Barcelona transfer news: Messi urges club to sign City starlet, Busquets reveals Iniesta exit plans and more - 13th February 2018
Lionel Messi wants club to sign Pablo Maffeo
The right-back has been on loan at La Liga side Girona FC since 2016 and the move could finally pay dividends for the 20-year-old. Don Balon states that Lionel Messi is impressed by the Catalonia-born player and wants him at Camp Nou next season.
The youngster has racked up 46 appearances for Girona and the Barcelona no.10 believes that Maffeo could solve the right-back problems. Summer signing Nelson Semedo is yet to convince in the position and current incumbent, Sergi Roberto, is primarily a midfielder.
Thus, Maffeo is expected to be the successor for Dani Alves but will not come on the cheap as per the report. The City starlet is expected to cost around €25 million, a steep price for a player unproven at the biggest stage. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola is building a strong young core at the Etihad and will prefer to hold on to top talent than sell.
Thus, it could prove to be an important tussle between two clubs whose ambitions collide in the form of the Champions League.
Justin Kluivert talks about potential Barcelona move
The 18-year-old broke into the Ajax first-team last year and has established himself as a key player this season. Despite his age and carrying a legendary family name, the Dutchman is already making a name for himself in the Eredivisie and is consequently being linked with a move abroad.
Now, the youngster spoke about how and where he would like to play in England and said:
"If you get a nice offer, you never know. England appeals to me: Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea or Manchester United are nice clubs where I can see myself playing in a few years."
The forward was asked whether he would follow in his illustrious father's footsteps to Camp Nou or he would join Real Madrid and he replied:
"Everywhere I go abroad they know my father, he often asked: 'Come to Barcelona, I'll give a tour of Camp Nou. I really wanted to go to Barcelona instead of Real Madrid. Barcelona is in my heart, but who am I to say no to Real Madrid?"
Justin's contract expires in June of next year and it could prove to be pretty difficult for Ajax to keep him. Meanwhile, he could prove to be a brilliant long-term solution for the likes of Messi and Luis Suarez.
Sergio Busquets reveals club's FIVE summer exits
The 29-year-old is one of the longest-serving players at Barcelona and a vital cog in Ernesto Valverde's system. Now, the defensive midfielder has come to know regarding the summer exits, as per Spanish news outlet, Don Balon. The Spaniard has shared the information with his close friends, as per the report and it involves a surprise name in club legend Andres Iniesta.
This comes as a genuine surprise, for the 33-year old had just signed a 'lifetime contract' last October. However, the rigours of marauding up and down the pitch at the elite level are taking its toll and the talented midfielder is looking to move on in the summer.
Among the rest are Andre Gomes and Denis Suarez, who have struggled to prove that they have a future under Valverde and are expected to be sold, as per Busquets. Further, Aleix Vidal is set to join the exodus despite the increased opportunities in recent months. The final exit as per the report is that of striker Paco Alcacer who has struggled to push Suarez for a starting spot and is wanted by several Premier League clubs.
These exits will trim the wage bill for the Blaugrana to continue their rebuilding in the summer as Valverde puts his stamp on the current squad.