Man United, Chelsea preparing new offers for Frenkie De Jong
We begin with Diario SPORT who come with two latest pieces of gossip on the Frenkie De Jong saga: the first is about Manchester United, who are preparing a “final offensive” for the Dutchman per the request of new manager Erik Ten Hag. United are willing to match his current Barça salary, which would make him the Red Devils’ highest earner, as well as paying all the wages De Jong deferred when his contract was restructured in 2020 during the pandemic. Frenkie doesn’t want to join United and play Europa League football this season, but they hope that money will talk louder and convince him to move to England.
He could move to England after all, but to the Blue side of London as Chelsea have told Barça they will make a formal bid for Frenkie. New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly had a meeting with Joan Laporta in early July to discuss César Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso, but the Frenkie topic was also discussed. Chelsea have now decided to move for the player, and Barça are asking for €80 million to get a deal done.
Barça thinking about Sergiño Dest sale
SPORT also say Barça are thinking about selling Sergiño Dest if they manage to sign César Azpilicueta from Chelsea this summer. The American hasn’t been particularly impressive in preseason and with Sergi Roberto, Ronald Araujo and Jules Koundé all capable of playing right-back as Azpilicueta’s backup, Dest could be sold to earn some more money and help register the new signings. Several teams have expressed interest in Dest, but the player wants to stay at Barça.
Memphis Depay to Juventus gains momentum
Barça and Juve have intensified their talks in the last few days and are closing in on a framework of a deal: a season-long loan with an obligation to buy for €20 million next summer, a type of transfer agreement that Italians club do regularly to help their finances. But for that to happen Memphis would have to extend his contract with Barça for one more year until 2024, and agree personal terms on a deal with Juve that would begin in 2023. That is a tough process, and Depay seems reluctant to move at the moment. Diario SPORT says Barça are putting pressure on the player to accept the move, and hope to resolve his future within the next week or so.
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Barcelona’s busy summer transfer window is not just about the arrivals. They continue to work on players leaving the club, something that the press has called “Operation Exit”.
The first step was taken this weekend when Óscar Mingueza was sold to Celta Vigo on a deal worth about €3 million. The full-back was one of five players the club want to get rid of, and the others on the list could be on their way out soon.
Midfielder Riqui Puig is a target of Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy, who in the last couple of days submitted an official offer to Barça for the 22-year-old. The Blaugrana won’t play hardball when it comes to the transfer fee, but the obstacle is Puig’s willingness to move to the United States at this point of his career. Riqui still hopes to play in Europe but there are no concrete offers yet and the MLS deadline for new signings is August 4, so a decision on Puig’s future must be made soon.
Martin Braithwaite has accepted his fate and is looking for a move away, and the latest reports suggest he will negotiate a release from his contract to become a free agent, which would allow an easier path to join a new club. There’s interest from Getafe in La Liga, a few Premier League teams and in recent hours he received a major offer from a club in Saudi Arabia, and it looks as though the Dane’s exit will become official in the next few days.
Samuel Umtiti was very, very close to a move to Rennes in France but things broke down when the French club had doubts about the player’s fitness, but a new team has emerged as a serious candidate for Big Sam: Olympiacos in Greece have expressed interest and begun talks with both Barça and the player, with a loan move in which both teams share Umtiti’s salary the most likely outcome as of now.
The most complicated case as of now is goalkeeper Neto, who continues to find himself close to a move before seeing it break down: Celta Vigo almost signed him last month before giving up due to his high salary demands, and Napoli have shifted their interest towards Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga. There’s still a month left in the transfer window and the expectation is Neto will eventually find a new home, but his exit might take a little more time.
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The Spaniard is surplus to requirements at the German club
Barcelona continue to work on signing a backup left-back for Jordi Alba, and talks continue with Chelsea to bring Marcos Alonso to Camp Nou. He’s the priority and a request from Xavi Hernández, but the Catalans have identified an alternative.
According to Diario SPORT, the Blaugrana are looking at RB Leipzig’s Angeliño who is now surplus to requirements at the German club. Leipzig have just completed the signing of German international David Raum who plays the same position as Angeliño, who will be sold to help balance Leipzig’s books.
Angeliño has interest from several clubs in Germany, including Raum’s former club Hoffenheim who could sign the Spaniard as Raum’s replacement. But Barça are watching, and could move for the player if the deal for Alonso isn’t completed.
Alejandro Balde has played very well in Barça’s preseason and could end up being Alba’s backup after all, but Xavi would like a more experienced option and Angeliño is now added to a list that includes Alonso, Valencia’s José Gayà and Celta Vigo’s Javi Galán.
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The boss is convinced the goals will come for the new striker
Robert Lewandowski has played three games in preseason so far since joining Barcelona and hasn’t found the back of net yet, despite several attempts and really good chances. That was especially evident on Saturday’s friendly against the New York Red Bulls, with the Pole very hungry to score, missing a few golden chances and looking visibly frustrated as a result.
But his boss is not worried. Speaking to the press after the game, Xavi Hernández was asked about Lewandowski’s slow start and the many misses and made it clear he is very confident in the player’s ability to find the back of the net.
According to Xavi, the most important thing is creating those chances. Lewandowski and his teammates are certainly having doing that, so the coach knows the goals will eventually come.
“In training they all go in, but they didn’t tonight. I am convinced they will go in, I believe in him. It happened to Luis Suárez [when he arrived], it happened to Ferran Torres last season. He will have the chances to score, as he did tonight. That’s the positive thing.”
Xavi is right. There’s absolutely no reason to be concerned about Lewandowski having watched just how good his movement and positioning are in addition to how well the likes of Raphinha, Ousmane Dembélé and Ansu Fati have played around him.
For those who didn’t follow him closely at Bayern Munich, Lewandowski really is the best all-around striker in the world not just because of his finishing ability but because he’s amazing at being in the best positions to score.
He’s also shown in a very short time the ability to combine with his teammates, which is crucial for any player in the Blaugrana’s system. If there were any concerns at all about him being just a big man with a questionable first touch who needs everything created for him, those are already a thing of the past.
The goals will come. Soon. Plenty of them. No reason to worry.
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This team can entertain but there are still questions to answer
It was a very fun tour of the United States, and an opportunity for this new Barcelona team to bond ahead of a new campaign with heightened expectations.
Ultimately, however, these preseason games are preparation to be as ready as you can be for August 13 when Rayo Vallecano come to town to inaugurate the new season.
No team in Europe has had a more active summer, and with it comes pressure to perform, and there won’t be a lot of patience with Barça now a favorite to contend for a domestic title — and maybe more.
So what did we learn from Barça’s travels across America? Is this team ready to hit the ground running?
The midfield depth chart is more fluid than previously expected
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Most of us expected Sergio Busquets, Pedri, and Gavi to be the first men up in the midfield.
It’s likely this will still be the case when season starts, but across the five preseason games the midfield trio didn’t have especially noteworthy performances.
The first question was around Busquets and if there were any alternatives in the defensive midfield. The first idea Xavi experimented with was using Nico, and frankly in all his appearances he looked much better suited in this role than any other.
With the arrival of Franck Kessie, there were questions as to whether Xavi would experiment with a double pivot. Probably because of the uncertainty surrounding Frenkie De Jong, Xavi never took a look at it. It was surprising, considering he had the chance to try out a Kessie-Nico combination. Franck instead looked sharp as a number eight, which leads to another interesting conundrum…
Did Kessie do enough to supersede Gavi? The young Spaniard has had a quiet preseason, and Xavi will have some work to do molding him into a specific role and getting him to play well with Pedri.
Kessie for my money looked the most natural in Xavi’s 4-3-3, especially as a potential De Jong replacement. Like Frenkie, he reads the game well and covers a lot of ground. If given opportunities, I’d expect him to score goals, create opportunities, and be very helpful in defensive transitions.
Pablo Torre didn’t get as many minutes as most of us had hoped, and we didn’t get to see all he’s capable of despite a few really good moments. Looks like it may be off to Barça Atlètic, where he can shine and then make his way back to the first team when opportunities arise.
Dembélé and Raphinha were Barça’s best and are in direct competition
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These two did their best rendition of anything you can do, I can do better.
First it was Raphinha who sparkled with two early goals and two assists, taking over Ousmane Dembélé’s customary spot on the right wing.
Now, when Dembélé sees someone else racking up assists, that’s just not going to sit well, and he was determined against Juventus and New York Red Bulls to leave his mark on the games.
It got to a point where Xavi is now wondering if it’s possible to play them at the same time, and get double the impact.
There’s one obstacle to that: Ansu Fati, who quietly had a very impressive preseason, showing that he is the best left winger in the squad. Granted, his minutes were limited, and the question will be how big of a role he can play right away.
But Dembélé and Raphinha were the stars of the show. They didn’t just perform, they did it with style and made a spectacle for the adoring American fans.
Xavi will be counting on both of them.
Lewandowski may need time to adapt but he looks hungry
Robert Lewandowski was desperate to put a goal on the board against NY Red Bulls.
In the end, he missed several golden opportunities, but there’s no reason for concern. What I saw was a player working hard, finding his spots, and being in positions to do what he came here to do.
Imagine what will happen once he hits his form?
What’s promising about this team is how it’s been so intentionally constructed.
Lewandowski is the perfect number nine, and the great players he has around him like Pedri, Raphinha, Ansu Fati and Dembélé will make sure he succeeds.
The full-back situation is a concern
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Jordi Alba continues to be Jordi Alba, and will likely be a top contributor again this season.
Starting with the positives, it looks like his backup has already arrived. His name is Alejandro Balde, and Xavi has taken notice.
Balde has some similarities to Alba. Both are overlapping full-backs, but the way they execute is different.
Balde has the ability to beat opponents on the dribble, while Alba, like a more traditional Barça player, likes to pass his way into good positions and then deliver killer passes into the box.
With Balde in the squad, and showing what he can do, it doesn’t seem necessary to go out and get Marcos Alonso. Xavi should show that he can foster players from the academy, and bring out their full potential, and with Balde he has a lot to work with.
But the right side is another story, and it doesn’t look great. All I can say is, Jules Koundé, this may end up being where you’re needed the most.
Xavi has fallen too in love with using Ronald Araujo in this position. Tactically it makes sense against Real Madrid when you want to shut down Vinicius Junior. But against New York Red Bulls? That is way too conservative.
And what is really going on with Sergiño Dest? It’s a little weird to not play your American player on an American tour when he’s the best at the position.
We can all agree he has a lot to prove, but we should also agree that he continues to be given very few opportunities. Even when he is on the field, he isn’t really being put in positions to succeed because he is very restricted offensively.
It seems like Xavi wants his full-backs to stay back and give the space to the right wingers who are the danger men in his system.
If that’s the case, then fine, maybe an old school player like César Azpilicueta will give you what you need.
But for the sake of all of our sanity, keep Sergi Roberto out of this position unless you are truly desperate. I’ll take Dest over him any day of the week, and it’s baffling where Xavi’s head is at here, unless it’s just to say that he isn’t satisfied with any of his options.
Forgotten players made a case for themselves
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Take a bow Miralem Pjanic. No one knew you were in the squad anymore, and now you could be the next man up behind Sergio Busquets.
Memphis Depay is the man who just won’t go away. He was the leading scorer for Barcelona last season, and even though Xavi never favored him, he refuses to stop scoring goals.
Is there a case to be made that Memphis stays, or are these performances just good for increasing his value on the market with Juventus and Tottenham hovering?
Shout out to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as well. He continues to look sharp in the minutes given to him, and is taking the signing of Robert Lewandowski in stride. It’s very hard to believe the reports that came out about him with Arsenal when you see what a great team player he has been for Barcelona.
But the forgotten man who deserves the most props, making the strongest case for himself for a big role heading into the season, is Eric García.
Nothing changes with his vulnerabilities in terms of size, strength, and speed, but he is truly impressive on the ball. Barça haven’t had a central defender this good at making line-breaking passes since youn Gerard Piqué. García was also very effective and creative on the dribble, finding ways to add verticality through the midfield.
It’s good to know he’s there to give cover to Ronald Araujo and Koundé as needed.
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The boss spoke to the press after the final game of the US tour
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández spoke to the press after his team concluded the United States preseason tour with a commanding 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night in New Jersey.
Ousmane Dembélé and Memphis Depay provided the goals on a night when Barça dominated most of the game and could have easily scored six or seven, and the new signings continue to adapt well ahead of the new season.
Xavi gave his verdict on the game, the US tour as a whole and how well Ousmane Dembélé is playing since signing a new contract.
“We’ve faced different styles of play [in the US tour]. Tonight it was about man-to-man marking, and we understood it better in the second half. The game was intense, they defended man-to-man, we created many chances but we didn’t finish them. It was not a game for elaborate passing, there were no spaces, it was about breaking the lines and shooting quickly.
“Overall I’m very happy with what we’ve done [in this tour]. We’ve worked well, with good pace and attitude. The worst part was the heat in Las Vegas!
“I have a lot of confidence [in Ousmane Dembélé] and he knows it. He’s been a difference maker since I’ve been here, we want him to make a difference in every game.”
A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Barça beat Red Bulls, 2-0 - FC Barcelona
HARRISON, New Jersey — Ousmane Dembélé and Memphis Depay scored on each side of halftime to lead FC Barcelona to a 2-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls. The win, which came in Barça’s final game on US soil during their 2022 summer tour, gave the Catalans their third triumph since arriving in Miami two weeks ago. Barça began the tour with a 6-0 victory over Inter Miami, then beat arch rivals Real Madrid, 1-0, in Las Vegas before drawing 2-2 with Juventus in Dallas.
Olympiakos could be the new home of Samuel Umtiti - SPORT
Barcelona and Samuel Umtiti are looking at a new potential destination for the French defender. According to ESPN, some Olympiacos operatives will travel to Barcelona on Monday to try and secure a loan deal for Umtiti.
Key meeting over Inigo Martinez's future - SPORT
Jules Kounde’s arrival at Barcelona doesn’t mean the hunting for players is over, even in defence. As SPORT have reported, the club are interested in Inigo Martinez. However he will have to wait a year before joining; Barcelona have asked him to come on a free at the end of his contract with Athletic Club in 2023.
Barcelona won't have trouble registering players - finance expert - SPORT
The economist Ivan Cabeza, an expert on Barcelona’s finances, is sure that when the window closes, the club will have registered “all the players they have signed because now they are in a normal situation”. They no longer have to invest only one euro for every three that are saved.
Maximum pressure from Barça to sign Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso - SPORT
Barcelona want to bring in Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta from Chelsea this week to stop them starting the season wit the London side. The deal is close but the main problem is Thomas Tuchel’s side are having trouble in the transfer marker to replace them. They need to bring in players.
Miralem Pjanic's salary could condemn him to Barça departure - SPORT
Miralem Pjanic is one of the players that has most surprised Xavi in preseason. The coach believes the Bosnian could be worth a place in the squad next season, but his high salary means the club would prefer to get him off the books.
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Barcelona finished their 2022 United States tour and remain unbeaten in preseason thanks to a 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on Saturday night. The Blaugrana dominated the entire match and could have easily scored six or seven on another night, but had to settle for a two-goal victory and continue the good run in the preparations for the new campaign.
FIRST HALF
The first 45 minutes were thoroughly dominated by Barça, who had all of the possession and found it pretty easy to find spaces even against a five-man defense from the hosts. Ousmane Dembélé, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski were unplayable as a front three and somehow, someway Barça couldn’t score.
Lewandowski was clearly hungry to get his first goal as a Blaugrana and fired shots at will, but either missed the target or saw his efforts stopped by goalkeeper Carlos Miguel. Dembélé and Raphinha also had their chances but the Red Bulls defense found a way to keep the ball from going in time and time again.
It took 40 minutes to finally break the deadlock, which came in beautiful fashion: a well-constructed counter-attack that finished with a perfect assist from Raphinha and a great finish by Dembélé.
At halftime, a dominant Barça deserved to be up by at least three or four goals, but the lead was just 1-0 and there was work to do in the second half.
SECOND HALF
The final period followed a very similar script to the opening frame, with Barça completely on top and creating chance after chance without being able to find the back of the net. Lewandowski, Aubameyang, Ansu Fati and others had several opportunities but it was just one of those nights when the ball just wouldn’t go in.
We reached the final 10 minutes with Barça still holding a narrow lead, and the game seemed headed for somewhat of a quiet finish. But Daniel Edelman was given a straight red card after a bad challenge on Pablo Torre, and Red Bulls were down to 10 men. That left the home team wide open, and Barça finally scored a second goal when Memphis Depay took advantage of a bad mistake by the Red Bulls defense and scored a tap-in to finish things off.
The final whistle came to keep Barça unbeaten in preseason on a night when the score could have very easily been 7-0 with better finishing and a little more luck in front of goal. The team played well once again, and the new signings look more and more comfortable. Plenty of good signs as we head into the new season.
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These two look really, really good together
Barcelona played an excellent first half and created a whole lot of chances in their preseason friendly against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, but it took them 40 minutes to finally get a goal.
But the opener finally came in brilliant fashion with a well-constructed counter-attack and a gorgeous combination between Raphinha and Ousmane Dembélé, who played a beautiful one-two with each other before the Frenchman found the back of the net with a powerful finish.
Join us for another Barcelona preseason adventure!
WELCOME TO THE RED BULL ARENA!!! The home of Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls in Harrison, New Jersey is the site of a friendly between the hosts and Barcelona, who conclude their United States tour hoping to stay unbeaten in preseason and continue ramping up to the start of the 2022-23 season. This should be fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos!
MATCH INFO
Competition/Round: 2022 Barcelona Preseason, Match 5
Date/Time: Saturday, July 30, 2022, 7pm local time, 1am CET (Barcelona, Sunday), 12am BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria, Sunday), 7pm ET, 4pm PT (USA), 4.30am IST (India, Sunday)
Venue: Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey, United States
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM PRESEASON FRIENDLY
How to watch on TV: MSG (USA), TV3, Barça TV (Spain), others
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, watch 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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Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke at length to CBS Sports on Friday about the hottest topics around Barçaland, and had some very interesting things to say about the return of Lionel Messi, Frenkie De Jong’s future and his expectations for next season among many other issues.
The full interview can be found here. These are the best bits:
On Lionel Messi’s return
I did what I had to do in order to put the institution above the best player in our history. I have known Messi since he was a kid and I love Leo. I feel in moral debt to Messi. He’s the best player in our history and I will do my best in order to ensure he can have the best ending of his career with a Barça shirt on.
I would like to bring him back. It will not be easy but I think with the correct strategy we could do it. I think Messi has been the most important player in our history. During a long period of success he was the leader. He was the one who excited our supporters. We will do our best to have Messi ending his career at Barcelona and being applauded by everyone.
We have a moral debt to Leo. The end of Leo at Barcelona was not the best. It was a difficult time. We had to take a decision and put the club above the best player in our history. But I think we have to work now to have Messi end his career back wearing the shirt of Barcelona being applauded on every field that he plays. We will do our best to give him the ending he deserves.
This is a wish we have and I hope we can convert it to reality. We have a strategy to get him back to Barcelona. Barça loves Leo, the fans love Leo and I love him, too. I will do my best.
On Frenkie De Jong’s situation
The first thing to say is we want Frenkie to stay at Barcelona. We love the player and him as a human being. I want him to stay at Barcelona. He’s a high-quality player and a good guy. I also know that he wants to stay.
All we are doing with Frenkie is the same as the rest of the squad. The signings coming in have adjusted their salary to the new structure. But Frenkie has a contract and we respect that. We can’t force him to take a pay cut. It’s his decision.
We are trying to manage the football club in a prudent and sustainable way. So we have to have these talks and we do so in a calm and considered way. We have explained the situation and are grateful to any players who can help us. It was the same with Dembele and I am very grateful to him. And after months of talks, he accepted a renegotiation of his salary and he can be proud of his decision.
[If Frenkie doesn’t take a paycut and just stays at Barça] he will continue. Has has a contract. We will respect that decision. For us, he’s a Barcelona player. We count on him.
On expectations for next season
I believe we will compete for LaLiga and the Champions League. We are a stakeholder in these competitions and we will be trying to win both. I hope we have a chance. But we’ll see. But I am sure we will show our genuine style of playing football that fans love. They will be very proud of us this season.
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The forward continues to recover from a foot injury
Barcelona conclude their summer tour of the United States with one last preseason friendly against New York Red Bulls on Saturday night, and they might still be missing one of their star forwards.
Ferran Torres, who is yet to play in this preseason due to a wound in his right foot, remains a doubt and might miss out once again. The Spaniard reported back with a cut in the area of the foot he uses to strike the ball, so the medical staff has been very careful in treating the injury so it doesn’t become a bigger problem.
Xavi Hernández didn’t seem too optimistic about Ferran’s chances of playing Saturday, but it seems as though he could join training once the squad returns to Catalonia on Monday and be ready to play at least a few minutes in the Joan Gamper Trophy against Pumas on August 7.
Torres is reportedly desperate to play as soon as possible as he knows the competition for minutes up front will be fierce with the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, the return of Ousmane Dembélé and a fully fit Ansu Fati, but it looks as though Ferran will have to wait a little bit more.
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC reach agreement on Jules Kounde transfer - FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Jules Olivier Kounde. The player will be signing a contract with the Catalan club for the next five seasons. The buyout clause has been set at one billion euros (€1,000,000,000).
Xavi: 'Kounde will give us a lot' - FC Barcelona
HARRISON, New Jersey — FC Barcelona's tour of the United States is in the final stretch. The team will face the NY Red Bulls this Saturday in its fourth and final tangle on American soil. In the buildup to this match, however, the protagonist not been the game, but instead Jules Kounde.
Training resumes in New York - FC Barcelona
Training in New York resumed this Friday. After enjoying a day’s rest, the players hard at it once again for an early session at the training ground of the NY Red Bulls, the team Barça will be meeting on Saturday in the fourth and final game of their American tour.
Julian Nagelsmann responds to Joan Laporta and clarifies his opinion on Barça - SPORT
Julian Nagelsmann continues to make headlines but not for any on-field reasons. A few days ago, the Bayern Munich coach made some statements in which he attacked Barça, questioning where they get so much money to sign the players they have bought so far.
Memphis Depay's confession to the Barça locker room - SPORT
Memphis Depay finds himself staring at the exit door at FC Barcelona. After the signings of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha and the renewal of Ousmane Dembélé, adding to the existing roster of strikers including Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Dutchman has virtually no chance of regular playtime.
Laporta offers a new update on De Jong's situation and his future - SPORT
Joan Laporta has updated the 'Frenkie case' in his statements after the event organized by UNHCR in the middle of New York's Fifth Avenue. The Barça head has held his stance in making it very clear to the Dutch midfielder that, if he wants to stay, he will have to accept a sizeable salary reduction.
“I believe we will make Messi's retirement at Barça a reality,” says Joan Laporta - SPORT
The second day of the FC Barcelona expedition in New York, the last stop of the U.S. tour, has been very busy. The club have stepped up participation in promotional events at the Big Apple, with Spotify, Nike and UNHCR. After dinner at Rockefeller Center, Joan Laporta reviewed the club's current affairs and activities.
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The chief is talking about a possible return of the GOAT
Joan Laporta started off his era back at Barcelona on shaky terms with the supporters. Lionel Messi ended up leaving the club last summer and it wasn’t the most ceremonious of exits, but the president wants to change that.
“The era of Leo did not finish as we all wanted. It ended very conditioned by the economic issues. We have a moral debt to him in that sense. We would like it of the end of his career was with the Barca shirt and being applauded by everyone on the pitch.
“That is an aspiration. Nothing has been spoken about [between Messi and I]. This is an aspiration I have as President of Barcelona and I hope that it happens. I feel partly responsible for the end. I think it is a provisional end, I think we will ensure that that aspiration becomes a reality.”
We don’t know it’s actually possible to bring Messi back, since it’s safe to assume Barça will still be trying to restructure their finances next year once Leo is out of contract with PSG. Even on a free transfer the GOAT would cost plenty of money, so a lot has to happen for Messi’s return to be a reality.
But one thing’s for sure: this story is not going away.
What do you all want to see?
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Contrary to previous reports, the German keeper is not for sale
According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen isn’t expected to leave the club this summer. Reports earlier in the week claimed the club could look to sell the German international in case they couldn’t find a way to fix their financial issues, but that is simply not the case.
Marc-André ter Stegen’s not planning to leave Barcelona this summer and he has received no indications from the club, it’s absolutely quiet as of now. No confirmation on rumours appeared this week. #FCB
Ter Stegen had a strange year at the club last season that saw his form ebb and flow in ways it hadn’t in previous seasons. The team’s entire season was an up-and-down spectacle at times, however, so perhaps it was a one-off. At the very least, I’m thankful the German wants to stay at Barça, as it seems most do these days.
It appears as if good things are ahead for Xavi’s Barça, it would have been a shame for Ter Stegen to leave at this point. Let’s hope his form becomes more consistent under a more consistent regime.
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Barcelona confirmed on Friday that Jules Koundé is officially a Blaugrana player after passing his medicals and putting pen to paper on a five-year contract until 2027.
Barça don’t confirm the numbers, but a €50 million price tag with €10 million in add-ons has been widely reported to be the full transfer package for the 23-year-old.
Koundé will not join the squad in the United States as the American tour wraps up on Saturday night against New York Red Bulls, but the French defender will meet up with his teammates when they return to work in the Catalan capital on Monday, when he will also be officially unveiled to the public.
Koundé recently underwent a minor surgery to correct a lingering groin issue, but is expected to be fully fit to take part in training right away and be available for the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 7 and the La Liga season opener against Rayo Vallecano on August 13.
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Jules Koundé has been officially confirmed as Barcelona’s fifth signing of the summer after the club announced a deal with Sevilla on Thursday afternoon.
The French center-back did a quick with the club’s official channel shortly after arriving at Camp Nou, and spoke highly of his new team and manager.
The quote about Xavi Hernández deserves to be highlighted:
“Xavi is one of the great reasons that I am here. I spoke various times with him and the way he spoke got me excited. We had some good conversations, we see football the same way. Now it is a question of coming into the team and winning as many minutes as possible.”
It is undeniable that Barça would not be in the position they are this summer without the influence of Xavi both on the planning and the execution of the signings made so far. They all fit the team’s needs, and the coach then actively recruited all five players who rejected more lucrative offers from other places to come and play for Xavi’s Barça.
Xavi continues to win the summer.
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Bernardo Silva ‘offered’ to Barcelona for €80 million
Today’s rumors begin with a report from French newspaper L’Équipe that says Jorge Mendes, agent of Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, offered the player to both Barça and Real Madrid for a transfer fee of 80 million euros.
It has been widely reported that Bernardo is Xavi Hernández’s favorite option in case Frenkie De Jong is eventually sold, and now we at least know what the price would be. Bernardo has not ruled out leaving City in recent interviews, though the Premier League champions have maintained the stance that the Portuguese star is not for sale.
Frenkie De Jong loan ‘a new option’ for Barça
Speaking of Frenkie, his future continues to dominate the news. The player has rejected a move to Manchester United and seems unwilling to accept a paycut at the moment, so Diario SPORTclaim that the club is now studying a new option to deal with De Jong’s situation: a loan to one of the teams interested in his services.
Chelsea and Bayern Munich have shown strong interest in Frenkie and would be capable of paying most if not all of his salary for this season, and there would be a buy option of €80 million for next summer. It would be a way for the club to get his salary off the books for this season but still have a shot at retaining him once the finances are finally in a good place.
Barça prepare ‘Final offensive’ for Azpi and Alonso
With Jules Koundé’s signing finally made official on Thursday, Barça are ready to move on to their final two planned transfers of the summer: full-backs César Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso from Chelsea. Both have been requested by Xavi and the two clubs have spoken for several weeks without coming to a deal, but things should move quicker now that Barça’s solely focus will be on signing the duo.
Diario SPORT says both deals are close but a few key details need to be worked out between the clubs, including the transfer fees. Barça don’t want to spend a lot since both Azpilicueta and Alonso are in the final year of their respective deals, but Chelsea are still hoping for a solid return and will try to play hardball. Both players have already agreed personal terms with Barça months ago, and are now waiting for a resolution to be officially announced in the next few days.
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This week on the Barca Blaugranes podcast, I interview Emile Avanessian. Emile most recently wrote a great piece for Urban Pitch on the bright future of Ansu Fati. He’s also working on a piece about Dani Alves, and I have to say having had an early preview, you’re going to want to read that when it comes out.
This time around we chat about Barcelona’s crazy summer. How things can change so fast in a month in the football world. The club that could barely afford to do anything is now able to sign players left and right. We chat about the many levers and the fun team on the pitch. Who’s the best starting three? We debate, and chat about much more.
Barcelona and Celta Vigo have reached full agreement on a deal that will send full-back Óscar Mingueza to the Galician club on a permanent transfer, according to multiple reports in Spain. The deal has been closed for around 3 million euros, and Barça will receive a percentage of a future sale.
Mingueza was put on the transfer list by Barça at the end of the season and has always preferred a move within La Liga if he was to leave the Catalan club despite having several offers from teams around Europe.
Celta reached out over the weekend with a solid offer for a player with only a year left on his deal, and now Mingueza gets his wish to stay in Spain while Barça receive some cash and more importantly get some salary relief as they race against the clock to register the new signings before the start of the season.
Mingueza’s move to Celta should be made official by this weekend.
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The saga is now absolutely, definitely over: Barcelona confirmed on Thursday an “agreement in principle” with Sevilla for the signing of 23-year-old French center-back Jules Koundé on a permanent transfer, pending a medical to make the deal official.
Agreement in principle with Sevilla for the transfer of @jkeey4
FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC have reached an agreement for the transfer of Jules Olivier Kounde, awaiting the player passing a medical and the signing of contracts.
Koundé’s signing comes after a long bidding war between Barça and Chelsea, who last Thursday reached an agreement with Sevilla on a deal worth over €60 million but were never given the green light to make the transfer official.
Koundé’s priority was always Barça, and the Catalans finally acted over the last few days and presented a formal offer. Things moved pretty quickly from there, and now the transfer is official. According to several reports, the deal has been closed for 50 million euros with an additional 10 million to come in performance bonuses.
The French international offers a giant upgrade to Barça’s defense and should form a formidable center-back pairing alongside Ronald Araujo, and the Blaugrana continue to add major depth to Xavi Hernández’s squad ahead of what could be a great season.
Welcome to Barça, Jules Koundé!
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The new signing is already feeling at home in his new club
Franck Kessie is loving live at Barcelona right now. After arriving on a free transfer from AC Milan and impressing so far in preseason, the Ivorian is already feeling at home at his new club and really enjoys being around his new teammates.
The midfielder spoke to the press after the squad arrived in New York City to continue their preseason tour of the United States, and Kessie says his new squad feels like “a second family” and thinks there are great thing to come for the team this season.
“Everything is going really well, there is a great environment. My teammates have embraced me, it’s like a second family. The training sessions, my relationship with the staff, it’s all going really well.
“Barça is a team made to win and the fans always expect more. For me Barça has always been the best team in the world. A lot of signings have beem made and we’ll give our best to help the team. The staff and the teammates will help us integrate quickly. We’ll work hard to achieve great things this season.
“Everybody knows Barça’s way of playing, even when I was far away I was following them. It’s one of the best team in the world with a playing identity that won’t change: keeping the ball. Technically all the players in the squad are incredible.”
It’s really good to see Kessie echo the same sentiments as Robert Lewandowski: Barça’s dressing room has been very welcoming to the new signings and everyone seems focused solely on winning. The chemistry seems amazing, and that usually leads to very good things on the pitch.
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
Barça arrive in New York - FC Barcelona
NEW YORK, New York — Barça arrived in New York on Wednesday afternoon after flying from Dallas. New York is the final stop for the team on the 2022 summer tour in the United States, following sojourns in Miami, Las Vegas, and Dallas. The Catalans landed at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey less than 24 hours after playing to a 2-2 draw with Juventus at the Cotton Bowl.
Neto hoping to seal his move to Napoli this week - SPORT
Barcelona need to lighten their salary load. Xavi wants to resolve the future of the players he left out of the tour of the United States before the team returns to training in Barcelona next week. However the situation is complicated. One player who might leave his Brazilian goalkeeper Neto, who is finalising a switch to Napoli.
Cadena SER: Selling Ter Stegen Barça's alternative if De Jong doesn't leave - SPORT
FC Barcelona urgently need to sell some players, with the current squad being oversized with still more signings to come. Presently it is not possible to register all the players because of FFP regulations. The club wants Frenkie de Jong to leave, because he has one of the highest wages, or take a pay cut.
Barcelona and Frenkie de Jong still in a tough spot with the clock ticking - SPORT
Barcelona want to find a solution for Frenkie De Jong’s case but for now the situation looks very complicated. The player wants to stay at Barcelona despite his ostracism in the preseason at centre back and the club have made it known that if he lowers his salary, that is possible. However, people close to the player are not willing to accept that.
Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Frenchman is staying for two more years after signing a new deal
Ousmane Dembélé promises to “give everything for the club” after signing a new two-year deal to stay with Barcelona following a long, sometimes frustrating contract extension journey.
The Frenchman put pen to paper on a contract until 2024 and immediately started putting on a show in the United States tour, with very impressive performances in all three of his appearances so far.
Dembélé really shined on Tuesday’s 2-2 draw against Juventus, and looks sharp and hungry ahead of the new season. There will be fierce competition from new signing Raphinha who has hit the ground running since arriving from Leeds United, but Ousmane is ready to fight for his place.
Dembélé also gives huge credit to his coach, Xavi Hernández, who has shown tremendous confidence in the player even through the toughest moments and has gotten the best out of a supremely talented player. Dembélé wants to repay his boss’ trust and give his all for the club this season.
“I have the confidence of the coach, of the teammates and everyone at Barça. Confidence is very important for the players and I am happy. I’m going to give everything to this club.
“The tour is difficult with the heat, with the trip as well, but I think the team has a good feeling and is doing well. I think the team is good, four games into the season and doing very well.”
The challenge for Dembélé will always be his ability to stay healthy, but as long as he’s fit and feeling confident he will be a major boost to the Blaugrana’s attack all season long.
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The midfielder had an impressive showing against Juventus that was noticed by his boss
Miralem Pjanic had a very impressive second half showing on Tuesday’s friendly against Juventus and could still have shot at keeping his Barcelona career alive if he continues to impress the boss.
Xavi Hernández spoke to the press after the match and was very complimentary of the Bosnian midfielder, who played very well in the Sergio Busquets role during his 45-minute cameo against the club he used to play for before joining Barça two years ago.
“I liked him a lot. He gives us a lot with the ball, he found the interior midfielders well, he has a rare vision of play in general, because there aren’t that many who can see how to play with the first touch. He’s always looking forward. He looks for the striker well, he helps the other midfielders open up the pitch. He played a great game.”
Xavi went on to say that “a lot could happen until the end of the transfer market”, which offers Pjanic at least some hope of staying. Pjanic never had a chance under Ronald Koeman and after an unsuccessful spell on loan at Besiktas last season, it seemed as though he was only going to stick around at Barça in this preseason until the club found a buyer.
But all he can do is perform to the best of his abilities with the chances he’s given, and if Frenkie De Jong ends up being sold there will be an opening in midfield. Could Pjanic perform a small miracle and earn a spot in the squad this season? Time will tell.
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After a couple of quiet days on the Jules Koundé front, the transfer guru Fabrizio Romano comes out with news Barcelona fans can be very happy about: the Catalans are “one step away” from signing the 23-year-old defender and an agreement with Sevilla is ‘close to being completed’.
Barcelona are one step away from signing Jules Koundé. The agreement with Sevilla, close to be completed. Negotiations progressing well, deal finally moving to the last steps. #FCB
Koundé has already agreed personal terms on a four-year contract with Barça over the weekend, and has been patiently waiting for the two clubs to work out a deal after formally rejecting Chelsea a few days ago.
The Premier League club have already moved on to other targets at the back according to several reports in England, which put the Blaugrana in pole position to close the deal. There are conflicting stories about how much Barça will pay for the French defender, but the final transfer fee should come in around €60 million when it’s all said and done.
Reports from Spain have been consistent about an announcement coming as early as this Wednesday, so we should expect the official tweets very soon.
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It was the night when Ousmane Dembélé put the Juventus defence to sleep.
A night when his true genius awoke once more.
Another game which hinted at what’s in store as long as the Frenchman can stay fit and firing.
Despite a good few injury-free months, there’s always a nagging doubt that a muscular problem is just around the corner.
Though that worry is for another day. Let us bask in a masterful performance by Dembélé and his attacking colleagues.
Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
On the front foot as is Xavi’s modus operandi, Barcelona looked a threat going forward in all areas.
The most concerning issue, as I’ve stated in a previous column, remains in defence. Xavi talked pre-match about more consistency but the back line didn’t get the brief.
Two regrettable goals flattered the Italians, and it took the shine off of two world-class finishes from Dembélé. Dare I suggest that the first was Messi-esque…
Xavi has managed what no coach has done previously and that’s to consistently get the best from his wide man.
Whether goals or assists, Dembélé has continued to deliver, and with Raphinha looking the part too, the threat Barça carry is obvious.
Perhaps being the star man, if I can put it like that, suits the Frenchman.
Cynics might suggest that it’s a World Cup year and there are clear benefits to such consistency. However, anyone who plays the game knows that you can’t just turn the style on and off on a whim.
Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
He is revelling in the responsibility and, frankly, I’m glad to be proved wrong.
As a vocal critic of his previously, it’s a pleasure to have to eat my words, and on this form, Dembélé is more than proving his world-class credentials.
Under normal circumstances I wouldn’t be too excited about a pre-season tour either, but the emergence of a ‘new Barça’ is there for all to see.
There is cause for genuine optimism again after a few barren years, and it’s definitely time to start looking forward rather than back.
The icing on the cake would be the capture of Jules Kounéand, I would suggest, César Azpilicueta, who’d be a more solid addition on the right side than Sergiño Dest for example.
With the new season only just around the corner now, it’s time to sit back, relax and break out the popcorn.
I think we’re in for a hell of a ride…
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Ansu 'not far off 100 per cent' - FC Barcelona
These have been tough times for Ansu Fati, but his injuries woes have finally been put in the past. We got to see some of him in the final games of last season, and he is now enjoying the preseason and looking forward to being able to properly help the team in the 2022/23 season after only playing a bit last time round.
Xavi: ‘We have to be more consistent than last season’ - FC Barcelona
DALLAS, Texas — In his first press conference of the 2022/23 season, Xavi Hernández revealed what he believes is the formula for winning major titles. "We must be more consistent than last season,” he said. “I think we played very good matches at times, but now we have to be more consistent.”
Lewandowski: 'The team has great potential' - FC Barcelona
DALLAS, Texas — Robert Lewandowski has had a whirlwind first week at FC Barcelona. Introduced just six days ago in Miami, he made his debut 72 hours later in the Las Vegas El Clásico, and on Monday afternoon he appeared at his first press conference in Dallas. "If you play for Barça, it's normal to think about winning all the titles,” he said in response to the very first question.
Barcelona will try and please Xavi by bringing Lionel Messi home - SPORT
Joan Laporta said it in an interview with ESPN in the States. “I feel in debt to Lionel Messi,” said the president. The relationship needs to be repaired after his traumatic exit, and the goal is to bring him back next summer.
Barcelona let Memphis Depay know they aren't counting on him - SPORT
Memphis Depay scored a fine goal against Inter Miami but it won’t do his hopes of staying at Barcelona much good. He would like to, but the staff and sports department have let him know they don’t count on him for next season and he should look for an exit.
Jordi Cruyff could be key in convincing Frenkie de Jong to lower his salary - SPORT
If Frenkie de Jong wants to stay at Barcelona, he knows what he has to do - lower his salary. The club have told him so. If he wants to remain at Camp Nou, it’s essential. The sum suggested for him to renounce, per some reports, is 4 million euros net per year.
Xavi wants not only Jules Kounde but also Inigo Martinez - SPORT
Xavi wants to improve Barcelona in defence next season. Jules Kounde is the target. However he has also asked the club for Inigo Martinez. Two tricky deals but ones that could help the team take a leap forward.
A way out is the only option for Barça's discarded players - SPORT
One of many the questions addressed by Xavi Hernandez in his appearance before the match against Juventus in Dallas was the future of the five players ruled out for the tour. Neto, Mingueza, Riqui Puig, Umtiti and Braithwaite are at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper waiting for their respective situations to be resolved.
Xavi confirms his plan for Pablo Torre this season - SPORT
Although he made his debut against Olot and continued in the team against Inter Miami, Pablo Torre did not play a single minute in the Clasico in Las Vegas. Xavi took advantage of the clash with the club's eternal rivals to analyse Barcelona‘s most competitive level.
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Join us for another Barcelona preseason adventure!
WELCOME TO THE COTTON BOWL!!! One of the most historic venues in all of American sports is the site of a high-profile friendly between Barcelona and Juventus, who continue their preseason tour of the United States. Barça are undefeated in preseason and look to keep the good vibes going while getting the team ready for the new campaign against one of the top sides in Europe. This should be fun, and you’re welcome to join us to follow and comment all the action. Vamos!
MATCH INFO
Competition/Round: 2022 Barcelona Preseason, Match 4
Date/Time: Tuesday, July 26, 2022, 7.30pm local time, 2.30am CET (Barcelona, Wednesday), 1.30pm BST/WAT (UK & Nigeria, Wednesday), 8.30pm ET, 5.30pm PT (USA), 6am IST (India, Wednesday)
Venue: Cotton Bowl, Dallas, Texas, United States
HOW TO WATCH, STREAM PRESEASON FRIENDLY
How to watch on TV: FS2 (USA), Premier Sports 1 (UK), SuperSport (Nigeria), Sony Six (India), TVE La 1, TV3 (Spain), others
How to watch online: FOX Sports (USA), Premier Player (UK), others
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, watch 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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There is an agreement between Barça and Manchester United
Frenkie De Jong still has no intention to leave FC Barcelona and join Manchester United, despite an agreement between the clubs on a transfer fee, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The player likes the city, likes the club, likes his current manager, and wants to stay.
Barcelona have said that if he wants to stay, they expect him to take a paycut in order to fit into the club’s salary structure.
Reports have been conflicted about whether De Jong would be willing to do this, but according to Romano, he has no intention of reducing his pay.
Manchester United and Barcelona’s agreement over the transfer is still valid and could go through if De Jong agrees to move. Xavi recently said that he considers the Dutchman a useful player but that he is aware that financial fair play issues are important as well. Joan Laporta has admitted that Barcelona have offers for the player, while continuing to insist De Jong has to reduce his wages if he wants to stay.
Barcelona’s treatment of the situation has been controversial, with some saying that their attempts to lower his salary are unethical.
The club has very little in the way of leverage to make this paycut happen, and if it does happen, it will be entirely voluntarily. His contract is still valid for four more years.
Part of the issue is that De Jong agreed to restructure his contract during the pandemic-induced financial crisis, accepting lower wages at the time in exchange for getting bigger wages later.
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The coach has been key in pulling off many of the recent signings
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández has been one of the key pieces in many of the recent signings made by the club since he became the coach last November, and it can be argued that Barça’s biggest transfers of the summer wouldn’t have happened without Xavi’s involvement.
Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha rejected important offers from other teams after several conversations with Xavi, and Jules Koundé is set to snub Chelsea to come to Camp Nou for the very same reason.
The boss spoke to American media on Monday to preview the friendly against Juventus and was asked about why he is so involved in the transfer process, and was very quick to pivot away from himself and gave the credit to the Barça brand and its history.
“I get involved because that’s the way I am, when I do something I give one hundred per cent. Otherwise, I would stay at home. I want them to come here, to enjoy themselves, to make them feel important, to explain the game plan to them, but the Barça tag helps, it’s a magnet for footballers.
“The greatness of the club at the global level, its history, and the fact that there is an exciting project also help. Clear communication to the player from the sports management, the president and even the coach in many cases... But I would say that it is Barça. Even after a not-so-good period, it is still Barça and people are excited to play here. There is excitement to get back to the top. That players of the stature of Lewandowski want to come here is a sign of Barça’s success.
“We are FC Barcelona, we go to Australia, to the United States, and people are passionate about Barça. And when you see people getting excited, when newcomers like Christensen, Kessie, Raphinha, Lewandowski see that, they see Barça’s greatness.”
Xavi continues to win the summer and has a much better squad at his disposal compared to last season. The most important job now is to coach these players into becoming a great team that can win titles next season, but it’s undeniable that his name and importance in the history of the game is a major reason why the players are choosing to play for him over other teams and coaches.
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A round-up of the latest Barcelona news and rumors
When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Juventus - FC Barcelona
Two down, and two to go on the tour of the United States of America. After Miami then Las Vegas, Barça are heading back east to Dallas, Texas and a 7.30pm kick off local time on Tuesday 26 July. This page will help you work out what time that is where you are in the world.
Optimistic Gavi 'excited by the new signings' - FC Barcelona
Gavi won’t even turn 18 until the day of the Joan Gamper Trophy on August 5, but he’s behaving like a veteran on this US Tour. Speaking from Dallas, the third city that Barça is playing in, he says “I am very happy to be on this tour with the team. I am the first to be excited about this team. I’m looking forward to a nice, happy season.”
First training session in Dallas - FC Barcelona
DALLAS, Texas — FC Barcelona completed its first training session in Dallas on Sunday evening just a few hours after arriving there from Las Vegas. Throngs of Barça supporters cheered the players as they arrived at the team hotel.
Warm-up session at the hotel - FC Barcelona
The FC Barcelona players warmed up on Monday morning at the same Marriott Dallas Uptown where they are staying in the Texan city. It was a gym session for most of the team, who will be heading over to the Cotton Bowl Stadium later in the day to train on the same field where they are set to play a friendly against Italian side Juventus.
Juventus add their name to the list of suitors for Memphis Depay - SPORT
Dutch striker Memphis is awaiting his return from the tour of the United States to sort out his future. Aware that he will have a very tiny role this season, the player is weighing the various offers on his table and will make a decision soon. Juventus is the latest club to join the list of suitors.
Former Valencia manager Gary Neville lashes out at Barça over their signings - SPORT
Gary Neville has taken a swipe at FC Barcelona on social media. The former Manchester United player has lashed out at the Spanish giants because he believes it immoral that they are signing new players while maintaining debts with some of their contracted players, such as Frenkie de Jong.
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The former Manchester United man is the latest to speak out against Barça’s spending
Former Manchester United footballer and current pundit Gary Neville took to social media on Monday to speak out against Barcelona’s spending spree this summer, and says Barça midfielder Frenkie De Jong should consider legal action against the club and that the Football Players Association, FIFPRO, should get involved as well.
De Jong should consider legal action v Barcelona and all players should be behind him!A club spending fortunes on new players whilst not paying the ones they have under contract their full money is immoral and a breach. @FIFPRO should be all over bullying like this and stop it.
De Jong should consider legal action v Barcelona and all players should be behind him!A club spending fortunes on new players whilst not paying the ones they have under contract their full money is immoral and a breach. @FIFPRO should be all over bullying like this and stop it.
Neville’s tweet came a few hours after it was reported that Frenkie was told by Barça manager Xavi Hernández that he should consider accepting a salary reduction in order to stay at the club and not be sold due to their economic situation and Financial Fair Play issues. According to the most recent reports, despite opposition from his own staff, Frenkie is open to the idea of taking a paycut to help the Blaugrana register their new signings and continue his career at Camp Nou.
On another completely unrelated note, Frenkie De Jong is a transfer target of Neville’s former club, Manchester United, but has repeatedly rejected a move to Old Trafford.
What do you think, Barça fans? Does Neville have a point?
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