Author name: admink

The end of the 2022/23 season marked the beginning of a new venture for many players across the globe. With a short international break interspersed in the calendar, players are forced to wait for the holiday season to commence.

One of the competitions taking place this week is the UEFA Nations League. The trophy is in its semifinal stage and only three games remain before a champion is crowned.

One of the most anticipated clashes of the week, on that front, is the game between The Netherlands and Croatia. The winner on the night will face either Spain or Italy in the final.

Ahead of the semifinal against the Netherlands, Croatia captain Luka Modric spoke to the media about a plethora of topics. During his interview, he had only words of praise for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and called him ‘special’, as revealed by Mundo Deportivo.

“For me, Frenkie is definitely the best Dutch player. The game starts with him. It’s always a pleasure to play against him. He’s young, he’s got talent and he’s a good guy. A top player, one of the players I like to watch. He’s special.”

Despite the rivalry between the players at the club level, it is indeed amazing to see the respect and regard the Croatian legend holds for de Jong. The script truly exemplifies how the sport supersedes all boundaries.

The midfield maestros faced off numerous times on the field last season, for Barcelona and Real Madrid competed in five official Clasicos. It was, however, the Dutchman who was on the winning side more often.

Both players are expected to start once again tomorrow and engage in a 90-minute tussle, albeit in the colours of their national teams.

In 33 La Liga appearances for the Blaugrana last season, de Jong scored two goals and provided four assists. Further, he averaged 1.4 key passes per game and created eight big chances.

Barcelona, at the start of the 2022/23 season, had a plethora of forwards at their disposal, most of whom who could play multiple positions across the frontline with ease, acting as each other’s deputies through injury and rotation.

Robert Lewandowski was the first-choice striker for Xavi after completing his €55 million move from Bayern Munich, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang expected to be his backup. Memphis Depay was also in the team, providing cover at both, left-wing and centre-forward.

Eventually, though, Aubameyang left to join Chelsea in the summer, while Atletico Madrid came calling for Memphis in the winter. With both players gone for the second half of the season, Lewa was the only natural no. 9 in Barça’s squad.

Now, Barcelona are in the market looking to sign a backup for Lewandowski and had multiple names on their table as options, including Aubameyang himself, who was hoping to return to the Camp Nou.

However, Barcelona have ruled out his signing in the summer, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. The Gabonese striker will likely not join the Catalans, and has a huge offer from Saudi Arabia for his services.

Four Saudi Arabia clubs are interested in his signature, among other suitors, but Barcelona believe that he does not fit into the salary budget plans they have designed for next season.

Inter Milan, AC Milan, Galatasaray, and Fenerbahce are also keeping tabs on his situation at Chelsea, where he was almost completely out of favour under Graham Potter and then Frank Lampard.

Arsenal are also interested in re-signing him, curiously enough, according to the report.

From being on the verge of leaving Barcelona a year ago, Frenkie de Jong has come a long way. The 26-year-old slowly forced his way into Xavi Hernandez’s plans as the 2022-23 season progressed, and finished the season as one of the team’s most important players.

De Jong was one of the Catalans’ most consistent performers last season, both in terms of quality and fitness. With Sergio Busquets no longer at the club, his importance will only rise next term.

In a recent interview with Telegraaf, the Dutch midfielder spoke about his future at Barcelona, stating that he personally wished to stay at the club. Yet, he could not help but accept the volatile nature of the transfer market in the world of football.

“I feel good at Barcelona. If all goes well I will stay there. You can’t say anything 100% but I guess next season I will play for Barcelona.”

The 2022-23 season of the UEFA Champions League ended last weekend with a 1-0 win for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City as they coasted to their first-ever title in the competition’s history.

De Jong admitted that Barcelona too would be contenders next season but highlighted that a good team was never enough in the UCL.

“It is difficult to say when we will win the Champions League in Barcelona. We have a good team, although we need a few reinforcements. But the Champions League needs a bit of luck too.”

Speaking about the recent friendly game in Japan, the midfielder did not hold back on explaining the toll it took on the players. He explained the hectic tour saying:

“The trip to Japan was long and tiring. We traveled more than 30 hours and didn’t even stay there for 24 hours. Personally, we do not prefer such trips, but the club needs them, and in this case, we cannot say much.”

De Jong was asked about the hectic schedule footballers faced at the highest level. Speaking about the ever-burning topic, he explained the current situation with examples.

“Our schedule is crowded, there is also a match to determine 3/4 place in the Nations League, no one is waiting for this match, also there is a new version of the Champions League with more matches so that UEFA can collect more money.”

Finally, the midfielder revealed his disappointment over Lionel Messi’s return to Barcelona falling apart in the nth minute, saying,

“I think every team would like to have Lionel there, because he makes a difference anytime, anywhere. It’s a shame he didn’t come to Barcelona. I would have liked him there, would have found his return top-notch. We’ll now see who joins and who leaves.”

In a huge development, Javi Miguel of AS is reporting that Barcelona are planning on making a formal contract offer to priority target Lionel Messi as early as tomorrow.

The Blaugrana have received the approval of La Liga on their economic viability plan which now allows them to press ahead with their transfer plans for the summer.

First off, Barça intend to register the contracts of players who have renewed and finalise the extension of Alejandro Balde before turning their focus towards incomings and outgoings.

Messi remains the top priority for the Blaugrana heading into the summer window. The 35-year-old will be a free agent after June 30, when his contract with PSG expires.

A return to Barcelona has been talked about for a long while now, but things went into overdrive after a meeting took place between club president Joan Laporta and Messi’s father-cum-agent, Jorge recently.

But, the La Liga champions have yet to table an offer to their former captain, who has proposals from Saudi Arabia and the United States of America.

As such, it was starting to appear that Messi might slip away from Barça’s grasp due to their inability to send in a formal offer.

But that is set to change tomorrow as Javi Miguel is reporting that Barcelona will be presenting Messi with a concrete, formal proposal tomorrow, i.e., Wednesday even though they have been unable to seal any player exits.

While an official proposal has not been sent, the World Cup winner is aware of the terms that the Blaugrana will be offering. The Argentina skipper would be offered a one-year contract worth €25 million (gross salary) with an option of an additional twelve months.

Despite the rumours of a move to Saudi or the MLS, Messi’s priority is understood to be Barcelona. And should there be an official offer sent in, things could gather pace, although the Catalans will still need to make player sales to ensure his registration without any issues.

This has been a crucial day for FC Barcelona. Shortly after their Economic Viability Plan was approved by La Liga, the club president Joan Laporta held a meeting with Jorge Messi in Barcelona, discussing the possibility of Leo’s potential return to Camp Nou.

Messi’s father confirmed the player’s desire to return to the club, but a deal is yet to move forward. Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, Barça were not even able to present an official offer to Messi during the meeting.

It is hardly surprising as Barça are not still aware of their economic limitations despite having their plan approved by La Liga. This is because the club’s economic activity this summer will largely depend on them executing the plan.

That involves the sale of a host of unwanted players in the team, potentially including the attacking duo of Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati, who look set to leave Camp Nou.

It has been reported that they are currently working on three deals in an attempt to make room for Ilkay Gundogan and Messi’s transfer, with two of them being ‘important sales’

But Barcelona must sanction their departures quickly if they are to make an economic provision for the deal. Until then, the club would be in a difficult position and unable to present a lucrative offer to Lionel Messi.

In contrast, the Argentine international has already received a plethora of attractive offers from Saudi Arabian and MLS clubs. With that in mind, Romano points out that both parties feel the time is running out for Barcelona and Messi to reach an agreement.

For now, Laporta and Jorge Messi have decided to take a few hours to dole out a creative solution to this problem. They are expected to work hard to find an agreement today.

Meanwhile, Leo Messi’s decision process is already well advanced, and Barcelona must act swiftly if they are to sanction the return of their former superstar this coming summer.

There is good news in Barcelona as reports claim that La Liga have finally approved their financial feasibility plan for the summer transfer window. They can go officially go ahead with their plans for the market.

While it is clear that their priority is Lionel Messi, who has been waiting weeks on end for an official offer from the Catalans at this point, Barcelona are also targeting moves in other positions.

Despite having Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Franck Kessie, Gavi, and Pablo Torre in central midfield across two positions, Barça are looking to sign Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City on a free transfer this summer.

Barcelona fans were given a scare yesterday, though, when reports claimed that Gundogan is now close to signing a renewal with Manchester City.

However, Gundogan’s agent, Ilhan, has rejected any rumours, saying, “Nothing has been agreed with City, or any other club.”

“The recent reports are not true. Ilkay is only focused on the [Champions League] final,” he added, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

Barcelona had initially offered Gundo a two-year contract with the option of extending for another year. However, when their deal was matched by City, they decided to improve it, making it into a three-year fixed deal.

They are confident about completing the transfer now, as it seems difficult that City would match Barcelona’s offer.

The blaugranes are likely going to sign more midfielders this summer. With Sergio Busquets leaving, they will need to reinforce the defensive midfield position, with the names of Ruben Neves, Martin Zubimendi, Sofyan Amrabat, among others, on the table.

Further, Gabri Veiga has also been linked to the club, having scored a brace against them as early as yesternight.

Apart from the midfield, Barcelona are also moving in for Athletic Club’s Inigo Martinez. They have almost competed the transfer, and are confident about registering the player also.

As Barcelona gear up for a hectic summer transfer window, the club has listed several positions in need of reinforcements. One of the areas requiring attention remains the center-forward position, with 34-year-old Lewandowski the Catalans’ only natural number 9.

Club president Joan Laporta has famously availed his ties with renowned agents and his relationship with Jorge Mendes appears to be well documented by now. With the super-agent representing some of Europe’s elite talents, recognized names have frequently been put on the table for Barcelona.

As claimed by Catalan outlet SPORT, Joao Félix looks to be the latest commodity offered to the Blaugranas by Mendes. Following an unsuccessful loan spell at Chelsea, as he returns to Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone has not shied away from advertising the Portuegese, even implying Barcelona as a viable destination.

This is not the first time Barcelona have found themselves linked with the 23-year-old. In a report mentioned by Mundo Deportivo, two seasons ago, Barça tried swapping Griezmann with Joao Felix, but Atletico refused.

Despite finances previously standing in the way of a potential transfer, this time Barcelona are opting to back out, owing to contrasting sporting ambitions. Xavi and his staff are reportedly not in favor of the signing.

Felix endured a tumultuous time at Chelsea, with scarce contributions and little value added to the team. In spite of being hailed as a talented prospect by many, since signing for Atletico, the player has struggled to produce high-scoring numbers in the league.

Considering the Catalans’ minimal usage of second strikers as well and preference of a more traditional number 9, Barcelona’s lack of enthusiasm over Felix does not come across as a bolt from the blue.

Heading into next season, Barcelona appear to be more focused on acquiring the signing of Lionel Messi as well as sorting out the dilemma that lies in the defensive midfield department, following Sergio Busquets’ unanticipated departure.

Up front, names such as Vitor Roque and Aubameyang appear to hold more weight. Once La Liga enable clarity by approving the Feasibility Plan, a better idea can be perceived over the club’s aspirations in the center-forward department. Roque remains the dream, but low-cost options like Aubameyang exist in the background.

After winning the La Liga title, Barcelona aim to be competitive enough in the European Champions League next season. For this, coach Xavi Hernandez needs to have some reinforcements, and Lionel Messi’s potential return to the Catalan club is currently a hot topic.

The Argentine reportedly has an offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, making things complicated for Barcelona.

In one of the options, Leo can earn €500 million a year, whereas if he wants to return to his childhood club, he has to make huge salary sacrifices as Blaugrana have heavy Financial Fairplay constraints.

In an interview with Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Xavi welcomed the 7-time Ballon d’Or winner’s potential signing, saying: “If Leo decides to come, he has the doors open at the football level. I know he will help us.

“I am the person in charge of the staff, he has all the confidence and all the enthusiasm of the staff for him to join. There is no doubt. I have zero doubts that he is going to help us a lot at a football level.

“As for the contractual issue, it depends on him. For me there are no doubts: the doors are open.”

Commenting on the club’s constraints with regard to the salary cap, Xavi added: “The contractual issue is no longer my concern. According to what they tell me, it is under control.”

The boss was also asked about his potential role in case his move materializes, on which he commented: “Well, in many positions he can adapt inside, he can play as a winger, he can play as a midfielder, he can play as a false nine, where he has played all his life.

“In the end, you have to find a natural habitat for him to enhance his entire game, but I do see that he can help us a lot, I think we lack that talent in the last third and Leo always gives it to you.”

Barcelona certainly needs to sign big in the summer, as they have bid farewell to two club legends, namely Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. This means that the club cannot pay Messi a huge salary.

“If Leo doesn’t come, a player of that profile would be needed. Bernardo? It would be wonderful but it’s very difficult.

“Kimmich is super top and understands the fantastic game but if there is an open door there has to be negotiation,” Xavi commented on what steps the club should take in case Messi’s signing does not go through.

The past 24 hours in Barcelona have been filled with tension. Lionel Messi’s arrival was never going to be a smooth operation, but Joan Laporta’s management of the financial situation and the creation of space on the wage bill generated hope.

The situation has now become complicated, as according to reports from Guillem Balague, Messi is about to make a decision about his future and it will not be Barcelona he chooses.

The World Cup winner really wanted to return home and was willing to help as much as possible to pioneer the operation.

However, Barcelona have not yet put forth an official proposal to his entourage. The journalist further adds that if he does not return, the blame will be on the club and not La Liga.

The Blaugranas have made it their priority operation to sign the former captain in June. Such is their desperation that they are also considering a collaboration deal with Inter Miami that would include a six to eighteen-month loan to Spain.

The club believe that they have sufficient margin to sign the Argentine on a free transfer and accommodate his wages. In light of the same, they even sent their economic feasibility plan to La Liga earlier this month hoping for a prompt response.

The league administration, however, have failed to respond promptly. After weeks of patient waiting, Barcelona were informed of a suspicious transaction of €40 million that required justification. One meeting between the two parties put the confusion to bed, and one wonders why La Liga had to wait so long for a simple formality.

Amidst the fear of missing out on their top target, Barcelona sent Messi an unofficial offer worth €25 million yesterday. The player has given the club ten days to put an official offer on the table, and the Catalans are now racing against the clock to receive La Liga’s approval.

Nothing is clear about the PSG star’s future as it stands, except for the fact that Barcelona are falling behind. Al-Hilal and Inter Miami are the other top options on his table, and although the former is economically far more lucrative, the player has doubts about the sporting level.

The past 24 hours in Barcelona have been filled with tension. Lionel Messi’s arrival was never going to be a smooth operation, but Joan Laporta’s management of the financial situation and the creation of space on the wage bill generated hope.

The situation has now become complicated, as according to reports from Guillem Balague, Messi is about to make a decision about his future and it will not be Barcelona he chooses.

The World Cup winner really wanted to return home and was willing to help as much as possible to pioneer the operation.

However, Barcelona have not yet put forth an official proposal to his entourage. The journalist further adds that if he does not return, the blame will be on the club and not La Liga.

The Blaugranas have made it their priority operation to sign the former captain in June. Such is their desperation that they are also considering a collaboration deal with Inter Miami that would include a six to eighteen-month loan to Spain.

The club believe that they have sufficient margin to sign the Argentine on a free transfer and accommodate his wages. In light of the same, they even sent their economic feasibility plan to La Liga earlier this month hoping for a prompt response.

The league administration, however, have failed to respond promptly. After weeks of patient waiting, Barcelona were informed of a suspicious transaction of €40 million that required justification. One meeting between the two parties put the confusion to bed, and one wonders why La Liga had to wait so long for a simple formality.

Amidst the fear of missing out on their top target, Barcelona sent Messi an unofficial offer worth €25 million yesterday. The player has given the club ten days to put an official offer on the table, and the Catalans are now racing against the clock to receive La Liga’s approval.

Nothing is clear about the PSG star’s future as it stands, except for the fact that Barcelona are falling behind. Al-Hilal and Inter Miami are the other top options on his table, and although the former is economically far more lucrative, the player has doubts about the sporting level.