LaLiga

Barça Wonderkid Deal Could Hit €25M

Barcelona have had Portuguese wonderkid on their radar for more than a year, despite the fact that he is only 16 years old. Now playing his football in Croatia, Barcelona appear to be nearing an agreement to sign Varela.

That much was reported last week, when it was said that Dinamo Zagreb and Barcelona had agreed a deal for Varela that would cost €5m plus €5m in variables. It was also noted that Dinamo only own 59% of his rights. On Thursday, Varela’s representative, who also represents goalkeeper Joan Garcia, was seen meeting with President Joan Laporta at the Ciutat Esportiva offices. Said agent Andy Bara was then seen having lunch with Director of Football Deco, Director Enric Masip, and recruitment assistant Bojan Krkic.

Cardoso Varela atop the agenda
It appears all of the terms have been agreed on a deal for Garcia, and Sport, via Sempre Barca, say that the main topic of discussion was Varela. Further details about the deal were revealed with a much higher fee than initially thought. The teenage starlet is set to remain at Dinamo for the coming year, before making the move, which will be worth €5m, but could rise as high as €25m depending commissions and variables.

Varela looks set for a move to Barcelona.
The deal is at an advanced stage, and is expected to reach a conclusion within the next month, one way or another. Previous reports have noted that Varela could have an important role in the Dinamo side next season, despite only featuring for the under-19s thus far.

Barcelona have employed similar structure in previous deals
It is not the first time that Barcelona have structured a deal in a similar manner. Pedri arrived from Las Palmas as a 17-year-old for €5m, and he also had a further €20m in bonuses in the deal, and the same was the case for another talented playmaker Pablo Torre. The latter moved from Racing Santander, but is yet to establish himself for Barcelona.

Football-espana.net

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LaLiga

Barca’s Rashford Hopes Rise As Turkish Club Withdraws

Barcelona remain fully engaged in their search for the winger that Hansi Flick has requested to strengthen the squad. The two main targets being pursued by the club’s sporting department are Luis Diaz and Marcus Rashford.

Bayern Munich are pushing hard for the Liverpool winger, and securing his signature will not be easy given the German club’s strong financial position.

As such, reports today suggested that Rashford had now become the priority target for the La Liga champions, who were now ready to go all in for him.

However, Fenerbahce in Turkey were also said to be admirers of the Manchester United forward, with their manager Jose Mourinho seemingly keen on a reunion.

Fenerbahce drop out of Rashford race
But, as per the latest update from MARCA, Mourinho has ruled out signing Rashford for Fenerbahce, which comes as a big boost for Barcelona.

Despite considering the option seriously, the Portuguese tactician has decided against a move for his former ward from Manchester United.

Mourinho previously coached Rashford during his time at Manchester United between 2016 and 2018. The Portuguese manager placed full trust in the young forward, who had just been promoted to the first team.

During his time at Old Trafford, Mourinho used Rashford in 125 games, during which the forward netted 28 goals and chalked up 20 assists.

Despite their past working relationship, signing Rashford is currently unrealistic for Mourinho’s Fenerbahce due to the player’s high wages – he earns €18 million per season – and because the forward’s preferred destination is Barcelona.

As a result, a move to Turkey has been definitively ruled out, with the 27-year-old attacker holding out for a transfer to Catalonia.

Barcauniversal.com

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LaLiga

“We All Make Mistakes!”: Szczesny Sports New Blonde Look With Barca Teammates

What is going on?!

Wojciech Szczesny is known for being a bit of a joker and has been having some fun on social media after seeing some of his team-mates show off new looks.

Gavi, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski have all gone blonde recently, and it looks like Szczesny has decided he wants a bit of the action as well.

He’s posted a picture of himself showing off a new blonde haircut with the caption “we all make mistakes….” and tagged his team-mates in the post.

It’s good to see the Barca boys having some fun as they prepare to get back to work for another season with the Catalans.

Szczesny will be back with the squad, after signing a two-year contract extension, but is expected to play back-up to new signing Joan Garcia.

In the meantime, we’ll have to wait and see if any more players decide to join Lewandowski, Szczesny, Yamal and Gavi in Barca’s blonde club.

Barcablaugranes.com

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LaLiga

Barca Captain Ter Stegen To Meet Flick After Deco Talks

Earlier today, FC Barcelona captain and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen arrived at the Ciutat Esportiva after his vacation as the team gears up for the start of pre-season on Sunday.

Ter Stegen returns with a cloud of uncertainty hanging over his future, considering that Barça have signed Joan Garcia to become their new No. 1.

The German international, though, has been firm on his refusal to leave the club despite the threat of being relegated to the third-choice goalkeeper behind Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny.

Ter Stegen to meet Hansi Flick tomorrow
Now, according to journalist Laia Tudel on Catalunya Radio, Ter Stegen is set to meet with Barcelona manager Hansi Flick tomorrow to discuss his future.

As per the update, the 33-year-old already met with the Blaugrana sporting director at the club facilities today and will speak with the manager on Friday.

Barcelona, for their part, are eager to offload Ter Stegen, given that they will be freeing up a huge chunk of their salary space.

However, at this point, the Blaugrana are not planning to take any drastic actions or extreme measures.

Instead, they will explain the situation to their captain and make it clear that there is competition for places, and he will have to fight to earn it.

Ter Stegen still has three years left on his contract with Barcelona and is willing to fight for his place in the team. The German’s idea is to revisit the situation and assess his prospects in January.

Tomorrow’s meeting with Flick will be crucial with regard to how the entire matter unfolds and whether Ter Stegen stays or accepts to move on from the club.

Barcauniversal.com

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