Neymar Reportedly Willing to Force PSG Exit to Join Barcelona
Mar 21, 2020
PSG's Neymar reacts during the French League One soccer match between Paris-Saint-Germain and Bordeaux at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, Sunday Feb. 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Paris Saint-Germain superstar forward Neymar is reportedly willing to "force a move away" from PSG in order to secure a reunion with Barcelona during the summer transfer window.
Joaquim Piera of Sport reported Saturday that Neymar's representatives have already made contact with Barca and there's "maximum tension expected" once negotiations begin.
The 28-year-old Brazilian and the Catalan club are also exploring the use of Article 17 in the FIFA transfer regulations, which states a player's contract is only protected for three years, per Piera. Barcelona expect that route would cost an estimated €18 million if PSG don't budge during talks.
Neymar started his professional career with Santos in his native Brazil before a high-profile transfer to Barca was completed in May 2013. He recorded 105 goals in 186 appearances across all competitions while teaming with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez to form the world's most dangerous attacking trio.
Similar transfer speculation popped up last year, and Barcelona CEO Oscar Grau confirmed in September the club did everything in its power to reacquire the dynamic attacking threat.
"We made a very big effort to get Neymar," Grautold reporters. "We did everything possible. We made two offers, one including players and one without them, but we got the feeling PSG never wanted to sell him. We are not going to lose control when it comes to players. We want the best team around, but we also want to be sustainable."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBTFLKO5fBg
Neymar has proceeded to put together another terrific season for PSG. He's tallied 13 goals and six assists in 15 Ligue 1 matches to go along with three goals and two assists in four Champions League appearances.
Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the UCL quarter-finals with a triumph over German side Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16, but the tournament is currently on hold because of thecoronavirus pandemic.
That success apparently hasn't been enough to satisfy Neymar, however, so expect the transfer rumours to take center stage once again this summer.
Philippe Coutinho Must Regret Joining Barcelona, Says Emmanuel Petit
Mar 20, 2020
GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY - MARCH 03: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Philippe Coutinho of Bayern Muenchen looks on after the DFB Cup quarterfinal match between FC Schalke 04 and FC Bayern Muenchen at Veltins Arena on March 3, 2020 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Ralf Treese/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Former Barcelona midfielder Emmanuel Petit has said Philippe Coutinho must regret his decision to leave Liverpool and move to the Camp Nou.
Petit told Jake Polden at the Mirror that he used to wonder why he moved to Barcelona from Arsenal in 2000 and believes Coutinho must feel the same way.
"If I was Philippe Coutinho, every morning I would wake up and think to myself, 'Why, why, did I sign [for Barcelona] in Spain?
"And do you know why I say this? Because, I can remember the time when I'd wake up, when I was at Barcelona, when I left Arsenal, and I was thinking the same way, 'Why did I leave? Why did I leave? Why did I leave?'
"And to be honest with you I am sure Coutinho has been asking himself the same question for a while now. He left for Bayern Munich, he does sometimes play well but he's not really a first-team player."
Coutinho became Barcelona's record signing in January 2018 when he swapped Anfield for the Camp Nou in a deal worth £142 million.
Barcelona's new Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho (R) poses with his new jersey beside Barcelona FC President Josep Maria Bartomeu during his official presentation in Barcelona on January 8, 2018.
Philippe Coutinho officially joined Barcelona today,
Yet the Brazilian failed to live up to his massive price tag with the Catalan giants and was shipped out on loan to Bayern Munich in August 2019.
Coutinho has fared better with the Bundesliga champions, netting nine goals and eight assists in 2019-20, and has produced some memorable moments in a Bayern shirt:
However, he is not guaranteed a starting spot under manager Hansi Flick, which suggests Bayern are unlikely to take up the option to buy in his contract, set at €120 million.
A return to Barcelona in the summer looks likely, with manager Quique Setien said to view Coutinho as an "interesting player" to add to his squad, according to Sport's Lluis Miguelsanz.
However, Barcelona have received interest in Coutinho from elsewhere. Premier League side Chelsea have offered to take him on loan with an option to buy, per Miguelsanz.
Ronald Koeman Says He Hopes He Can Manage Barcelona One Day
Mar 20, 2020
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - NOVEMBER 19: head coach Ronald Koeman of Netherlands looks on prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifier between The Netherlands and Estonia on November 19, 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has said he hopes he can manage La Liga champions Barcelona in the future.
Koeman told Marca'sLorena Gonzalez he turned down the chance to replace Ernesto Valverde as manager in January but would still like to take the job at the Camp Nou at some point:
"They called me and I said no because of the commitment I have with my national team. After two years, I have the chance to leave. I [basically] have two two-year contracts, so after the European Championships is the time to evaluate. Two years for each major tournament. I can't leave the Netherlands three months before a competition.
"No, I don't think it was a bad time. What happened is that I have my motives with the Netherlands. Barcelona can always win big things, they have very good players, they have options to sign the best players... If I'd have been out of a job then sure, everyone likes Barcelona.
"It doesn't matter what situation they're in. I had my best spell as a player there, at Barcelona, and I have lots of love for the city. So, let's hope that I can coach Barcelona one day."
Koeman has a clause in his Netherlands contract that allows him to leave for Barcelona after the UEFA European Championship. The 56-year-old explained that the decision to postpone the tournament until 2021 will not affect the clause:
🗣️ Ronald Koeman: "The clause in my contract to go to Barcelona is for after the European Championship.
"No date has been mentioned, so now it's after the European Championship in 2021. But I haven't thought about it for a second anyway." 👀 pic.twitter.com/ds03V8z5Yx
The Dutchman spent a glittering six years as a player at the Camp Nou, winning the European Cup, four La Liga titles and the Copa del Rey during his time with the club.
Koeman was linked with replacing Valverde in January, along with former midfielder Xavi Hernandez, before the club appointed Quique Setien until June 2022.
Barca have been beaten three times in Setien's first 12 matches in charge, but he will continue to coach the club next season, according to Sport:
Barcelona will give Quique Setien chance to lead them into the 2020-21 campaign, reports Spanish outlet Sport 🔵🔴
The 61-year-old will come under pressure if he does not improve results, which may lead to more speculation Koeman will return. Xavi is also likely to be in contention and has said previously it is his "dream" to manage Barcelona.
Ansu Fati's Father: 'I Know That Barcelona Fans Love Ansu Very Much'
Mar 20, 2020
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 07: Anssumane Fati of FC Barcelona in action during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on March 07, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Silvestre Szpylma/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Ansu Fati's father, Bori, has paid tribute to Barcelona's fans for the support they have shown his son in 2019-20.
The 17-year-old broke into the Blaugrana's senior side at the beginning of the campaign and has netted four La Liga goals this term and one in the UEFA Champions League:
Ansu Fati is now the youngest Barcelona player to score a league goal and the third youngest in La Liga history 😲
The Guinea-Bissau-born winger has also made his Spain under-21 debut during 2019-20.
As a graduate of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, he is the latest in a stellar production line of players that includes current team-mates Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique.
Bori Fati has now said how grateful he is to hear players of that calibre praising his son, per Radio Barcelona (h/t Marca):
"To hear how players like Messi, [Carles] Puyol, [Samuel] Eto'o or Pique talk about Ansu...we are very grateful. I know that Barcelona fans love Ansu very much. He loves them too. He knows it, although he is a child."
He added that Ansu is "training with his younger brother" during the coronavirus pandemic that has led to the suspension of La Liga.
Barca's last game in the Spanish top flight before the near Europe-wide shutdown was their 1-0 home win over Real Sociedad on March 7.
That victory put them back to the top of the table, where they remained when Real Madrid were surprisingly beaten by Real Betis:
The emergence of Fati has been a bright spark in a tricky season for Barca.
But the fact they remain front-runners for the La Liga title despite replacing manager Ernesto Valverde with Quique Setien in January is indicative of the enduring quality of Barca's squad.
They also remain in the running to win the UEFA Champions League. Their last-16 tie against Napoli is currently level at 1-1 with the second leg still to be played at the Camp Nou.
Rivaldo Compares Antoine Griezmann, Philippe Coutinho Debut Barcelona Seasons
Mar 19, 2020
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 07: Antoine Griezmann of FC Barcelona reacts during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on March 07, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Rivaldo believes Antoine Griezmann's debut season at the Camp Nou has shown similarities to that of Philippe Coutinho's.
Griezmann arrived at Barcelona in the summer of 2019 as one of the best forwards in the world, having shone for Atletico Madrid in La Liga and for France on the international stage.
However, his debut campaign hasn't been straightforward, with former manager Ernesto Valverde and current head coach Quique Setien struggling to find a regular position in the side for the Frenchman. Rivaldo, a former Barcelona star himself, believes Griezmann is having some similar problems to Coutinho, per Betfair (h/t Ben Hayward of the Evening Standard):
"[He's] a world champion, who is well-adapted to Spanish football after his time at Atletico Madrid and would be expected to make a bigger impact at Camp Nou. But Griezmann is still capable of making the difference, especially in Lionel Messi's absence, so we must wait and see if he can get adapt to Barca's system. Griezmann has the quality to succeed at the club.
"His first season is reminding me of Coutinho's. Both were playing great football when they arrived at the club but didn't manage to replicate it at Barcelona. I think he needs to dedicate himself a little bit more to truly produce his best football and become a decisive member of Quique Setien's team."
Coutinho joined Barcelona in the 2018 January transfer window for a club-record fee from Liverpool, but the Brazilian failed to replicate the form he showed on Merseyside, and he was shipped out on loan to Bayern Munich this term.
Griezmann has netted 14 goals in 37 appearances this season for Barcelona, so it would be harsh to call him a flop. However, there's a sense the Blaugrana have yet to unlock his full potential at the Camp Nou.
Per La Liga, Griezmann has made it clear how much he looks up to Barcelona icon Lionel Messi:
However, it feels at times as though the two players are looking to occupy similar areas of the field, as they each are at their best when dropping into space off the front of the attack.
Football journalist Musa Okwonga has said he's unsure whether the signing will ultimately bear fruit:
I really fear this Griezmann signing is not going to work, ever. It reminds me of Thomas Lemar at Atleti - a fine part in the wrong machine.
At Barcelona, everything revolves around Messi, who continues to carry the side with his brilliance. That includes signings like Griezmann, who looks as though he will have to craft out a new role at the Camp Nou.
As of yet, it's unclear when Barcelona will be in action again, with the majority of major leagues across Europe suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Meet Francisco Trincao: The Portuguese Sensation Joining Barcelona This Summer
Mar 19, 2020
Sitting on the pitch, arms on his knees, almost in tears, Erling Haaland looked devastated. Having hit the woodwork three times, he found it hard to accept the result as he watched the Portuguese players celebrating their 3-1 win over Norway in their opening game of 2018 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
Francisco Trincao, on the other hand, was all smiles as he entered the dressing room after scoring twice in Vaasa, Finland. The Braga winger couldn't wait to check his mobile phone.
When he finally got his hands on it, he saw a message from one of his earliest mentors, Joao Aroso.
"Trincao stole the show that afternoon," Aroso tells Bleacher Report. "I congratulated him for his performance and then asked him, 'You know what I liked most about you today, don't you?' And he replied to me, 'Of course, mister. It was the moment I lost the ball and immediately fought to win it back.'
"And he was right. We had worked together at Braga's reserve team and after training sessions, I usually showed him videos of aspects of his game he could improve. And one of them was his defensive approach. I felt that when we were out of possession, he seemed to disconnect a bit. One morning, I told him, 'If you don't work harder, you won't play with me.' But that was it, he's a great lad and listened to me.
"He already had very clear ambition: He wanted to become one of the best footballers in the world."
That campaign for Portugal brought his dream a step closer.
Despite the absences of Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix, Milan's Rafael Leao and Manchester United's Diogo Dalot, Portugal's "Generation '99" became the first group of players to win both the Under-17 and Under-19 European trophies.
And from a relatively unknown member of that new crop of youngsters going into the Under-19 tournament in Finland, Trincao emerged as one of its standout players, finishing with five goals and three assists to his name. Suddenly, he had the whole country talking about his deadly left foot.
However, he had to wait to build on that momentum.
While Haaland enjoyed a meteoric rise that took him from Molde to Red Bull Salzburg and then to Borussia Dortmund, Trincao was inexplicably sidelined by Braga for most of the following season. Struggling to get much playing time, he saw his progress come to an abrupt halt.
For a moment, the fear was that the "Mahrez from Minho," as he was dubbed by Diario de Noticias newspaper, would not be able to fulfil his potential.
It may have taken a bit longer than expected, but when the chances he had been waiting for since July 2018 finally emerged, he grabbed them right away.
Such has been the impression that Trincao has made this season that within three months of getting regular first-team football, he convinced Barcelona to anticipate competition for his services and pay Braga a fee of €31 million in late January of this year, a record sale for the Portuguese club.
Barcelona let Braga hang on to Trincao for the rest of the season, but when he joins the Catalan club in July, he will have a buyout clause of €500 million.
His signing was immediately celebrated by Frenchman Antoine Griezmann, who had already come across Trincao in the virtual world. "Football Manager crack," Griezmann wrote as a comment on Barcelona's official post announcing Trincao's arrival.
Earlier this season, Griezmann had shared the starting XI of his Arsenal save on the popular football game, and along with a host of future stars was Trincao featuring on the right wing. Maybe Griezmann can even give Barcelona boss Quique Setien a tip or two on how best to use the 20-year-old when the time comes?
There are certainly plenty of weapons in Trincao's locker. As a recent Mais Futebol column pointed out, the youngster has everything you could want from a difference-making player: Pace, technique and boldness.
He just needs a coach who is not afraid to gamble on him and who can instil a level of consistency into his game so he performs to his best every match, and not just in flashes.
Despite being an elegant winger with an eye for goal and a killer pass, he struggled to earn the trust of Abel Ferreira, who was his Braga coach when he returned from the Under-19 Euros
However, Ferreira moved to PAOK in Greece last summer, and things have significantly changed for the better for Trincao this season, first with Ricardo Sa Pinto and later with Ruben Amorim.
Both played a key role in converting Trincao into Portugal's new golden boy during Braga's victorious run to Portuguese League Cup title, which saw them beat FC Porto and Sporting CP along the way.
BRAGA, PORTUGAL - FEBRUARY 26: Trincao of SC Braga shots on goal during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between Sporting Club Braga and Rangers FC at Estadio Municipal de Braga on February 26, 2020 in Braga, Portugal. (Photo by Jose Ma
He has filled, to some extent, the talent void in the league left by Felix's departure to Atletico Madrid last summer.
But while Felix had to cope with the disproportionate hype that tends to surround Benfica graduates, Trincao has been able to thrive without such a glaringly bright spotlight.
The pressure will be ramped up, though, as soon as he gets to the Camp Nou.
"It is one thing to be a teenager who has come through Barcelona's youth ranks, but it's another to arrive as a big signing," Sa Pinto, who resigned as Braga head coach in December, tells B/R.
"The pressure will be on Trincao to deliver, but I'm sure he can shine for Barcelona and reach the high echelons of football.
"He's a very talented young player—one that had been barely used in the season before, but that we felt needed more minutes and so we started playing more regularly.
"He has got goals, assists, everything on him. We can only say this out loud now, though, because he was rescued from the reserve team. I'm particularly proud to have been part of this transition process."
Among other things, the former Portugal international believes Trincao has benefitted from developing his game in an environment where he faces almost no criticism from fans and media.
Braga's home average attendance is about 10,500 fans, not even close to filling their 30,000-plus capacity Pedreira stadium, considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
BRAGA, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 28: General view outside the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League group K match between Sporting Braga and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Estadio Municipal de Braga on November 28, 2019 in Braga, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passo
"At the Camp Nou, he will play in front of much bigger crowds. We've seen Luis Figo triumphing there while other Portuguese players didn't do so well," Sa Pinto adds.
"Nevertheless, no one can expect him to hit the ground running and make the difference right away. Not even Griezmann has been able so far to replicate the same level he had before. But the talent is there, and so is the mentality. Trincao is, above all, a joy to watch."
Trincao, who wears the No. 77, actually made his senior debut at the age of just 16 when he played for Braga's reserve side in the Portuguese second-tier.
A year later, he was already included in the matchday squad for an away clash versus Istanbul Basaksehir in the Europa League, but he almost missed out on the trip because he needed his parents' permission to travel to Turkey.
Playing among older players has never intimidated the boy from Viana do Castelo, a Portuguese northern town mostly known for its "bolas de berlim," the country's favourite doughnut-like pastry.
"Trincao has a peculiarity that distinguishes him from other athletes: He was born on December 29, 1999. It's a detail that no one pays much attention, but that can make a difference on whether a boy will become a professional footballer or not," Aroso explains.
"He grew up playing with kids who were basically a year older than him and still managed to stand out between them. That's a remarkable thing.
"If you check it out, it's not easy to find players born in the end of the year who had a successful career. In order to make it through, they need to be much better than the rest. That's how impressive Trincao is.
"He would have played for a different age group if he had come to this world three days later."
Despite Trincao's obvious talent, the Barcelona deal did come as a bit of a bolt from the blue, even for those who rate him so highly.
Trincao Francisco of Portugal (L) and Kyrylo Dryshliuk of Ukraine vie for the ball during the football 2018 UEFA European Under-19 Championship semifinal match Ukraine vs Portugal in Vaasa, Finland on July 26, 2018. (Photo by Timo Aalto / Lehtikuva / AFP)
"I was a bit surprised by the Barcelona deal. I didn't expect such a giant side to come after him this soon," Aroso admits.
"But if you asked me if I believed this would eventually happen in the future, I would have no doubt.
"If he has some luck, believes in himself and plays regularly, he will certainly become a great player, maybe a top-class one."
A versatile dribbler who can play anywhere across the front three, he has spent most of this season on the right wing, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in all competitions so far.
"He feels more comfortable receiving the ball on the opposite foot, collecting it deep and taking defenders on one-on-one. He has a fantastic left foot and is sensational in the final third," Sa Pinto explains.
"He's the sort of player that the Camp Nou loves."
The flashes of brilliance this season were enough to convince Barcelona to trigger his release clause and snap him up, especially with other clubs like Atalanta and Juventus heavily linked with him in the past, per Sport's Ivan San Antonio.
"Even though he doesn't play for one of Portugal's big three, he's currently the most valuable youngster in Portuguese domestic football," Tomas da Cunha, a football pundit for Eleven Sports and TSF, tells B/R.
"He probably will not have to wait much for his first international call-up, considering the impact he has made with Braga and how far he can still progress."
Portugal can already call on the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix. Trincao will surely be joining the gang soon.
Felipe Melo Discusses Tactically Fouling 'Incredible' Lionel Messi, More
Mar 18, 2020
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 07: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on March 07, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Former Juventus, Inter Milan and Galatasaray midfielder Felipe Melo has revealed he and his Brazilian team-mates agreed to take turns tactically fouling Lionel Messi whenever they faced the "incredible" Argentinian forward.
Melo discussed the Barcelona man in an interview with Clarin (h/t Marca), saying he rates him higher than Cristiano Ronaldo because he's a more complete footballer:
"He's a unique player. When Brazil played against him we used to say 'we have to kick him once each, we have to rotate.' If we didn't, it was too difficult to mark him. We didn't want to break him, just to cut his rhythm and to disturb him―it was tactical.
"Messi is incredible, more so than Cristiano Ronaldo. Cristiano can score five goals for you, but Messi can score those five and then make his teammates score as well. He's more complete."
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - MARCH 04: Felipe Melo of Palmeiras looks on before a Group B match between Tigre and Palmeiras as part of Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2020 at Jose Dellagiovanna on March 04, 2020 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endel
The journeyman footballer also discussed the differences in referees, saying British officials are less easily influenced by the crowd than Spanish: "In England if you kick someone the fans say 'ooooh,' but the referee doesn't change his mind. But the same kick in Spain gets you sent off."
Melo was a member of the Brazilian team that competed at the 2009 Confederations Cup and 2010 World Cup. He is perhaps best remembered for the quarter-final loss against the Netherlands in the latter tournament, diverting a Wesley Sneijder cross into his own net and getting sent off for a stamp on Arjen Robben:
While he never played another international match for Brazil, he had been a regular part of the team until then.
Messi and Ronaldo have been the biggest, most productive stars in the sport for years, dominating the top scorer's charts domestically and in Europe. The Argentinian leads the way once again in La Liga with 19 goals, playing a huge role in the Catalans' run to the top of the table.
He has also provided a league-leading 12 assists, further underlining his importance:
Barcelona MOTM awards this term - 2⃣0⃣
Lionel Messi MOTM awards this term - 1⃣3⃣
65% of their total have been won by Messi 😱
He is streaks ahead of the rest in the WhoScored MOTM XI across Europe's top five leagues this season, notes @BenMcAleer1 👇https://t.co/Fom1D2RePa
His tremendous success hasn't carried over to the national team, however, where some of his compatriots haven't provided him with the same kind of support. The 32-year-old hasn't won a trophy with Argentina since the 2008 Summer Olympics, when he was a member of the under-23 side that took the gold medal.
He came close in 2014, when Argentina made the final at the World Cup in Brazil but lost to Germany. The Albiceleste also made the final of the Copa America in 2015 and 2016, twice losing to Chile on penalties.
Melo is still playing in his native Brazil after joining Palmeiras in 2017. The 36-year-old has also played for the likes of Flamengo, Cruzeiro and Gremio, and had multiple stops in Spain and Italy, as well as his stint with Galatasaray.
New Marc-Andre ter Stegen Contract Reportedly a 'Priority' for Barcelona
Mar 18, 2020
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 07: Marc Andre Ter Stegen of FC Barcelona catch the ball during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Camp Nou on March 07, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/MB Media/Getty Images)
Barcelona have reportedly made it a "priority" to tie Marc-Andre ter Stegen down to a new contract in the coming months.
According to Marca's M. Carmen Torres, the club opened talks over fresh terms for the goalkeeper earlier in the season, but while negotiations are said to have progressed "very well," much is still to be agreed including the length of the new deal.
Ter Stegen has two years remaining on his current deal, and Barca want to tie him down until at least 2025. At the end of such a contract, he would be 33.
The 'keeper and his family are said to be settled and happy at Barcelona, and as such he wants to remain at the club.
He'll also be offered a salary reflecting his status as a key player at the Camp Nou.
Ter Stegen signed for Barcelona from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014 for €12 million, and he has been a bargain for the Blaugrana.
He spent his first two seasons at the Camp Nou serving as their goalkeeper in the UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey, while Claudio Bravo handled La Liga duties.
After the Chilean left for Manchester City in 2016, the German became the club's No. 1. He has since developed into one of the world's best goalkeepers.
Few in his position can rival his technical ability, which makes him perfectly suited to Barcelona's play.
Sports writer and commentator Andy West observed his importance to the team after their 2-1 win over Getafe in February:
Ter Stegen's stats from the Getafe game were startling. 69 passes made. That's 20 more than Messi and exactly the same amount as Getafe's four starting midfielders COMBINED. He was a playmaker as much as a a goalkeeper.
The Spanish Football Podcast similarly sang his praises the following week as Barca beat Eibar 5-0:
Commentator just said there’s no difference between Ter Stegen and outfield players in passing. There is when it comes to those long, speared passes: Ter Stegen is *better*.
Ter Stegen was unfortunate to concede Vinicius Jr.'s opener for Los Blancos in that contest, which deflected past him off Gerard Pique.
He's a vital player at the Camp Nou, arguably second only to Lionel Messi in terms of his importance to the side, so it's crucial they secure his long-term future at the club.
In 224 appearances for Barcelona, he has kept 94 clean sheets.
Ronald Koeman Says Barcelona Manager Clause Still Valid After Euro 2020 Delayed
Mar 17, 2020
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - NOVEMBER 19: head coach Ronald Koeman of Netherlands looks on prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifier between The Netherlands and Estonia on November 19, 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
UEFA's decision to postpone Euro 2020 for a year in response to the outbreak of the coronavirus won't impact Ronald Koeman's chances of becoming Barcelona manager.
Koeman, who is in charge of the Netherlands, has explained the clause in his contract to take over at the Camp Nou isn't affected, per Marca: "The clause in my contract to go to Barcelona is for after the European Championship. No date has been mentioned, so now it's after the European Championship in 2021. But I haven't thought about it for a second anyway."
UEFA took the decision to move this summer's tournament Tuesday, with European football's governing body seeking to provide club leagues across the continent the chances to finish their seasons:
Play in top divisions has been halted throughout Europe in response to what the World Health Organisation has declared a pandemic. England's Premier League and Serie A in Italy have suspended matches until at least April 3.
Things have also come to a standstill in Spain's La Liga, the Dutch Eredivisie and the French top flight, Ligue 1. Settling issues such as the destination of the title and relegation in each of these competitions remains a pressing concern for UEFA.
Barca will be following developments closely, with the Blaugrana a mere two points ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. Even so, the sense remains all is not well at the Camp Nou.
Quique Setien was chosen to replace Ernesto Valverde in the dugout back in January. Setien, who used to be in charge of Real Betis, signed a deal set to last for two-and-a-half years.
However, the 61-year-old hasn't enjoyed the fastest start in the job, losing El Clasico 2-0 to Real and also seeing his team held to a 1-1 draw by Napoli in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League last 16.
Goals have even dried up for attacking talisman Lionel Messi on Setien's watch, while the manager has struggled to coax consistency from €120 million summer arrival Antoine Griezmann:
Lionel Messi hasn't scored in six of his last seven matches for Barcelona 😕
Quique Setien may wish to use the half time interval as an opportunity to introduce Antoine Griezmann to his teammates. They appear not to have met yet.
Any doubts about Setien will likely fuel talk of Koeman taking over. The former Ajax, Southampton and Everton boss has experienced something of a career revival since taking the international job in February 2018.
Failure to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup underlined the scale of the job in front of Koeman. To his credit, the 56-year-old has got key players such as Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum back into form:
2 – Georginio Wijnaldum has scored a brace for @OnsOranje for the first time ever and has now scored four goals in his last four games for the Netherlands. Gorgeous. pic.twitter.com/Hyuw19zWWb
While he's enjoying success with his nation, Koeman can leave the job if Barcelona were to make an approach after the Euros. It would likely be a tempting move for the man who secured Barca's first European Cup win when he scored from a free-kick to beat Sampdoria after extra time at Wembley Stadium in 1992.
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 21, 2019
Koeman has done his chances of landing a job at a top European club no harm with his performances for the Netherlands. Yet his primary focus will be on guiding a gifted generation of players led by Wijnaldum and his Liverpool team-mate centre-back Virgil van Dijk to international success.
If club seasons are able to be completed before then, Setien will have the chance to show Barca chiefs why he should be allowed to at least see out his contract.
Reports: Barcelona Consider Samuel Umtiti and Ousmane Dembele Summer Transfers
Mar 17, 2020
Barcelona's French forward Ousmane Dembele (C) celebrates after scoring with Barcelona's French defender Samuel Umtiti during the UEFA Champions' League group B football match FC Barcelona against PSV Eindhoven at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on September 18, 2018. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP) (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)
Barcelona will reportedly consider selling France international duo Samuel Umtiti and Ousmane Dembele in the summer transfer window.
According to Lluis Miguelsanz of Sport, Barcelona are ready to cash in on Umtiti and an "unknown club" is already said to have made an offer. Manchester United are noted as potential suitors for the defender, who has struggled with injuries in recent campaigns.
"Barca want to bring in €130 million in the summer ,and selling Umtiti will be key to hitting that target. The club also have not hidden the fact they are looking for a new left-sided centre-back: A younger player who earns much less than the French international," Miguelsainz wrote.
Dembele is another who has struggled with injury problems, and Barcelona have lost faith in him, according toJuan JimenezofAS.
Jimenez reported Barcelona advised him the 2019-20 season would be his final opportunity to stake a claim for a first-team spot. Dembele has only made three starts in La Liga this season, with a number of injury problems ravaging his chances of regular football.
Both players have talent in abundance, although it appears increasingly likely that their fitness problems will cost them their long-term futures at the Camp Nou.
For Umtiti, it's been a major fall from grace. After joining Barcelona in 2016, he went on to establish himself as one of the best centre-backs in the world, and he was crucial in France's 2018 FIFA World Cup win. Since that summer, he's made just 25 La Liga starts.
Some fans are in favour of Umtiti being sold:
Umtiti threw away his entire career and Barcelona allowed it. Should have sold him immediately after he refused to undergo the knee operation.
Dembele arrived a year after his compatriot, with Barcelona spending £135.5 million to secure his signature from Borussia Dortmund after the sale of Neymar. His Camp Nou career has been one of frustration, though.
At times, Dembele has lit up the team with his searing speed and outrageous talent. But time after time his body has let him down, meaning his game time has been limited, and when he has come back into the team, he's found it hard to establish rhythm.
After his most recent problem in February—a serious hamstring tear that's set to sideline the forward for six months—ESPN FC reflected on all the issues Dembele has had:
Dembele’s injury history since joining Barcelona:
2017-18: Hamstring injury 2017-18: Torn muscle bundle 2018-19: Ankle Injury 2018-19: Torn muscle bundle 2018-19: Hamstring injury 2019-20: Hamstring injury 2019-20 Muscle injury 2019-20 Hamstring injury 2019-20 Torn muscle pic.twitter.com/aQbm5LTf4S
Barcelona's reported willingness to move both players on makes sense, as they each look as though they would benefit from a fresh start.
However, they will each be on significant wages and still have time to run on their contracts. Dembele's runs until 2022, while Umtiti is tied down until 2023. It means Barcelona would still likely command a sizeable fee for both players, while the players themselves would surely want parity in salary before moving too.
