Barcelona
Super League: UEFA begins disciplinary proceedings against Barca, Real Madrid, Juventus
UEFA have announced that disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus for a potential violation of their legal framework. The decision comes following an investigation conducted by UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors in connection with the so-called Super League project, and further information will be made available in due course, according to their statement. The three are the last men standing in the Super League project. Initially there was 12 clubs involved; Atletico Madrid, Milan, Inter, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were part of a shoddy launch. The six English clubs left first, with Atletico, Milan and Inter following shortly after. Madrid’s Florentino Perez and Juventus’ Andrea Agn...
Barcelona planning to announce three or four signings before the Euros – report
Barcelona are planning to announce three or four signings before the European Championships next month, Spanish outlet Ara reports. The Catalan giants had a disappointing 2020/21 league campaign by their high standards, and ended up finishing seven points behind champions Atletico Madrid. There is likely to be a summer rebuild at the club, but it is still unclear whether Ronald Koeman will remain the head coach for the next campaign. The club are still working on potential new signings, and it is reported that they are working to announce three or four deals before the Euros. Sportslens view: It has been an open secret that Eric Garcia will join the club on a free transfer when his contract with Manchester City expires next month. An announcement is planned after the Champions League final...
Coutinho, Dembele and more: who should Barcelona sell this summer?
Barcelona have ended the season with disappointment, after a succession of poor results saw their title hopes ended, following more humiliation in the Champions League. It wasn’t all bad, however. They managed to lift the Copa del Rey trophy, ending their mini drought that spanned back to 2019. Now, they go into a big transfer window, knowing that the €1 billion of debt is set to hamper them. It could be an interesting summer at Camp Nou. Who will stay and who will go? That remains to be seen, but here’s our view on it. Goalkeepers Ter Stegen remains one of the best in his position Marc-Andre ter Stegen – KEEP – The German has had his ups and downs over the last year but remains one of the finest goalkeepers in the world. His penalty save against Sevilla in the Copa del Rey remains a ...
Pep Guardiola drops hint over Messi’s future, confirms £22.5m star is close to Barcelona move
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said that Sergio Aguero is close to making the switch to Barcelona on a free transfer this summer. The Argentine has been a superb performer for the Cityzens over the past decade, but he will leave them when his contract expires next month. Aguero ended his Premier League career with a sublime brace coming off the bench against Everton on Sunday. The Cityzens won by a convincing 5-0 scoreline. Following the trophy celebrations, Guardiola dropped a huge hint that Aguero will join his former club Barcelona to play alongside compatriot Lionel Messi. He told BBC Sport: “Maybe I reveal a secret. Maybe he is close to agreeing a deal for the club of my heart – for Barcelona. “He is going to be playing alongside the best player of all time, Messi. “I’m pre...
Report: Lionel Messi accepts new Barcelona deal
Lionel Messi will stay at Barcelona. The official announcement will be treated as Barca’s big signing of the summer and the latest important media outlet to confirm the news is ‘BeIN Sports’. Journalist Achraf Ben Ayad, who follows Barca news very closely, says that Leo Messi has decided to stay. The Argentine missed the final game of the La Liga season and he did not train on Friday either with the club’s permission. The striker has taken holiday before going to Argentina to play in the Copa America. It seems like Leo Messi wants to decide on his future before the Copa America starts in June so the Argentinian’s new deal could be confirmed in the next two weeks. Leo Messi will have to accept a contract with a lowe salary than his current one due to Barca’s complicated financial situation....
As Real Madrid chase Atletico in tense title race, Lionel Messi takes a break
The 2020/21 La Liga season is coming to a close as Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid go head-to-head in a thrilling title race. Regardless of what happens on the final matchday of the campaign, the league crown will stay in the capital. Barcelona and Sevilla have already qualified for next season’s Champions League group stage, but all the attention is turned towards the Madrid sides in this nail-biting season finale. Ahead of the final kick-off, Atletico lead the way in one of the most exciting title races in Spain over the past few years, holding a two-point advantage on cross-town rivals Real. Zinedine Zidane hopes to make history Seeking league titles in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2007/08, Real go into Matchday 38 looking to overturn a two-point deficit on Atletico. Des...
Liverpool boss refuses to confirm Gini Wijnaldum’s departure
Jurgen Klopp refused to confirm whether Gini Wijnaldum is set to play his final game for Liverpool this weekend, but insisted the midfielder’s commitment to the Reds cannot be questioned. Wijnaldum’s contract at Anfield expires next month, and there is no sign of the 30-year-old agreeing a renewal. Bayern Munich and Barcelona have been strongly linked with the Dutch international, who is likely to captain the Reds on Sunday in their crunch clash with Crystal Palace at home. Klopp refused to be drawn on Wijnaldum’s future at a press conference at Kirkby on Friday, telling reporters: “There’s nothing to say in this moment. We have a game to play. We will see after the final whistle on Sunday.” Later, though, he was asked whether the idea of such an influential player – Wijnaldum has made 50 ...
Barcelona enter race to sign €60m Manchester United defensive target – report
Barcelona are the latest club to be interested in signing Villarreal defender Pau Torres this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo. Torres has been fancied to leave the Yellow Submarines at the end of the campaign, and he has been linked with Manchester United and Real Madrid. Madrid appear to have cooled their interest with the anticipated arrival of David Alaba, who is likely to occupy the left-sided central defensive role. It is now reported that the Blaugrana are interested in signing the Spain international, with Samuel Umtiti expected to be shown the exit door. The club have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Eric Garcia and have identified Torres as the left-footed centre-back to accompany him next term. The defender’s €60 million release clause remains a stumbli...
Barcelona linked with Alvaro Morata as Juventus future uncertain
Barcelona have been linked with a move for Juventus loanee Alvaro Morata, as his future in Serie A has not been resolved yet. Morata came to Juventus for a second spell last summer on loan from Atletico Madrid, with the option to make the deal permanent for €45 million. He has been the club’s second top goalscorer behind star man Cristiano Ronaldo, hitting 18 in all competitions. Morata has struck 18 times this season However, it’s been a disappointing season for the Old Lady. After winning nine successive league titles, they were comfortably beaten to the prize by Inter Milan and go into the final day knowing that Champions League qualification is out of their hands. Additionally, they were knocked out of Europe by underdogs Porto in the round of 16. Although, they have enjoyed some succe...
Barcelona close to signing £22.5m-rated star, deal could be finalised by May 31 – report
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero could undergo his medical with Barcelona immediately after the Champions League final, Mundo Deportivo reports. The Argentine is expected to leave the Cityzens when his contract expires this summer, and he has been fancied to make the switch to the Blaugrana. The Catalan giants have already held talks with his representatives over a free transfer, and it is reported that the deal is ’80 percent’ done with a few formalities left. Aguero is likely to undergo his medical shortly after the Champions League final against Chelsea, and a two-year deal could be signed by May 31. If the logistics don’t work out, the move could be delayed until July with the striker due to play for Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers and Copa America. Sportslens view: Agu...
Tottenham speak to two Bundesliga managers as they hunt for new boss
Reuters Tottemham Hotspur have reportedly stepped up their search of finding a new manager by speaking to Hansi Flick and Ralf Rangnick. The North London side currently have former midfielder Ryan Mason at the helm on an interim basis following the sacking of Jose Mourinho last month. Mason has won three out of his four Premier League matches in charge – helping Spurs climb to sixth in the table. And with European football looking all-but secure for next season, Daniel Levy is now turning his attention to finding a permanent boss to take over in the summer. Tottenham were keen on luring Julian Nagelsmann away from RB Leipzig, but it has been confirmed that he will take over from Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich. According to the Guardian, Spurs have spoken to Flick about him potentially moving...
Barcelona secure 500 million Euro loan
Barcelona have secured a €500m loan from Goldman Sachs, with €100m arriving immediately to cover unpaid wages. Like many of the clubs who had signed up to the Super League project, Barca are struggling financially in the wake of the COVID pandemic and in need of fresh funds. President Joan Laporta has seemingly found the key with a loan worth €500m from American investment bank Goldman Sachs. ESPN claim there will be €100m arriving immediately, so Barcelona can settle outstanding payments owed to players. The club’s gross debt is said to now be almost €1.2 billion. Sources told ESPN the situation with outstanding payments was so bad that the squad was preparing to take the matter to the Spanish Footballers’ Association. Barcelona agreed with the players to defer payment of their wages duri...
