الاثنين، 7 يوليو 2014

Report: Juan Cuadrado and FC Barcelona Talks Advance; Sergi Roberto Offered Contract Extension

By  10:37 م  No comments

Barça's squad keeps shaping up. Juan Cuadrado is close to signing and the club wants to give Sergi Roberto a better deal


We are close to the end of the World Cup. With that comes the Europe leagues preseason and FC Barcelona continues to take steps to complete the "deep squad rebuilding" promised by the team's board. Diario Sport reports two negotiations that could happen soon.


The first one is the long-awaited signing of Colombia international Juan Cuadrado. After his team was eliminated by Brazil, Cuadrado's agent contacted Serie A's Fiorentina to discuss his client's future. Both sides seem to agree that a move away from Italy is the best step for the 26-year-old's career. The rumours of a possible transfer to Barça started a couple of months ago, and they kept getting stronger as time went on.


Now, it seems almost inevitable that the agreement will indeed happen. New Barça manager Luis Enrique wants Cuadrado badly, and he considers his signing a priority for next season. Lucho is not even waiting for the Dani Alves situation to be solved. Even if the Brazilian stays, Cuadrado will join Barça. His transfer fee is currently set at around €40 million, and Fiorentina is reportedly not going to make the negotiations hard. Officials of both clubs will meet in Italy this week to possibly seal the deal, and Cuadrado could be a Blaugrana as soon as next Monday, depending on how fast the agreement happens.


The other negotiation going on involves Barça midfielder Sergi Roberto. The 22-year-old La Masía product is a Lucho bet for next season. He was officially promoted to the main squad last year, but Tata Martino wasn't quite sold on Sergi, and he didn't have many opportunities. With the abscence of Cesc Fábregas and maybe Xavi, Enrique promises to give Roberto more time on the field, so he can develop and become the next great Barça mid, as he was considered to be when promoted by Pep Guardiola for the first time, four years ago.


So Barça is currently taking steps to ensure that Sergi stays as a Blaugrana, offering him a 5-year contract extension, that would keep him at Barça until 2019. Roberto is in the last year of his current deal, and the club will restructure his contract to give him more money and a few bonuses for performance achievements. This deal is secondary issue now, though, because Barça's priorities are still the signings for next season. But Sergi's extension almost a certainty, and that could happen within the next couple of weeks.






More from Barca Blaugranes










from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://ift.tt/1xKk5uf
Read More

Thank You, Di Stéfano

By  11:05 ص  No comments

A tribute to a legend, on and off the football pitch, that created and transcended a rivalry


This is a sad day for football fans. Alfredo Di Stéfano, one of the best players of all time, has died on Monday in consequence of a heart attack he suffered on Saturday. His conditions got worse and worse as the hours went on, and he didn't resist. His 88-year-old heart couldn't work anymore. All of our hearts are broken.


Do you know why you hate Real Madrid, Barça fans? Because of Di Stéfano. Do you know why Real Madrid became such a powerhouse after 1950? Because of Di Stéfano. Do you know why we love this sport so much? Because of Di Stéfano.


Di Stéfano. Don Alfredo. La Saeta Rubia. The White Arrow. Legend. You can call him everything you want, but you have to agree you have heard of him if you're a fan of football. I can guarantee you I have never seen him play. I was born when he was 68 years old. Doesn't matter. I know who he was, who he is and who he will be. Forever. Di Stéfano.


Spanish. Colombian. Argentine. Three countries he loved, he played for and he made happy.


Everything started in 1952, Real Madrid invited Colombia's Millonarios to play a friendly that celebrated Madrid's 50th club anniversary. The result? 4-2, Millonarios. A brace by Di Stéfano. The world saw right then the birth of a superstar.


FC Barcelona saw Don Alfredo's talent and quickly reached out to Argentina's River Plate, the club that had Di Stéfano's rights at the time. But Argentina wasn't having any football competition, so Alfredo went to Millonarios to continue to play. Real Madrid reached out to Millonarios to sign Di Stéfano. Both Barcelona and Madrid bought Di Stéfano at the same time. Boom. The controversy - and the rivalry - was on.


Real Madrid, the team of Spain's dictator at the time, Francisco Franco, used the government to its favor. It was decided that Di Stéfano was going to play in Spain for four years, two for Real Madrid, two for Barcelona. Outraged with the decision, Barça gave up, and Don Alfredo was going to play in white. The Superclásico was born - both in sports and politics.


Alfredo shined for Madrid, rewrote the club's history and became a legend. He played for Real from 1953 to 1964, scoring 301 goals in 374 appearances. Along with another football legend, Puskas, he formed one of the best striking pairings ever, and Madrid won five straight Champions League titles, a record that is still unbeaten to this day.


He retired from professional football at 40 years old, after playing two years for Espanyol, another Barça rival. Then, he became a successful manager, and coached Argentina giants Boca Juniors and River Plate in the 70's. He would return to Real Madrid in 1982, as a manager, and would become later Madrid's Honorary President.


Don Alfredo Di Stéfano is larger than life. He was not just a player. He literally created the best rivalry in football: Barcelona vs Real Madrid. It was because of him. Even though he was never a Blaugrana, we never hated him. Well, at least I know that I never did. And I never will. He was a classy and talented player, and even a better human being.


We'll never forget you, Don Alfredo. You'll always be our idol. Thank you for changing this sport.


Thank you for being a legend.


Thank you for being Di Stéfano.






More from Barca Blaugranes










from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://ift.tt/1xHo36J
Read More

FC Barcelona News: 7 July 2014; Claudio Bravo Passes Barcelona Medical, Hristo Stoichkov Speaks About Luis Suarez

By  5:24 ص  No comments

Claudio Bravo arrives in Barcelona | FC Barcelona

Claudio Bravo is here. The new goalkeeper arrived in Barcelona on Sunday and was taken straight to the Camp Nou. At 8.00 PM CET he posed for photographs outside the club offices, where he was greeted by the media and a considerable crowd of fans.


Claudio Bravo passes medical test | FC Barcelona

Claudio Bravo, the second new FC Barcelona goalkeeper after Marc-André Ter Stegen, passed his medical test this morning before signing his contract to officially become a member of the first team squad. The Chilean arrived at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper at around 9.00 AM CET, and took a series of medical examinations and effort tests.


Replacing Valdés and Pinto, a motivation for Bravo | FC Barcelona

Claudio Bravo arrived in Barcelona on Sunday and appeared for the traditional picture with the club crest outside the offices. But he also found time to say a few words to Barça TV and www.fcbarcelona.com. "After what I experienced at the World Cup in Brazil, to then come to Barça is an incredible feeling and makes me very happy" said the Chilean keeper.


Former Barcelona star Hristo Stoichkov warns Liverpool striker Luis Suarez over Camp Nou move - ESPN FC

"He is marked for the rest of his life. To play at Barca with what he has done is a problem. Every opponent and the referees and the press will make his life difficult. He will have to play with provocation and media attention, which will leave him in permanent tension."


Semis with an FC Barcelona theme | FC Barcelona

After two days of high-intensity quarter finals, the World Cup has been cut down to just four teams, with plenty of Barça involvement on the pitch. And former FCB manager Louis van Gaal will also be there with Holland, the only side left that has never won the trophy before.


World of sport with Neymar | FC Barcelona

Sports stars from around the world have sent messages of support for the FC Barcelona striker


Marquinhos’ Barca move ‘frozen’ | Football Espana

Barcelona’s move for Paris Saint-Germain defender Marquinhos is said to have stalled, with no prospect of it going through soon. Mundo Deportivo reports that the Brazilian is currently in pre-season training with his club in Austria and was pictured in an ice bath, a fair representation of the status of his switch to Catalonia, MD say.


Argentina 1-0 Belgium: Argentina become even more reliant on Messi | Zonal Marking

Alejandro Sabella was without Marcos Rojo so brought in Jose Basanta at left-back, and replaced Federico Fernandez and Fernando Gago with Martin Demichelis and Lucas Biglia. Marc Wilmots played Kevin Mirallas rather than Dries Mertens on the right flank, but otherwise the side was as expected. Belgium remain a group of individuals, while Argentina play to the strengths of one individual.


FC Barcelona review of the week | FC Barcelona

A look back at some of the biggest stories from the club over the last seven days


Godswill Ekpolo Promoted To Barcelona B Team | www.sl10.ng

Last season he trained with the first team on a few occasions. [Godswill] ended the season rather sadly due to an operation on his right thigh after an injury. [Godswill] was promoted to the Barcelona B team alongside Maxi Rolon, Munir El Haddadi, Jose Aurelio Suarez, Joel Huertas and Wilfred Kaptoum.


Gabri back at FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona

Former FC Barcelona first team star Gabriel García ‘Gabri’ is returning to the club as assistant manager to Eusebio Sacristán and Carlos Hugo García at Barça B. The 25 year old Catalan midfielder left the club for Ajax Amsterdam in 2006, where he played until 2009/2010 before retiring in Switzerland.


Di Stefano in 'serious but stable' condition - Goal.com

Real Madrid icon Alfredo Di Stefano is in "serious but stable condition" after suffering a heart attack, according to doctors at Gregorio Maranon hospital in Madrid. The 88-year-old was admitted to the hospital Saturday after becoming unwell while eating in a restaurant near Real's Santiago Bernabeu and has been placed into intensive care.


Oblak & Gaitan to Atletico? | Football Espana

Atletico Madrid hope to complete a double swoop from Benfica, signing goalkeeper Jan Oblak and winger Nico Gaitan. Mundo Deportivo reports that the pair could arrive in time to join in with the early days of pre-season training, with the Atleti squad today back under the command of Diego Simeone.






More from Barca Blaugranes










from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://ift.tt/1n02ia7
Read More

الأحد، 6 يوليو 2014

Barca Blaugranes Off Topic Thread

By  11:50 ص  No comments

OK, due to some heavy, and I mean heavy, off-topic commenting over the past couple of days it should come a little surprise this was coming. Haven't really figured out how regularly one of these will be put up because I though I had some more time to figure out, but when a live thread for two World Cup quarter final matches spirals out of control and starts to resemble an online dating service and an ad for beach soccer it's time to do something.


So, here it is. Enjoy it, but don't forget, this is a football blog so keep it clean and make sure you continue to comment on football related topics.






from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://ift.tt/1n5FXN1
Read More

Report: Arsenal FC and FC Barcelona Agree to Deal for Alexis Sánchez

By  7:10 ص  No comments

Reports coming out of England sources claim that Alexis Sánchez will move to Arsenal next season


One of Barcelona's best players from last season, Alexis Sánchez is indeed leaving to Premier League's Arsenal, sources told Barça Blaugranes on Sunday.


Alexis has been linked to a move for quite some time, especially after his value increased dramatically with his performance both for Barça and Chile during the World Cup. Juventus, Liverpool and Arsenal were the strongest candidates to land the 25-year-old striker. But it was the Gunners who won the race.


The Liverpool rumours got stronger because of Barça's negotiations with Luis Suárez, but there was never real indication that the talks between the Reds and Sànchez were evolving. Meanwhile, Arsenal made a good offer and all parts reached an agreement fast.


Alexis will leave Barça for a £32 million fee, and will sign a four-year contract with the London side, sources say. Arsenal is a personal favorite landing spot for the Chile international, and the deal may be finalized in the next 48 hours, as soon as the clubs contact Alexis to confirm his agreement.


Arsenal expects to formally announce the deal within the next five days.





More from Barca Blaugranes










from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://ift.tt/1xAP7o5
Read More

FC Barcelona News: 6 July 2014; Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano Progress to Semi-Final, Neymar Continues Recovery at Home

By  4:54 ص  No comments

Messi and Mascherano through to World Cup semi-finals (1-0) | FC Barcelona

Argentina is through to the semi-finals of the World Cup after a wait of 24 years. Key performances from Leo Messi and Javier Mascherano and an effective defence were too much for Belgium. An eighth minute goal by Higuaín was enough to seal the win.


Neymar leaves Brazil camp | FC Barcelona

The whole squad was on hand to see him off and were treated to a rallying cry from the unlucky striker: "I’ve had the dream of playing in the World Cup final taken away from me but the dream of being becoming champion of the world isn’t over yet. There are two matches to go and I’m certain that my team-mates will do everything they can to lift that Cup".


Neymar ‘couldn’t feel his legs’ | Football Espana

"He said ‘I can’t feel my legs.’ Marcelo was scared and called the doctor on but the doctor couldn’t get on in the confusion," Scolari said. "It was a big shock, the image of Neymar being stretchered off to the helicopter, in difficulty, crying. Neymar was our benchmark, one of our references, because he is a player who makes a difference in any team."


From Real Sociedad to FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona

Claudio Bravo is the fifth Barça signing for 2014-15 under new manager Luis Enrique. The goalkeeper has joined from Real Sociedad after captaining Chile at the World Cup. He has spent the last eight seasons at Anoeta, where he made the second highest number of appearances ever for a foreigner, and was also the third most used goalkeeper in club history.


FC Barcelona's sixth preseason camp in the UK | FC Barcelona

The first team started organising preseason trips in 1970, at La Molina in the Catalan Pyrenees, where they returned in 1972 before continuing the preseason in another Catalan town, Olot. It would be more than three decades before Barça stayed in Catalonia for another preseason camp, when they visited Peralada (Girona) in 2004.


Barça B pre-season plans | FC Barcelona

There’s been little time to savour the superb third place finish enjoyed by Barça B in Spain’s second flight, the Adelante League, last season as the day fast approaches when the players will return to training. Both the second string and the senior squad will report back for pre-season preparations on 14th July, starting with their medicals. Training sessions will be held in the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.


Di Maria out of World Cup - report | Football Espana

Angel Di Maria has been ruled out of Argentina’s World Cup semi-final against the Netherlands after tearing a muscle in the win over Belgium. Marca reports that the Real Madrid midfielder suffered the injury when shooting in the first half, having sprinted on to a Lionel Messi through ball, beating Vincent Kompany in a foot race, only to have his attempt on goal blocked by the captain.


Real Madrid great Alfredo Di Stefano has been hospitalised after a heart attack | Sky Sports

Real Madrid great Alfredo Di Stefano is in a serious but stable condition in hospital after suffering a heart attack. The 88-year-old was admitted to Madrid's Gregorio Maranon Hospital's intensive care unit where he is being kept in an induced coma in the coronary unit.


Willy to join Man City - report | Football Espana

It’s been reported in Spain that Malaga goalkeeper Willy Caballero will join Manchester City, with the move to be confirmed early next week. Website Merchan en Directo cites a report from Marca that says Willy will move for €7m on a three-year contract. City could pay Malaga a further €4m in bonuses.






More from Barca Blaugranes










from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://ift.tt/1obGVUB
Read More

السبت، 5 يوليو 2014

Eric Abidal Agrees to Contract Extension with AS Monaco; Signs with Olympiacos

By  3:25 م  No comments

In a curious turn of events, former Barça legend Abidal changed his mind in one day and said goodbye to Monaco


Eric Abidal is no longer a FC Barcelona player. But, for everything he did, and for everything he's been through, we'll never forget him, and we'll always love him.


And the good old Abi did something curious this weekend.


On Thursday, Sport reported that he an AS Monaco agreed to a one-year contract extension, that would keep him around for one more season. Monaco's official Twitter account even put up a photo of Abi with the team's new kit, including the announcement of the agreement between the player and the team. Abidal even retweeted the photo. All cool, right?


Not really. On Saturday morning, Abidal tweeted this photo. That's Abi with Olympiacos president, Evangelos Marinakis, holding a team jersey. That's right: Abidal broke up his extended contract with Monaco and signed with Olympiacos 36 hours later. How great is that?


Many believe that the reason for the change is that Abi was extremely disappointed with the news that Monaco was not going to sign his former Barça teammate and close friend Victor Valdés after a medical evaluation. He got mad, said goodbye to Monaco and went to Greece. Cool, huh?


We'll always love you, Abi. No matter what.





More from Barca Blaugranes










from Barca Blaugranes - All Posts http://ift.tt/VsHKBr
Read More
.