Tag Archives: FC Barcelona

Barcelona President reveals club’s plan after Lionel Messi retires from Nou Camp

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Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says the club are already planning ahead of post-Lionel Messi era.

And although there is no suggestion 32-year-old Messi is set to hang up his boots anytime soon, Bartomeu says the club have ‘an obligation’ to minimise the loss when he does.

The Argentine star has been a fixture in the club’s attack for the past 14 seasons but celebrated his 32nd birthday last month and thoughts may now be turning to the future of the club behind him.

“I think our obligation is to work in the post-Messi era,” Bartomeu explained to reporters, as cited by Diario AS.

“We are already thinking about that because we are bringing new players. As president I hope that Leo is still with us for many years but we have to think about this change for when he decides to stop playing.”

The Argentine forward remains the central point of the club’s attack and despite prolonged investment over the years, is widely regarded as the world’s most valuable player, report Football Espana.

Messi has netted 603 goals across 687 first-team appearances for the Blaugrana and has won 34 trophies at his time with the club, including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns.

Antoine Griezmann transfer to Barcelona gets messy as Atletico Madrid set to discipline player

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There are reports Atletico Madrid will internally discipline Antoine Griezmann after the forward failed to turn up for the start of pre-season training.

Fotball Espana had reported earlier that Griezmann was informed via his agent that he would be expected to join the squad before leaving for the USA on July 7, and if the former Real Sociedad should go on strike, he would face disciplinary action from Atletico Madrid.

And, ESPN FC have now confirmed that the Diego Simeone side are poised to discipline the forward for going AWOL from the team.

It is the latest development in the ongoing dispute between the parties with the Frenchman attempting to force through a move to Barcelona.

The forward’s release clause dropped from €200m to €120m on 1 July but the Catalan giants have failed to deposit the specified amount in a lump sum payment, and instead would prefer to pay in instalments.

Los Rojiblancos will not negotiate on any sale for the player below his clause, with reports that he reached a contractual agreement with Barca in March – just days before Atleti’s Champions League exit.

Griezmann stated at the end of last season that he would be leaving the capital club this summer as he appeared set to join the Blaugrana, whom he rejected last summer before signing a long-term contract extension with Diego Simeone’s side.

“Logically a disciplinary process will be opened as Griezmann did not present himself for an official call-up with the club where he is under contract,” the report cites an Atletico source as saying.

Atleti have already signed forward Joao Felix from Benfica, who will theoretically replace Griezmann, while Paris Saint-Germain were previously linked to the Frenchman.

Dani Alves pushes for Barcelona return after leaving PSG

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Reports in Spain claim that former Barcelona defender Dani Alves has offered himself back to the club once he leaves Paris Saint-Germain this summer, say reports.

Alves, who is currently away on international duty with Brazil, will formally leave the Parisian club on June 30 when his contract in Paris expires.

Diario Sport lead their coverage on Monday with a report taken from Catalan radio station RAC1 that the full-back has informed the Blaugrana of his intentions.

The Catalan giants may be looking to strengthen in that position this summer as they only have one natural right-back in their squad: Nelson Semedo, report Football Espana.

However, the Portuguese defender himself has been linked with a move away this summer as he is not a regular in the side ahead of Sergi Roberto – a natural midfielder – in the position.

Alves, 36, played 391 games (netting 21 goals and providing 103 assists) with Barça between 2008 and 2016, after he joined the club from Sevilla.

Photo Credit: Sky Sports

Barcelona deny signing pre-contract agreement with Manchester United, Arsenal key target

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Barcelona have reportedly rubbished reports that they signed pre-contract agreement with PSG star Adrien Rabiot.

The Catalan giants are said to have previously signed a pre-contract form with the midfielder which would mean the player is owed money by Barca even if they do not exercise their option to sign him.

Reports claim that the agreement between the two parties comes into effect when Rabiot’s contract expires on 1st July.

But, according to SPORT, Barça are insisting there is no such pact with the Frenchman.

This alleged deal was included during talks between Rabiot and Barça last summer.

Rabiot is out of contract at the Parisian club this summer and would not command a transfer fee, but his reported wage demands alongside agent fees (the player’s representative is his mother) are said to be excessive.

The 24-year-old has not featured for the first-team in over five months with the club refusing to play him until his situation is resolved, with the player seemingly intent on an exit.

Meanwhile, reports in Italy say he has agreed personal terms with Juventus despite efforts by two Premier League clubs Manchester United and Arsenal to sign the midfielder.