Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff slams current president, backs Joan Laporta bid

As we approach the presidential elections at Barcelona, Joan Laporta, current favorite to win and return to the board, has just received a huge incentive from a club legend.

Johan Cruyff, who is a big part of the history of the Catalan giants, both as player and coach, gave an interview this week in which he completely slammed the current board, criticizing the Josep Maria Bartomeu administration for stripping the Blaugrana of its values in pursuit of monetary prowess.

According to the Dutch legend, Barça has to return to the days in which it helped UNICEF, and used La Masía, the youth system, as a way to introduce new first team stars. Right now, Barça B and the rest of the youth teams are going through a lot of problems, and Laporta promises to change things, which excites Cruyff.

Here's a few of his quotes:

"I am with Laporta, mostly because of the values. Barca has lost them and before anything else there should be principles, values. Money is secondary.

"Values like La Masia have been lost. Before it was a magical word, now that has disappeared.

"In addition, Barca has by a long way won the world prize for being caught up in judiciary issues and that cannot be. We must take this seriously.

"The drive by Barcelona to help the world with UNICEF was the most powerful drive in the world. With this initiative the club won acclaim in a social context. But now it isn't there.

"Neymar is always in the eye of the hurricane for non-sporting reasons. Seven trials, La Masia doesn't exist, UNICEF doesn't exist.

"I'm not saying what they have to do, I'm saying that in 2010 there were certain values that are not there now."

Sources: ESPN FC

These are some strong words from a man with opinions that are deeply valued within the organization. If Cruyff is backing Laporta, then you can be damn sure Bartomeu is worried.

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FC Barcelona News: 2 July 2015; Arda Turan Likely to Join Barcelona, Martin Montoya Arrives in Milan

A busy July for FC Barcelona | FC Barcelona
The month of July brings with it a return to football activity. July 13 is the starting date for a busy preseason that includes a North American tour of international friendlies.

A synopsis of the Treble-winning 2014/15 season | FC Barcelona
The team will forever be remembered as having won the Club's unprecedented second Treble, and we at www.fcbarcelona.com have created a special section to bring together the 2014/15 season's historic and memorable achievements, all under one roof.

Arda Turan most likely Barcelona from Atletico reports - ESPN FC
Barcelona have emerged as frontrunners to sign coveted midfielder Arda Turan from Atletico Madrid, according to reports. Arda, 28, is a top priority for Barca coach Luis Enrique after his side's Treble-winning 2014-15 campaign, report a number of Spanish media outlets.

Arda Turan perfect Luis Enrique signing for Barcelona - ESPN FC
He is, they say, an express request from Luis Enrique, and it is easy to see why. While Barcelona are evidently still a very different prospect to Atletico Madrid in terms of their style, there is a common work ethic shared between Simeone's and Luis Enrique's teams. Under those intensely demanding conditions, Turan has still managed to produce consistent magic.

Barcelona have lost their values says Johan Cruyff - ESPN FC
"I am with Laporta, mostly because of the values," Cruyff told assembled media. "Barca has lost them and before anything else there should be principles, values. Money is secondary. "Values like La Masia have been lost. Before it was a magical word, now that has disappeared. "In addition, Barca has by a long way won the world prize for being caught up in judiciary issues and that cannot be. We must take this seriously."

Leo Messi reacts to Argentina rout in Copa América | FC Barcelona
A year after the huge disappointment that Argentina felt after losing the 2014 World Cup Final in Brazil, Leo Messi, Javier Mascherano and Argentina have been presented the opportunity to redeem themselves in the 2015 Copa America against hosts Chile and fellow FC Barcelona teammate Claudio Bravo after routing Paraguay 6–1 in the semi-finals.

Montoya arrives in Milan ahead of Inter move | FourFourTwo
Martin Montoya has arrived in Milan ahead of his proposed move to Inter from Barcelona. The full-back has risen through the ranks at Camp Nou and made the breakthrough into the first-team in February 2011. However, Montoya has failed to nail down a regular starting berth for the Spanish champions and has largely played second fiddle to Dani Alves.

Inter transfer news: Luis Enrique said I wasn't needed at Barcelona, says Martin Montoya - Goal.com
"I'm sad. Luis Enrique told me he didn't count on me," he was quoted as saying by Mundo Deportivo."I wanted to go in January but they wouldn't let me because of the sanction on transfers. "It was very clear to me I had to go when they renewed Alves and signed Aleix Vidal."

Telefónica to produce Barça TV | Soccerex
Spanish club FC Barcelona are set to hand over the running and management of their official television channel to Spanish telecoms firm Telelfónica from today. The channel will retain its status as Barcelona's official TV station, and Barcelona will still have editorial control over the channel's programming.

Los Angeles Galaxy, the first opponent of the preseason | FC Barcelona
A month before the preseason gets under way, we take a look at the four teams that FC Barcelona will be playing in this summer’s International Champions Cup. It all starts on July 21 (at 5.00am CET on July 22 back in Barcelona) against Los Angeles Galaxy at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.

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La Liga News: 2 July 2015; Valencia President Steps Down, Sevilla Sign Adil Rami

Madrid close to Vidal? | Football Italia
Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has agreed a deal to move to Real Madrid, according to Spanish media. The 28-year-old is currently in his native Chile, representing his country in the Copa America, the final of which is on Saturday. According to Sport, Los Merengues have been in negotiations with Vidal and his agent for the past few days, and have agreed on a five-year contract.

Sergio Ramos only wants to sign for Man United - Calderon - ESPN FC
Sergio Ramos has told Real Madrid officials he will only leave the club to join Manchester United, according to former Real president Ramon Calderon. Ramos, 29, has been strongly linked with a move to United this summer, although his mother said this week he does not want to leave Real for Old Trafford.

Joao Miranda completes Inter transfer from Atletico Madrid - ESPN FC
A statement on the San Siro side's official website read: "Internazionale is delighted to announce that the paperwork has been completed and delivered to the Lega Serie A offices for the transfer of Joao Miranda de Souza Filho from Atletico Madrid. "The Brazilian defender, who recently played in the 2015 Copa America and won the 2009 Confederations Cup with the Selecao, penned his contract after passing his medical tests in Milan."

Tottenham set to make their move for Atletico Madrid's Toby Alderweireld | Sky Sports
Tottenham will hold talks with Atletico Madrid to discuss a potential deal for Toby Alderweireld, according to Sky sources. Sky Sports reported earlier this month that Spurs are very interested in the 26-year-old defender, who spent last season on loan at Southampton, and have made that interest known to the player’s representatives.

Valencia take Manchester City option on Alvaro Negredo - ESPN FC
Manchester City confirmed on Wednesday that Alvaro Negredo has joined Valencia on a permanent deal for €30m. The Spaniard fell out of favour at the Etihad Stadium and spent last season out on loan at the Mestalla. During the 2013-14 season for Manchester City he scored 23 goals in 29 matches before injuring his shoulder during a Premier League match vs. West Ham.

Amadeo Salvo quits as Valencia president - Goal.com
Valencia president Amadeo Salvo quit the La Liga club on Wednesday, due to "personal and family reasons." Salvo departs the club along with sports director Francisco Rufete, secretary Fabian Ayala and five others, with the former's exit reportedly due to his father's battle with cancer.

Adil Rami to join Sevilla after agreeing deal with Milan - ESPN FC
Europa League winners Sevilla have reached an agreement with AC Milan to sign defender Adil Rami. Rami, 29, will return to La Liga just 18 months after leaving Valencia, where he played for current Sevilla boss Unai Emery.

Rayo Vallecano's brilliant new kit - ESPN FC
Rayo Vallecano have a reputation as being one of the most progressive and socially aware football clubs in the world, with the La Liga side throwing their support behind a number of charitable campaigns over the course of the past few years.

Granada complete the signing of Almeria winger Edgar Mendez
Granada have officially announced the signing of 24-year-old winger, Edgar Mendez, who joins the Andaluz club on a four-year contract from neighbouring Almeria, who suffered relegation at the end of the 2014-15 season in La Liga. The player will be unveiled at a press conference on Thursday, at the Nuevo Los Carmenes home of Los Rojiblancos, who have now made their first summer signing, following the contract renewal of manager Jose Ramon Sandoval.

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Gundogan signs extension with Borussia Dortmund; Barcelona deal in jeopardy?

Oops... Maybe there's no Gundogan deal with Barcelona, just yet.

Borussia Dortmund have announced on Wednesday a one-year contract extension with the 24-year-old central midfielder, which will keep him around at Westfalenstadion until July of 2017. His former agreement was set to expire in one year's time, but a new contract was signed, and the German star will remain with Die Borussen for two more seasons.

We've been reporting on the Gundogan story for a while, and we even said that Barça and Dortmund have a verbal agreement for a January transfer. With this unexpected development, there is now serious doubt among Barça officials about the likelihood of that deal ever becoming reality, sources say.

The possibility of Gundogan not joining gets bigger with the transfer of Paul Pogba getting so much momentum in the last few weeks. It seems like the French superstar is now the favorite target, with the Dortmund man turning into a Plan B.

However...

This extension could also mean that BVB is just trying to get some money out of the transfer. Gundogan's former contract would expire next June, which means it was very unlikely they would get any solid amount, since every team can just wait for the end of the deal to get him for free. Now, with two years left on his contract, Dortmund can get a real transfer fee, in the €45 million range, which the Blaugrana are willing to pay.

Don't count this deal out yet. This could just be Dortmund getting more cash, and Gundogan still joining the Catalans after all.

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Copa America Semi-Final: Argentina 6-1 Paraguay; Match Review

A quick summary of Argentina's big win against Paraguay

In a very impressive performance in which they scored more goals (six) than they did in the previous four games of the tournament (four), Argentina demolished Paraguay. It will be Argentina's third Copa America final in the last four editions of the competition, but they will try to win their first title since 1993. Led by Lionel Messi, who assisted on three goals and could've ended with even more with some better finishing from Javier Pastore, who ended the game with just a single goal. Angel Di Maria also put in a very good showing, scoring a brace and adding an assist.

While the scoreline suggests that Argentina completely destroyed Paraguay, the Los Guaraníes were competitive throughout, but the biggest difference between the two teams was effectiveness in front of goal. Argentina had 15 shots, ten on goal, while Paraguay had 14 shots, but only seven of them on target. It would get worse for Paraguay as they only managed to get one shot past Sergio Romero, while 60% of Argentina's shot on target ended up in the back of then. Also, ten of Argentina's shots were deemed "dangerous", only one Paraguay shot was.

Probably the most surprising statistic from the above infographic, provided by SportsMatrix, is that Paraguay actually launched more attacks that Argentina did. Despite that, only one winner seemed possible from the early stages of the game. The scoring started in the 15th minute when Messi floated a perfect free kick to Marcos Rojo, who finished the play off. Messi created two chances for Pastore over the next 12 minutes, but the PSG forward took only one, the second one. Lucas Barrios made the halftime break interesting with a good shot from the edge of the box after an Argentina turnover to cut La Albiceleste's lead in half.

But Di Maria was quick to set things straight just two minutes after the restart with a calm finish. Six minutes later, Argentina launched a 5-on-3 counter that with one "simple" skip Messi turned into a 5-on-1. Messi passed the ball to Pastore who wasted the chance, but the rebound fell to Di Maria who made no such mistake. Messi continued to be the fulcrum of every Argentine attack, providing key passes left, right and middle. He even had a good chance to score himself, in the 68th minute, but Justo Villar made his best save of the night. Messi would be key for Argentina's last two goals as well, both coming late in the game. First he provided a good pass to Di Maria on the left who went on to assist Sergio Agüero headed goal with a perfect cross. Just minutes later, Messi picked up his last assist of the game, with a lovely through ball for Gonzalo Higuain to finish.

The Copa America Final will be played on July 4 at 5pm local time.

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FC Barcelona News: 1 July 2015; Lionel Messi Shines in Argentina Win, UEFA Investigate Barça

UEFA: Spanish league must accept World Cup dates - Sportsnet.ca
UEFA told the Spanish league on Tuesday to stop challenging the decision to move the dates of the World Cup in 2022 to November-December. To avoid Qatar’s fierce summer heat, the 2022 World Cup is being moved from its traditional June-July slot, resulting in European competitions stopping for around two months.

UEFA investigating Barca flags | Football Espana
UEFA have opened an investigation into Barcelona fans who displayed pro-Catalan independence flags at the recent Champions League final. European football’s governing body have strict measures in place when dealing with clubs whose fans display banners or flags of a racist, xenophobic or political nature.

Messi and Mascherano into final after comprehensive win over Paraguay (6-1) | FC Barcelona
t will be Leo Messi and Javier Mascherano against Claudio Bravo on Saturday in the Copa América final following Argentina's comprehensive 6-1 victory over Paraguay. Goals in the first half from Rojo and Pastore set them on the road to victory, although Barrios did pull one back just before half time. Nevertheless, the 'albiceleste' imposed themselves on the game in the second half with two goals from Di Maria and strikes from Agüero and Higuaín to set up a final against hosts Chile.

Lionel Messi news: Argentina captain doesn't need goals to be happy - Martino - Goal.com
"If Messi gives passes that end up in goals then there is no problem," Martino told the press. "What is more important is that he responds to what the game demands. He doesn't look worried to me. He is happy and he has no problems. "He doesn't need to be the team's goalscorer to be happy."

Claudio Bravo the leader of finalists Chile | FC Barcelona
Claudio Bravo’s Chile team are having an excellent Copa América 2015 as hosts of the tournament. ‘La Roja’ have reached the final for the fourth time and it will be their first since 1987. Excitement is at fever pitch in the country as they seek to win the trophy for the first time in their history.

Quiz: Copa del Rey Final edition | FC Barcelona
On the one-month anniversary of Barca's victory over Athletic Club, we take a look at some of the more curious facts surrounding the Final played at Camp Nou

Pogba, Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez would make Barcelona invincible - Sacchi - Goal.com
"Pogba is a player who is still improving and, at the age of 22, he is very interesting for plenty of clubs," the former AC Milan coach told Mundo Deportivo. "He has everything to make his mark on an era of football, his potential is so great. "He reminds me of ex-Milan midfielder Frank Rijkaard who played artistically, and with such strength and knowledge of play. Like Frank, Pogba is a powerful player.

The Spanish Cup champions, from the Ciutat Esportiva to Camp Nou | FC Barcelona
Excatly one month ago, on 30 May, FC Barcelona won the Spanish Cup on a day that saw harmony between Barça and Athletic Club supporters and they peacefully coexisted in the streets of Barcelona. There were games, music and fun in the morning and travel to the stadium in the afternoon, in anticipation of the referee's opening whistle. But first, everyone awaited the arrival of the two teams.

Why we love transfer rumours - ESPN FC
Every summer transfer window seems to see the same football clubs linked with the same players, or at least the same type of players. Sometimes the deals actually come close to completion, sometimes they never get out of the starting gate. But we treat these little whispers just the same. We luxuriate in them, rolling about and wallowing in them, no matter how implausible they are. This is what we do in the absence of actual football.

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La Liga News: 1 July 2015; Lucas Vazquez Set for Real Madrid Return, Atletico Madrid to Pay Jackson Martinez Release Clause

UEFA: Spanish league must accept World Cup dates - Sportsnet.ca
UEFA told the Spanish league on Tuesday to stop challenging the decision to move the dates of the World Cup in 2022 to November-December. To avoid Qatar’s fierce summer heat, the 2022 World Cup is being moved from its traditional June-July slot, resulting in European competitions stopping for around two months.

Top transfers Europe: Martinez, Mandzukic, Imbula, Kondogbia - ESPN FC
Since arriving in Portugal from Mexican club Chiapas FC in 2012, the imposing Colombian striker has been continually linked with a move away. After an impressive 92 goals in 132 matches for Porto, that speculation has finally come true, as it has been confirmed that he will play for Atletico next season (the first of a four-year deal).

Cristiano Ronaldo a 'possibility' for Portugal's 2016 Olympics squad - Goal.com
The president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has acknowledged captain Cristiano Ronaldo could be an option for the 2016 Olympics squad. Real Madrid star Ronaldo would be eligible to feature in the under-23 competition as one of three permitted overage players.

Danilo ready for Real Madrid challenge after Porto move - ESPN FC
Brazil right-back Danilo says he has realised a lifelong dream by signing for Real Madrid in a €31.5 million transfer from FC Porto. Danilo, 23, had attracted the interest of Barcelona and his good friend Neymar attempted to lure him to the Camp Nou but the defender opted to sign a contract with Real until June 2021.

Lucas Vazquez to return to Real Madrid from Espanyol - ESPN FC
Espanyol have reached an agreement with Real Madrid for the sale of Lucas Vazquez, the club's president Joan Collet has said. Vazquez, 23, is set to return to Real Madrid for a fee in the region of €1 million, according to AS.com, as new coach Rafa Benitez wants him to be part of his squad for the 2015-16 season.

Arda Turan signs pre-contract agreement with Chelsea
Radio Marca presenter Carlos Sánchez Blas confirmed the news on his twitter page, his tweet translates to, "Arda Turan is close to Chelsea (pre-contract signed). "Ahmet Bulut is an associate of the agent Jorge Mendes, Felipe Luis is also represented by Jorge Mendes."

Atletico Madrid should not fear life after Arda Turan - ESPN FC
This is nothing new for Atleti. It is the business model of selling big names on which the club has operated in recent years. With rumours of a deal being completed, the Turkey international took to social media to issue a denial of sorts, however he did intimate that he is likely he will leave Los Rojiblancos this summer. "The transfer rumours are not entirely correct. My agent is currently in touch with three or four clubs. I will update you all if a deal is made," Turan said in a tweet on Sunday.

Atletico agree to pay release fee for Jackson Martinez - ESPN FC
FC Porto have announced to the Portuguese stock exchange that Atletico Madrid are to match the €35 million release clause in Jackson Martinez's contract. Martinez, 28, told the Spanish press last week that he would be moving to the Vicente Calderon, and now the move is close to completion.

Callejon to Atleti imminent | Football Italia
Spanish television claim Napoli wide attacker Jose Callejon will join Atletico Madrid this week for €15m. According to TVE, a deal is imminent between the two clubs. Callejon joined the Partenopei two years ago from Real Madrid, suggested by then-Coach Rafa Benitez.

AC Milan to announce the signing of Carlos Bacca in the coming hours - Inside Spanish Football
Sevilla and AC Milan are in the final stages of a deal that will send Carlos Bacca to Italy after AC Milan agreed to pay the Colombian’s €30 million release clause. According to Sky Italia, Bacca will undergo his medical in Colombia, where he is currently on holiday after the Copa America and will join up with the team once the deal is finalised.

Sevilla make Guidetti offer? | Football Espana
It is reported that Sevilla have made an offer to Manchester City for their forward John Guidetti. The Swede, currently at the European U21 Championships, spent last season on loan at Scottish club Celtic and was instrumental in helping Ronny Deila’s team win a League and League Cup double.

Villarreal finalise transfer for Victor Ruiz - Inside Spanish Football
According to Spanish sports daily AS, Villarreal have decided to make Ruiz’s season-long loan move a permanent one but will not pay the agreed €4 million purchase option originally agreed upon but will pay €3 million for the 26-year-old defender. Villarreal submitted a €2.5 million offer Ruiz earlier this month, but the offer was rejected as Valencia were holding out for an amount closer to their agreed fee.

Sources: Giovani dos Santos transfer to LA Galaxy in the works - Goal.com
Spanish publication El Periodico Mediterraneo reported on Tuesday that La Liga side Villarreal is in advanced discussions with the Galaxy regarding a $7.7 million transfer of Mexican national team star Giovani dos Santos. Multiple sources have confirmed to Goal USA that a transfer for Dos Santos to join the Galaxy is indeed in the works, and its completion will be aided by impending changes to the current MLS salary cap and roster guidelines.

View from Mexico: It's too soon for Giovani dos Santos to join MLS - Goal.com
Here's how players are measured in Europe: You’re a young player until you’re 23 years old, you go through the prime of your career between ages 24 and 28 and by 29, you should be ready to sign the last big contract of your career. That will take you up until 32, the moment when you embark upon the journey to a league full of white elephants, the arrival to Jurassic Park - a spot full of dinosaurs.

Oriol Riera signs three-year deal with Deportivo - Inside Spanish Football Inside Spanish Football
Following the relegation of Wigan to England’s third division, Deportivo began work on signing the 28-year-old Catalan forward and have confirmed the signing of the former Osasuna star on a three-year deal after a successful medical. Deportivo were supported in the transfer by Riera’s own desire to return to El Riazor after joining the Galician side on a successful six-month loan last season, making 21 appearances, 18 as a starter, and scoring four goals.

Andreu Guerao signs with A-League's Western Sydney Wanderers - Inside Spanish Football
In an announcement made on the club’s official website, Western Sydney Wanderers confirmed the signing of Andreu Guerao, who joins the club after two years at Racing Santander, where he made 63 league appearances while helping the Cantabrian side to the quarterfinals of the 2014-15 Copa del Rey and promotion to the Segunda.

Official: Eibar appoint Mendilibar | Football Espana
Eibar have confirmed that Jose Luis Mendilibar will return to the club for a second spell as Coach. The former Valladolid, Osasuna and Levante boss was last in charge of the Basque outfit for the 2004-05 season, when Los Armeros were in the Segunda Division.

Why we love transfer rumours - ESPN FC
Every summer transfer window seems to see the same football clubs linked with the same players, or at least the same type of players. Sometimes the deals actually come close to completion, sometimes they never get out of the starting gate. But we treat these little whispers just the same. We luxuriate in them, rolling about and wallowing in them, no matter how implausible they are. This is what we do in the absence of actual football.

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