join us as Barça play their third league game of the season!

WELCOME TO PAMPLONA!!! The Estadio El Sadar is the home of Osasuna and the site of a big La Liga match between the hosts and champions Barcelona, who make their only visit of the season hoping to pick up their first away win of the new campaign. Barça will once again be without Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Ousmane Dembélé, so Antoine Griezmann must step up against a very solid defensive team. This should be a lot of fun, 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: 2019-20 La Liga, Matchday 3

Date/Time: Saturday, August 31, 2019, 5pm CET (Barcelona), 4pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 11am ET, 8am PT (USA), 8.30pm IST (India)

Venue: Estadio El Sadar, Pamplona, Spain

Referee: Juan Martínez Munuera

HOW TO WATCH, STREAM LA LIGA

How to watch on TV: beIN SPORTS (USA & Canada), SuperSport 7 (Nigeria), Movistar LaLiga (Spain), Not Available (UK & India), others

How to stream: FuboTV (USA), beIN SPORTS CONNECT (USA & Canada), Facebook Watch (India), 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, be careful with the 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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Osasuna - An undetected threat for Barcelona?

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Barça squad named for Osasuna trip

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

Ernesto Valverde has called up 18 players for the trip to Pamplona

The next Barcelona match is upon us! The Blaugrana play their third La Liga match of the season away to Osasuna, and Ernesto Valverde has called up the following 18 players for the trip to Pamplona:

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Goalkeepers: 1. Marc-André ter Stegen, 26. Iñaki Peña

Defenders: 2. Nélson Semedo, 3. Gerard Piqué, 15. Clément Lenglet, 16. Moussa Wagué, 18. Jordi Alba, 23. Samuel Umtiti

Midfielders: 4. Ivan Rakitic, 5. Sergio Busquets, 8. Arthur, 12. Rafinha, 20. Sergi Roberto, 21. Frenkie De Jong, 22. Arturo Vidal

Forwards: 17. Antoine Griezmann, 27. Carles Pérez, 31. Ansu Fati

---

None of the players who were out last week return for this one, so once again Lionel Messi (calf), Luis Suárez (calf), Ousmane Dembélé (hamstring) and Neto (wrist) miss out due to injury, and they are joined by Junior Firpo who can’t play because of a strained ligament on his left knee. Jean-Clair Todibo and Carles Aleñá don’t make the trip per the manager’s decision. Once again there’s some great news with the inclusion of 16-year-old Ansu Fati, who made his debut last week and is part of the squad for a second straight game.

Predicted starting XI (4-3-3):

Ter Stegen; Semedo, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba; Roberto, Busquets, De Jong; Rafinha, Griezmann, Pérez

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The match kicks off at 5pm CET (Barcelona), 4pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 11am ET, 8am PT (USA), 8.30pm IST (India), and you can join us to follow and comment all the action.

VISCA EL BARÇA!

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Osasuna vs Barça: Preview

Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images

The champions travel to Pamplona looking for their second win of the season

CA Osasuna (8th, 4pts) vs FC Barcelona (10th, 3pts)*

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*Points and positions at the time of writing on Friday

Competition/Round: 2019-20 La Liga, Matchday 3

Barcelona Outs & Doubts: Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Ousmane Dembélé, Neto, Junior Firpo, Carles Aleñá, Jean-Clair Todibo (out)

Osasuna Outs & Doubts: Iñigo Pérez, Unai García, Kike Barja, Luis Perea (out)

Date/Time: Saturday, August 31, 2019, 5pm CET (Barcelona), 4pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria), 11am ET, 8am PT (USA), 8.30pm IST (India)

Venue: Estadio El Sadar, Pamplona, Spain

Referee: Juan Martínez Munuera

How to watch on TV: beIN SPORTS (USA & Canada), SuperSport 7 (Nigeria), Movistar LaLiga (Spain), Not Available (UK & India), others

How to stream: FuboTV (USA), beIN SPORTS CONNECT (USA & Canada), Facebook Watch (India), others

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Following a spectacular victory over Real Betis to pick up their first three points of the new season, Barcelona travel to Pamplona looking for their first win of the campaign when they visit Osasuna at El Sadar, a place where Barça have always had problems.

The week was once again dominated by Neymar rumors, but he’s still not a Barça, and his MSN friends along with Dembélé are not facing Osasuna because of injury, so on Saturday Barça will once again have to rely on team football and the brilliance of Antoine Griezmann, but they showed against Betis that’s more than enough if everyone has a good game.

This is the last match before the first international break of the season, so winning it is crucial to avoid two weeks of doubts and questions. Osasuna are newly-promoted but have more points than Barça and two clean sheets, so they’ll prove to be a tough test. This should be fun.

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POSSIBLE LINEUPS

Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Semedo, Piqué, Lenglet, Alba; Roberto, Busquets, De Jong; Rafinha, Griezmann, Pérez

Osasuna (4-4-2): Rubén; Vidal, Hernández, García, Estupiñán; Ibáñez, Moncayola, Brasanac, Torres; Ávila, Cardona

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PREDICTION

Osasuna away has always been tricky for Barça, and this won’t be any different, but the goals will eventually come, maybe very late: 2-0 to the champions.

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Valverde talks Messi, Rakitic and Neymar ahead of Osasuna

Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

The latest updates from the Barcelona boss

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde held his usual pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash with Osasuna.

Valverde started off by sending his support to Luis Enrique, gave an update on Lionel Messi’s fitness and also talked about the current transfer rumors.

Here is what he had to say:

Valverde on Luis Enrique

I want to send a message to Luis Enrique, in what are difficult times for his family. I want to convey love and send him a huge hug.

Valverde on Messi

We hope that for the game against Valencia he might be available. Then the Champions League starts and we hope to have him back for that but we will see how he progresses in these next two weeks.

Valverde on Neymar

I am very much looking forward to the day the transfer window closes. We can all then rest and know this is the squad that we have.

I have nothing more to say on the issue of Neymar. He plays for another team, we respect other clubs and we’ll see what happens.

Valverde on Rakitic and Dembele

He is a great player who has played a lot here and nothing makes me think he won’t be here. The season is very long and there is room for everyone. At the moment, he [Dembele] is injured. We’ll have to wait and see. I’m not going to comment on anything on Dembele.

Valverde on Osasuna

Osasuna have always been a fearsome team at El Sadar. They will want to take advantage of being at home in front of their people.

Valverde on Champions League draw

We’ve had a tough draw. It will be complicated as usual. We’ll try to finish first in the group against some great rivals.

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Juan Miranda leaves Barcelona for two-year loan at Schalke

Photo by Jose Breton/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The does does not include a purchase option

Barcelona confirmed on Friday that left-back Juan Miranda has joined Schalke on a two-year loan.

The 19-year-old was expected to depart in the summer transfer window after the arrival of Junior Firpo as back-up to Jordi Alba.

The teenager will now get the chance to impress in the Bundesliga and will wear the No. 3 shirt at Schalke.

The 19-year-old left back joins us on a two-year loan deal from @FCBarcelona.

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/qeaEWEJCRd#s04 pic.twitter.com/xqCov6YzLc

— FC Schalke 04 (@s04_en) August 30, 2019

The deal does not include an option to buy and allows Barcelona to recall him next summer should they desire.

Schalke manager David Wagner is pretty excited by the arrival of the Spanish teenager.

“It’s amazing that we’ve signed him. We will give him the time to adjust to life here in Germany so that he can reach his full sporting potential here.”

Source | FC Schalke

Miranda will be hoping he can force his way into the first team this season, let’s wish him all the best for his stay at Schalke.

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Marco Reus: Dortmund are ‘buzzing’ to play Barca in UCL

Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images

The two teams are in a tough group

Borussia Dortmund star player Marco Reus said that he and his team-mates were looking forward to playing Barcelona in the Champions League this season. The German winger’s side has the toughest group in Europe’s top competition with. Group F featuring Barcelona, Dortmund Inter Milan, and Slavia Prague.

“A few of us from the team were stood together at breakfast this morning and we all agreed that we’d love to draw Barcelona,” he said.

”Buzzing that it’s actually happened! Obviously the group is extremely difficult; we’re coming up against teams who we’ve not tested ourselves against in recent years.

”The games against Barcelona will have a party atmosphere for us and our fans! We believe in our quality and our aim is to go through.”

Marco Reus | Source

Dortmund and Barcelona playing each other twice in a somewhat short period of time will be exciting. Both love to play fast pace, aggressive football. Reus and company are probably jazzed to play someone as fast and talented as Barcelona. It’s a wonderful measuring stick for any club.

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Pique warns Van Dijk ahead of Ballon d’Or that the game is ‘made for strikers’

Photo by Rich Linley - CameraSport via Getty Images

The Liverpool centre-back is up for the award

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique knows a thing or two about Ballon d’Or bids. He’s been side by side with Lionel Messi for years as the GOAT has racked up the nominations. This year, another defender is likely a top contender for the award. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk is seen to be a player ready to compete for the award.

After a dazzling season with Liverpool, Van Dijk is sure to be one of the few favorites, but Pique warns him his stellar season may not be enough.

“I always said that for me, if you have to vote for the best player of them all, you have to vote for Lionel Messi,” he said.

”For the last 10 years he has been by far the best player in the world, but it’s fair enough that Van Dijk has done a great season and he should be there fighting for it.

”It’s not easy. This game is made for strikers. When they score they are the stars and when they don’t score, normally nothing happens.

”For keepers and defenders, it’s more difficult. When you do a good job it’s difficult for people to recognise you, but when you make a mistake you’re everywhere. Normally strikers will win it.”

Gerard Pique | Source

Messi ended up fifth in the Ballon d’Or voting last season which brought plenty of derision. He’s already been pipped by Van Dijk to the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award and it will be interesting to see how he does when it comes to the Golden Ball.

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Barcelona pay tribute as Luis Enrique’s daughter passes away

Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

A horrible tragedy for the club legend

Tragic news on Thursday for everyone associated with Futbol Club Barcelona as the daughter of club legend and former player and manager Luis Enrique passed away at the age of 9. Xana lost a five-month battle to bone cancer.

pic.twitter.com/hI7B10HkW8

— LUISENRIQUE (@LUISENRIQUE21) August 29, 2019

“Our daughter Xana has passed away this afternoon at the age of 9, after fighting for five intense months against an osteosarcoma.

“We want to thank all for your demonstrations of love these last few months and appreciate your discretion and comprehension.

“We also thank the staff at Sant Joan de Deu and San Pau hospitals for your dedication and care, from the doctors to the nurses and all volunteers. A special mention to the palliative care team at Sant Joan de Deu.

“We will miss you very much but we’ll remember you every single day of our lives with the hope of seeing you again in the future. You will be the star that will guide our family.

“Rest in peace Xanita.”

Martínez Cullell Family

There were tributes and messages from the entire Barcelona community, including club president Josep Maria Bartomeu and players like Lionel Messi and Gerard Piqué.

Our condolences and all our sympathy for @luisenrique21 and his family at this very difficult time. RIP Xana.https://t.co/huTNMXxEu2

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 29, 2019

President Bartomeu: "It's a very sad night, we are very touched, Luis, Elena and the family have always been exemplary. This outcome leaves us very hard and stung. In the name of Barça and the board, our condolences to the family." [rac1] pic.twitter.com/GZTOVXQfuI

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 29, 2019

Míster, lo siento en el alma. Descansa Xana.

— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) August 29, 2019

“My condolences to Luis Enrique and his entire family in these very difficult moments. We are with you, Mister, all the strength in the world.”

— Lionel Messi, Instagram Stories

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Rest in Peace, Xana. All the love, Lucho.

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FC Barcelona News: 30 August 2019

Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

FC Barcelona to face Borussia Dortmund, Internazionale and Slavia Prague | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona will face Borussia Dortmund, Internazionale and Slavia Prague in the 2019/20 Champions League group stage in following to the draw which took place in Monaco this Thursday.

Messi and De Jong claim UEFA awards | FC Barcelona
Lionel Messi and Frenkie de Jong have both claimed awards from UEFA in Monaco. At the draw for the group stage of this season’s Champions League Europe’s governing body rewarded Barça’s Dutchman and Argentine for being the best midfielder and striker respectively in last season’s Champions League.

Luis Enrique: Daughter of former Barcelona and Spain manager dies aged nine | Sky Sports
The nine-year-old daughter of former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has died after battling cancer. Enrique, 49, confirmed his daughter Xana’s death on Thursday afternoon, saying she had fought osteosarcoma - or bone cancer - for “five intense months”.

Neymar Saga: The two options Barça and PSG are currently working on | Sport
This Friday, Barça and PSG are continuing to explore every option available which would see Neymar complete a sensational return to the Camp Nou. The initial offer, which was accepted by PSG, of €130m + Todibo + Rakitic + Dembele (on loan) is considered ‘dead in the water’ after the French forward refused to make the move to Paris.

Neymar will rediscover best form at Barcelona - Evra | Goal
Patrice Evra is adamant Neymar will return to his best at Barcelona should he leave Paris Saint-Germain and feels the attacker has been subject to unfair criticism. La Liga champions Barcelona are negotiating with PSG to bring Neymar back to Camp Nou, just two years after his world-record €222 million (£201m/$254m) transfer.

Barcelona refuse to give up hope over Neymar as PSG talks continue | Goal
Barcelona have refused to admit defeat in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar, with club spokesman Guillermo Amor saying they will see how talks proceed through to the transfer deadline. Neymar has been the centre of an ongoing transfer battle between La Liga giants Barca, hoping for a reunion with the Brazil star, and Real Madrid, as the clubs hope to pry him away from PSG.

Decisive moments for Rafinha and Valencia | Marca
Valencia are enduring anxious times, but they’ll wait until the last moments of this summer’s transfer window to try and sign Rafinha Alcantara from Barcelona. The player wants the move, so with him keen to leave the Camp Nou, the ball is now in Peter Lim’s court.

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How will Barcelona line up against Osasuna?

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Barcelona’s Champions League draw is brutal, yet perfect

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Messi and De Jong scoop UEFA awards

Photo by Harold Cunningham - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

The best midfielder and the best forward of the Champions League

Lionel Messi was named UEFA’s Forward of the Season, while Frenkie de Jong picked up the best midfielder award during the draw for the Champions League group stage on Thursday.

However, Messi missed out when it came to the UEFA Player of the Year Award, as Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk scooped the top prize.

The Barcelona captain was named the competition’s best forward, beating Sadio Mane and Ronaldo to the prize.

✨ 2018/19 #UCL Forward of the Season ✨

#UEFAawards | #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/OspQ4gXQwR

— #UCLdraw (@ChampionsLeague) August 29, 2019

Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong was named UEFA Midfielder of the Season for his performances in the competition with Ajax..

✨ 2018/19 #UCL Midfielder of the Season ✨

#UEFAawards | #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/DS7iOlyDNN

— #UCLdraw (@ChampionsLeague) August 29, 2019

The 22-year-old scooped the award ahead of Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson and Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen

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Barça draw Dortmund, Inter, Slavia Prague in UCL Group F

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Group of Death, here we come!

Barcelona will face Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Slavia Prague in Group F of the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League after the official draw was made on Thursday in Monaco.

Group stage @ChampionsLeague
✅ GROUP F:@fcbarcelona@BVB @Inter
@slaviaofficial

What do you think?#UCLDraw pic.twitter.com/9liZMuWXvU

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 29, 2019

The Group of Death is awaiting the Blaugrana starting in September, with two unbelievably tough trips to Dortmund and Milan, although we will be playing in two simply spectacular stadiums (Yellow Wall and San Siro, here we come!). Slavia Prague is a nice fourth team, but it’s a team we should get six points against which will be crucial to qualify and win the group.

---

These are the full results of the group stage draw:

Group A: Paris-Saint Germain, Real Madrid, Club Brugge, Galatasaray

Group B: Bayern Munich, Tottenham Hotspur, Olympiakos, Red Star Belgrade

Group C: Manchester City, Shakhtar Donetsk, Dinamo Zagreb, Atalanta

Group D: Juventus, Atlético Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Lokomotiv Moscow

Group E: Liverpool, Napoli, Red Bull Salzburg, KRC Genk

Group F: Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Slavia Prague

Group G: FC Zenit, SL Benfica, Olympique Lyonnais, RB Leipzig

Group H: Chelsea, AFC Ajax, Valencia, LOSC Lille

---

What did you think of Barça’s draw and which group is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

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Carlos Vela says he agreed to join Barcelona in January

Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images

But a move failed to materialise

MLS’s LAFC forward Carlos Vela said in an interview this week that he had come to an agreement and accepted a move to Barcelona earlier this year. However, in a surprise to him, the club decided to bring on Kevin-Prince Boateng instead.

“I was really close [to joining Barca],” he said. “In the second month of my holiday, I had a pina colada in hand and my agent called me to say: ‘Listen, Barcelona are calling you.

“They want you to play for four months and then you can go back to Los Angeles.’ I said to him: ‘Just say yes, I don’t care about money or anything. I’m going to start training tomorrow. Give me two weeks to get my fitness up.’”

Carlos Vela | Source

Vela has been on an incredible run of form this year. He’s scored 27 times in 26 games while leading LAFC to the top of the Western Conference.

He would have not gotten nearly as much playing time for Barcelona this season in all likelihood, but its impossible to know how his year would have gone should he have really made the move to Barcelona in January.

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Barcelona to include Todibo in Neymar deal - report

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The defender is the latest player to be linked

Neymar negotiations took another twist this week. Sport are reporting that they turned in the direction of Jean-Clair Todibo. The 19-year-old French defender joined Barcelona earlier this year from Toulouse, and has been thought to be one of the key pieces to the club’s long-term future.

The rumored deal would include Todibo, Ivan Rakitic, Ousmane Dembele on loan, and 130m euros. A considerable haul given that Neymar seems to only want to leave for one club and PSG’s hands are tied.

The transfer window closes on Monday evening. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu is reportedly meeting PSG chief Al Khelaifi in Monaco this week where the Champions League draw takes place.

It seems like Barcelona are being more receptive to what PSG want and not playing as much hardball. They seem as if they really want this deal completed by the end of the week, and giving away prospects like Todibo might be a part of that process.

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FC Barcelona News: 29 August 2019

Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images

Thursday training before Champions League draw | FC Barcelona
A week of preparation for the game against Osasuna continued on Thursday, with the FC Barcelona first team squad training on the Tito Vilanova pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Frenkie De Jong trained with the group, whilst Junior Firpo followed a specific solo routine. Also joining the first team players were Barça B’s Iñaki Peña and Carles Pérez, plus Ansu Fati of the Under-19s A team.

Barça return to Pamplona after three seasons away | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona will visit El Sadar this weekend for the first time since the 2016/17 season, as they take on Osasuna on Matchday 3 of the LaLiga season. The Blaugrana have enjoyed plenty of success at the historic stadium, with a record of 17 wins, 13 draws and 13 defeats from 43 games in Pamplona, scoring 61 goals and conceding 52.

When and where to see Osasuna v Barça | FC Barcelona
Barça’s first away game in La Liga comes at Osasuna on Saturday and on this page you will find the kick-off times in a number of major cities from America to Australasia, plus the TV channels that hold the rights to show La Liga games this season. We cannot guarantee that these channels will be showing the game (but they usually do!) so make sure you check their websites and local TV listings.

5 things to know about the Champions League | FC Barcelona
There are a few hours left until the 2019/20 Champion League group stage draw. It will be held in Monaco on Thursday, August 28 from 6.00pm CEST, and the 32 teams are already confirmed. To make the wait more enjoyable, we’ve found some curious facts and key statistics ahead of the draw.

‘Barcelona won’t let Neymar escape’ - Rivaldo confident Real Madrid won’t land PSG star | Goal
Former Barcelona star Rivaldo doesn’t think Neymar will move to Real Madrid because he believes his countryman is aching for a return to Catalonia. Neymar seems set to return to Barca this summer, with the Spanish giants confident they can bring the transfer drama to a swift conclusion.

Barcelona’s Juan Miranda joins Schalke on two-year loan | Football Espana
German club Schalke had completed the signing of Barcelona defender Juan Miranda on a two-year long loan arrangement. El Mundo Deportivo outline the details of the arrangement, which will not include an option to buy for the Bundesliga club.

Barcelona in advanced negotiations for Las Palmas starlet Pedri | Marca
Barcelona gave 16-year-old Ansu Fati a first-team debut against Real Betis last weekend and, hot on the heels of that, the Blaugrana now seem set to sign another 16-year-old prodigy as they are in advanced talks with Las Palmas for Pedro Gonzalez Lopez, who goes by ‘Pedri’.

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Messi expected to miss Barcelona’s clash with Osasuna

Photo credit should read JOSEP LAGO/AFP/Getty Images

The captain missed training again

Lionel Messi was again absent from full training on Thursday, and it looks like the Barcelona captain will now miss Saturday’s La Liga clash with Osasuna.

The Argentine has yet to feature this season due to a calf problem and Barca were forced to deny rumors this week that he has suffered a setback to his recovery.

The suggestion is that Barcelona are simply being careful with Messi which means the team are expected to be without him again at the weekend.

Frenkie de Jong was back training with the group on Thursday, while Ansu Fati and Carles Perez were once again in attendance.

Saturday’s fixture is the last before La Liga pauses for the first international break of the new season. The break will give Messi more time to recover before the champions return to action against Valencia on September 14.

Barcelona suffered without Messi in their opening game against Athletic Bilbao but responded well with a 5-2 win over Real Betis last time out.

Meanwhile, Osasuna opened up with a 1-0 win over Leganes and followed that with a 0-0 draw against Eibar.

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Dembele adamant he will not leave Barcelona for PSG

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

The forward does not want to be part of the Neymar deal

Ousmane Dembele has made it pretty clear he has absolutely no intention of leaving Barcelona for PSG in the transfer window.

Reports have suggested Dembele could be included in a deal to bring Neymar back to the Camp Nou, but the French international is having none of it.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Canal+ journalist Pierre Menes asked Dembele about the rumors in a private chat on Instagram and received this response: “80 percent of what appears in the press about me is nonsense and I don’t move.”

Dembele’s agent, Moussa Sissoko, has said a few times in this transfer window the 22-year-old’s future is at Barcelona, and he reiterated those comments again on Wednesday to Telefoot.

“[Dembele will 100% stay at Barcelona. There’s no chance he goes. He wants to and he will triumph at Barca.”

The suggestion seemed to be that Barcelona would be willing to offload Dembele after his latest injury setback, but there seems little chance of that now happening.

Of course rumors have already started about which player could be used in the deal instead of Dembele. MD and Sport suggest Jean-Clair Todibo, Le Parisien are going with Arthur.

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When is the UCL draw and who could Barcelona face?

Photo credit should read FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images

The group stages are almost here

The new La Liga season is already underway and pretty soon it will be the turn of the Champions League to kick off for another year.

Barcelona have endured painful defeats in Europe’s top competition over the last two seasons but will once again be hoping they can lift the famous trophy for the sixth time.

The Spanish champions will be in Pot 1 for Thurday’s group-stage draw in Monaco that kicks off at 12 p.m. ET/5 p.m. BST/6 p.m. CET.

Also in Pot 1 are holders Liverpool, Europa League winners Chelsea, Manchester City, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Zenit.

Here is a look at the other teams in contention. Remember teams from the same league can’t face each other and clubs from Russia and Ukraine are not allowed in the same group.

CONFIRMED: #UCLdraw pots! ✅

Pick the strongest team from each pic.twitter.com/D06AiDU5NA

— #UCLdraw (@ChampionsLeague) August 28, 2019

The first round of matches are due to be played on September 17-18, but the full fixture list will be confirmed after the drawn has been made.

Which teams would you like to see Barcelona face and who do you want to avoid? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and dream ties in the comments below!

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PSG turn down Barcelona’s latest offer for Neymar

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After two days of ‘intense negotiations’ the answer remains the same

Barcelona’s latest bid for Neymar has been turned down by Paris Saint-Germain, according to the latest report.

RMC Sport reckon that despite “two days of intense negotiations” the answer from the French champions to Barcelona remains no.

The offer was believed to include Ousmane Dembele, but his agent made it clear on Wednesday that the forward has no interest in leaving the Camp Nou.

The latest report suggests that Barcelona are now left with only one choice, pay what PSG want (believed to be around €170m) or give up on Neymar altogether.

Barcelona director Javier Bordas said on Tuesday the club were getting “closer” to a deal for Neymar but that optimism now seems misplaced.

Of course this is unlikely to be the last we hear of this transfer saga, but time to complete a deal is rapidly running out.

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WATCH: The evolving odds of Neymar signing for Barcelona or Real Madrid

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Visualization shows how the winds have changed

FC Barcelona remains the favorite to land the signing of Brazilian superstar Neymar, but it wasn’t always the case.

In fact, you can now chart the progress of the evolving odds of where Neymar would sign with a new visualization from Oddschecker. Even if you have no intention of betting, these markets do have some predictive value, so it’s interesting to have a look:

On July 1st, Oddschecker gave Barcelona a chance just shy of 60% to land the Paris Saint-Germain star, with Real Madrid being given less than a 5% chance. But things have changed, sometimes wildly, in the nearly two months since.

Barça’s chances steadily decreased as Madrid’s increased, until early August, when Madrid actually became the favorite. Barcelona fell to about 15% while Madrid shot up to an almost 40% chance. Partially the reason for that may have been stories we published such as this one which said that PSG preferred to sell to Madrid than to Barcelona.

However, things flipped again when Barcelona’s chances went way up on August 13th to almost 70%, and Madrid’s fell to just above 20%. This was probably because Barcelona staff was in Paris to try to close the deal that day. However, these talks failed to close the operation, which meant Barça went back down to just over 35% chance.

There was another notable bump on the 21st, when chances for Barcelona went to better than 50% again. Why? Probably because Barcelona sent two bids for the Brazilian that day. However, they were turned down.

Real Madrid retook the lead on the 23rd, with their best moment being when they led by around 35% to Barcelona’s near 15%. One possible reason would be that stories told that Madrid had visited PSG and were looking to land the Brazilian after the Parisians had turned down Barcelona’s offer. They said Madrid had growing confidence they could seal the deal, but it wasn’t to be.

Yet another volatile change occurred over the last few days which have seen the odds flip yet again. Barcelona is now at 50%, while Madrid is only at 14.3%, the lowest it has been since the beginning of the month. The reason was probably because Barça held a meeting with PSG over Neymar, with reports that at least the Catalans and Neymar’s entourage felt optimism that a deal could be hashed out. But alas, an agreement was not reached, yet Barça remain favorites because talks have not broken down. We will see what’s next for this particular transfer saga.

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Neymar deal may hinge on whether Tuchel can convince Dembélé

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The PSG coach was a mentor of the winger’s

Various sources are reporting that Barcelona’s play to bring Neymar back from Paris Saint-Germain involves a deal that includes a large sum of money, plus the transfer of Ivan Rakitić, plus the sale or loan of Ousmane Dembélé.

While reporting on whether Rakitić would accept leaving or not is a bit conflicted, almost all sources say Dembélé does not want to go. Recently, his agent has taken to the media to say there was no way he would leave.

It’s becoming apparent that for Dembélé to move, he would need to be convinced that PSG would be a good place for him to continue to grow. And a key man in that would be coach Thomas Tuchel, who managed the Frenchman when the pair were at Borussia Dortmund.

Tuchel was the manager under whom Dembélé first really flourished, attracting Barça to spend a fortune on acquiring the young winger. As such, he knows all his qualities and what makes him tick.

Would Dembélé accept the move, even if only on loan?

If he doesn’t, can Barça still make Neymar happen? Perhaps not. The wage bill is already extremely high, and with Rakitić and Dembélé still on the books, it may start to prove impossible.

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Barcelona deny Messi is out for another month with injury

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The captain is yet to feature this season

Barcelona have denied claims that Lionel Messi will miss another month of action after suffering a relapse of his calf problem.

RAC1 reported on Wednesday that Messi is set for more time on the sidelines after suffering a setback in his recovery from the injury.

However, those claims have been prompted shot down with multiple outlets reporting Barcelona have denied Messi has aggravated the problem.

The word is that the club are instead simply being very careful with his recovery and do not want to take any risks when it comes to the GOAT’s fitness.

It seems that Messi may miss the weekend’s clash against Osasuna and not return for Barcelona until after the international break.

Wednesday’s training session also saw Frenkie de Jong “undertaking specific individual work” while Carles Perez, Inaki Pena and Ansu Fati again trained with the first team.

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FC Barcelona News: 28 August 2019

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Wednesday morning training for the squad | FC Barcelona
Returning after a day off on Tuesday, the first team squad trained in a Wednesday morning session at the Ciutat Esportiva. The available players were put through their paces on the Tito Vilanova pitch, with Frenkie De Jong undertaking specific individual work. Along with the first team regulars, Iñaki Peña and Carles Pérez of Barça B, plus Ansu Fati of the Under-19s A side, worked out under the orders of coach Ernesto Valverde.

Messi won’t return until after the international break | Marca
Barcelona face Osasuna on Saturday which Lionel Messi will miss due to his calf injury. The Argentine has returned to training individually with the team’s fitness coach and he is expected to return to action after the international break.

Ansu Fati: Barcelona’s 16-year-old debutant’s journey from rolled up socks and rejecting Real Madrid | Goal
At the age of 16 years, 11 months and five days, Ansu Fati strode out onto the turf at Camp Nou on Sunday to make his Barcelona debut. Only one player – Vicenc Martinez Alama, in 1941 – has pulled on the famous Blaugrana shirt at a younger age in a Liga match. A star, many in Catalunya believe, is about to be born.

Ousmane Dembele staying at Barcelona 100 percent - agent | Football Espana
The agent of Ousmane Dembele has ruled out his client leaving Barcelona in the final week of the transfer window: “He is staying 100%.” There have been multiple reports that the Frenchman will be involved as part of a deal that takes Neymar to the Camp Nou in the coming days.

Don’t let Neymar go to another club - Rivaldo pleads with Barcelona to sign PSG star | Goal
Neymar made a mistake leaving Barcelona and the club should do everything to bring him back, according to former player Rivaldo. The Brazil superstar has been heavily linked with a return to the Catalan giants two years after he joined Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record €222 million (£200m/$246m) deal.

Sources: Details holding up Barca deal for Neymar | ESPN
PSG want the entire amount to be paid up front, but the Catalans are exploring different ways to cover the fee following a busy summer in which they brought in Antoine Griezmann, Frenkie de Jong, Neto and Junior Firpo for a combined €239m.

Freixa: Signing Neymar would jeopardise the Barcelona’s sports project and economic stability | Marca
Toni Freixa, formerly a director and presidential candidate at Barcelona, isn’t sold on the idea of the club looking to re-sign Neymar. The Brazilian wants out of Paris Saint-Germain and, as things stand, the Catalans are the most likely to sign him, but it’s not a move that Freixa understands.

‘You can’t say no’ - Vela admits he was ‘really close’ to Barca move | Goal
Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela admitted that he was “really close” to joining Barcelona this past winter, confirming that the Spanish giants did indeed reach out regarding a loan deal. After scoring 14 goals while providing 13 assists in his debut season for LAFC, Vela was the subject of interest from Barca, who spent the winter looking to sign a new attacker.

Agreement with FC Twente for the loan of Oriol Busquets | FC Barcelona
Oriol Busquets leaves Barça B. The Catalan midfielder will be loaned for a season, with no option to buy, to FC Twente of the Eredivisie. They are a team that has just been promoted to the top Dutch division, where they’ll meet former acquaintances of Oriol Busquets such as Aitor Cantalapiedra, Javier Espinosa and Julio Pleguezuelo. Busquets has a contract with FC Barcelona until 2021, with the option of two more, and a buyout clause of 200 million euros.

Barça U19A 0 Ajax 2: Dutch win on opening night | FC Barcelona
The Johan Cruyff stadium is now up and running after the opening ceremony and a full 90 minute match at the first piece in the Espai Barça puzzle. The FC Barcelona U19A side took on their Ajax equivalents on an evening that was a tribute to the Dutch legend. Unfortunately, the Barça youngsters were unable to celebrate the occasion with a victory as goals from Naci Unuvar either side of half time gave the visitors the win.

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Barca offer Rakitic, Dembele loan and €125m for Neymar

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The speculation over a mega-deal continues...

Barcelona are yet to agree a deal with PSG for Neymar but have reportedly come up with a new plan to get the transfer over the line.

According to Sport, the Spanish champions are now willing to offer Ivan Rakitic, Ousmane Dembele on loan and €125 million for the Brazilian.

The report reckons that the inclusion of the Croatia international may be enough to finally seal a deal, and it is expected that he would be willing to move to the French capital.

Barcelona still have their work cut out convincing Dembele to leave for a season but including the two players works for both clubs.

For Barcelona it means significantly reducing their wage bill which is needed if Neymar is to arrive and having to pay a smaller lump sum for the Brazilian.

Meanwhile, the deal could finally be enough to tempt PSG into allowing the Brazilian to leave the club two years after joining from Barcelona for €222 million.

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Dembele’s agent plays down PSG rumors

Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Reports have claimed he could be used in Neymar deal

Ousmane Dembele’s agent, Moussa Sissoko, has played down rumors that the Frenchman could be used as part of a deal to bring Neymar to Barcelona.

Reports this week have suggested Barcelona are willing to allow Dembele to leave, and PSG are keen to bring the Frenchman to the club.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Sissoko was asked about the rumors by French newspaper L’Equipe on Tuesday night and said the speculation “doesn’t concern us” and added he had no knowledge of Barcelona’s meeting with PSG.

Wednesday has, unsurprisingly, brought fresh rumors concerning Dembele and his future.

Sport are reporting the 22-year-old could be the key to landing Neymar.

The Spanish champions have reportedly agreed a deal in principle with PSG but now need to convince Dembele it’s a good idea to move to the French capital.

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Barcelona must allow Perez and Ansu to flourish

Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

The youngsters play without fear

There’s plenty of things to keep Cules busy just now.

The inauguration of the Johan Cruyff Stadium heralds a new era for some of the youth teams and Barca Women.

A constantly evolving transfer situation with Neymar has kept everyone glued to their smart phones and computers.

Barcelona are making progress in their attempts to re-sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain, Sky Sports News understand

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 27, 2019

And a wonderful home debut from Antoine Griezmann has kept the chattering classes in Catalonia and elsewhere busy.

Just as important as all three of those things is the emergence of Carles Perez and Ansu Fati. Some would say more so.

But we’ve been here before haven’t we? La Masia talents breaking through, only to be farmed off elsewhere.

Ansu Fati:

◾ Youngest player to play for Barca since 1941
◾ Trained with the senior team for the first time three days before debut
◾ Needed permission from his parents to play in late-night La Liga match
◾ Rejected Real Madrid in 2012

Living the @FCBarcelona dream ✨ pic.twitter.com/14EGh5cYlB

— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 27, 2019

Depending on who your preferred source of info is, then Fati is ‘Barca’s new wonderkid.’ But wasn’t Jean Marie Dongou bestowed with just that honour at the same age?

Well-respected journalists even said at the time that Dongou was better than Messi at the same age.

Clearly, some players develop quicker than others, but an awful lot seem to fall by the wayside because they’re not given the requisite minutes at senior level in which to hone their craft.

No one could fail to be impressed by Fati’s cameo against Real Betis, nor Carles Perez’s contributions both in pre-season and against the Verdiblancos.

When you score your first goal at the Camp Nou
❤ Carles Pérez pic.twitter.com/T0HXJbo7MH

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 25, 2019

Both players personify the exuberance of youth and there’s an associated fearlessness in their play.

Not only that, but as further La Masia representatives in the first team, they have become a new pair of standard bearers for those players of similar age.

Sooner or later the club need to get back to having a decent core of their youth players making up a large portion of the senior squad, but that can only be achieved with the foresight to give these young bucks their wings.

Let them flourish!

Oriol Busquets joins Twente on loan https://t.co/FQz2bswDYM

— SPORT English (@Sport_EN) August 27, 2019

For every Perez and Fati, there’s an Oriol Busquets, Marc Cucurella, Gerard Deulofeu, Munir El Haddadi...

It’s an extensive list of ex-Barca youth players who now ply their trade elsewhere, but as some of the more senior players come towards the end of their careers the club would do well to begin to integrate from within in those key positions.

Such talent can’t be allowed to go to waste, it would be a travesty at this point.

It’ll be interesting to revisit this article in a few months time to see how both players have progressed and whether they have been afforded the minutes that they deserve.

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Pique would be happy to have Neymar back at Barcelona

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

But the defender is unsure if the deal will happen

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has made it clear the dressing room would be happy to have Neymar back at the club amid continued speculation about the Brazilian.

Rumors continue to circulate that Neymar will seal a move back to the Catalan giants before the close of the transfer window, and Pique says the forward would be welcome.

“Of course we’d like him to come back,” he said.

”But it’s something we can’t control. We’ll leave it in the hands of those who decide [these things] and from there we’ll see in a few days.”

Source | Television Espanol’s La 1 (via Marca)

There seems to be growing optimism that Barcelona will be able to finally agree a deal with PSG before the transfer window closes on September 2.

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Barca ‘closer’ to Neymar deal after PSG talks, says director

Photo by Zhe Ji/Getty Images

Club officials have been in Paris to discuss a move

Barcelona are getting “closer” to sealing a deal to bring Neymar back to the Camp Nou from PSG, according to director Javier Bordas.

Officials from the Catalan giants have been in Paris for talks about a move for the Brazilian, and Bordas offered an update after landing at Barcelona’s El Prat airport.

“There’s still no deal, we’re negotiating and we’re closer, but I can’t say anything more,” he said.

Source | Sport

Reports have suggested Barcelona could sign Neymar for €170 million to be paid in two installments, although there are still claims PSG want players included in any deal.

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Oriol Busquets completes loan move to FC Twente

Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images

The deal does not include a purchase option

Barcelona confirmed on Tuesday that Oriol Busquets has completed a move to FC Twente on a season-long loan.

The midfielder will now spend the rest of the campaign with the Eredivisie side and the deal does NOT include a purchase option.

[ÚLTIMA HORA] Acuerdo con el FC Twente holandés para la cesión de Oriol Busquets por una temporada sin opción de compra.

https://t.co/eKlMGinqMx

¡Mucha suerte Oriol en esta nueva etapa!#BarçaB #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/fRwEfjXbig

— FC Barcelona B (@FCBarcelonaB) August 27, 2019

Busquets is contracted to Barca until 2021 and his deal includes an option of two more seasons. He also has a buyout clause of €200 million.

Good luck at FC Twente Oriol Busquets!

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The best pictures as Barca open Johan Cruyff Stadium

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

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How would Neymar even fit in at Barcelona?

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Undoubtedly one of the best in the world, but does Barça need him?

The signing of Neymar appears closer than ever, but is it wise?

The Brazilian is still one of the world’s best players, without a doubt, not to mention one of the most marketable. But his rumored fee is gigantic. His wages are fairly enormous as well, even though it has been said he would lower his demands for a chance to return to Barça.

The Paris Saint-Germain star is a genius who can play on the left wing or in the center, but Barcelona already have Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembélé, Luis Suárez, and Lionel Messi.

According to Transfermarkt, that’s 142.5 million euros, plus 136.8 million, and 93.16 million for just the first three forwards in that list. Add to that a rumored 170 million for Neymar. And of course, there’s also Messi.

That’s a shocking amount of money when you consider it is highly unlikely all five can be on the pitch at once, and it’s probable that not even four can fit together.

Dembélé might be the first sacrificed in these situations, and after that it’s a little less clear. Of course, there is a desire to rest Messi and Suárez more this season, and surely having a superstar like Griezmann or Neymar carry the load more is a blessing.

However, are other areas of the team being left unattended? Is Sergi Roberto or Nélson Semedo up to that same lofty standard as the forwards? What about the midfield, is there enough there? And will Barça regret not signing Matthijs de Ligt?

All these are just questions, as the answer may be that Barcelona’s squad is in fact strong enough in all those positions. It’s tough to bet against signing one of the world’s best players, after all. But sometimes, you do question it, especially in terms of the long-term financial health of the club.Germain f

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