.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United eye 17-year-old Barcelona jewel

Thursday, March 14, 2024 | 0 comment

                                                   

In Pau Cubarsi, Barcelona have unearthed yet another gem from their famed La Masia academy. Just 17 years old, the centre-back is already a regular under Xavi and even put in a Man of the Match display on his UEFA Champions League debut vs Napoli on Tuesday.

Naturally, his explosion has not gone unnoticed for the teenage defender is all set for his maiden call-up to the Spanish national team.


At the same time, clubs from outside are starting to cast admiring glances towards the teenage prodigy.


Arsenal, City, United, Chelsea all interested

Indeed, as per SPORT, Cubarsi is attracting interest from as many as four Premier League bigwigs in the form of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United.


The 17-year-old’s current contract with Barcelona runs until 2026 but comes with only a €10 million release clause, which has alerted the aforementioned Premier League clubs.


Manchester City have already scouted him, with reports in the past indicating that manager Pep Guardiola is a major admirer.


Meanwhile, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea are keeping a close eye on his movements. The Blues’ interest is not entirely new either for they made an attempt to sign Cubarsi before his renewal last year.


Cubarsi dreams of Barcelona



However, signing Cubarsi will be difficult for all the aforementioned clubs as Cubarsi dreams only of succeeding at Barcelona.


At the moment, the 17-year-old is living his dream of playing in the Catalans’ first team. As such, he does not think about anything else than becoming a key player in the team of his heart.


Furthermore, Barça have already communicated to the player’s agents that the intention is to improve his contract.


There is a good understanding between the two parties, so it does not seem difficult to reach an agreement once they sit down to talk. As such, despite the interest from a host of top English clubs, Barcelona have nothing to worry about as far as Cubarsi is concerned.

Barcelona wonderkid will earn first-ever national team call-up this week

| 0 comment


Barcelona teenage wonderkid Pau Cubarsi will be the big surprise in the squad list to be announced by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente this Friday, reports AS.

Furthermore, the Barcelona leadership is aware that the 17-year-old centre-back will receive his first call-up to the national team in two days’ time.


Tremendous rise in stature


It was just around two months that Cubarsi made his first-team debut for Barcelona, as a 16-year-old rising talent with immense potential.


Fast forward to March, the defender, now 17, has become a regular in Xavi Hernandez’s side, made his UEFA Champions League debut this week against Napoli and even put in a Man of the Match display on the night.


Cubarsi’s rapid rise at club level is now set to be mirrored at the international level as well. Reports of De la Fuente considering calling him up to the squad for the international break this month have been doing the rounds for a while.


Now, it appears that the decision has already been made and Cubarsi will be fast-tracked into the Spain senior setup despite his age.


Cubarsi was originally going to be called up to the U-21 national team, but his performance against Napoli has changed things.


The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) are keeping a tight lid on the matter and are not making any statements on the matter.


But the Barça leaders are already taking Cubarsi’s call-up for granted and are internally saying that it is more than well-deserved. “He will be Spain’s centre-back for many years to come,” they say within the club.


Spain will face Colombia (22 March) and Brazil (26 March) during this break, and Cubarsi could very well make his debut as a senior international.

Barcelona gem wins MVP against Napoli after dominant display

| 0 comment



The victory over Napoli was one that really boosted the confidence of Barcelona in great fashion. Not only did the Catalan giants manage to overcome their Italian opponents, but they managed to do so with a strong 3-1 scoreline. Beyond just Barcelona managing to find offensive opportunities, they were defensively strong as well.


The usual suspects in Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde continuously provided great cover to the their Blaugrana teammates. Moreover, Joao Cancelo persistently provided offensive depth and created a sense of danger on the left flank whenever he would travel upfield with the ball at his feet.


Yet, the most complete performance from a defender came from neither of these three names. Instead, it was 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi who constantly rose high, both literally and figuratively, and delivered a performance for the ages, both creatively and defensively.



Cubarsi even walked away with the MVP award from the game. Despite this clash against Napoli being his debut on the European stage, Cubarsi managed the game for Barcelona like a seasoned veteran with the legs of a young and hungry hound.


Playing the entirety of the 90 minutes and additional time, at no point did Cubarsi give Xavi a single reason to want to take him off. Instead, changes around him continuously took place but the 17-year-old remained on the field. With the 80 touches he had all game, Cubarsi truly made every action count.


Completing 61 passes with a success percentage of 90%, the Barcelona gem was precise. Moreover, he completed 9 out of his 15 attempted long balls, a few of which ended up creating some of the most dangerous chances that Barcelona conjured up. Moreover, he was not dispossessed a single time throughout the entire game.


Defensively, Cubarsi was just as unreal if not more. Coming up against a proven superstar like Victor Osimhen, many would have to keep their nerves in order. Cubarsi, on the other hand, was ready to show the Nigerian striker a defender who was neither intimidated nor short of better quality.


The 17-year-old won each of the three tackles he attempted, and also made 5 clearances across the game. Moreover, he had one interception and made 5 recoveries for Barcelona, some of them in very dangerous areas that could have created problems for Xavi’s team.


Furthermore, he even won all six of the duels he contested for with a 100% success rate, winning thrice on the ground and even winning all three of his duels in the air.


The footballing world is gradually going to realize his name, and it is indeed a special one. Many have tried to come into Barcelona and leave their mark as a Barça centre back, but few have possessed the DNA of the club and its philosophy as much as Cubarsi does. It is truly up to the imagination what this pearl’s true projection really is.


BARÇA NEWS Barcelona president holds talks with €120-140 million Liverpool forward’s agent

Monday, March 11, 2024 | 0 comment

 

With the transfer window not very far away, Barcelona are chalking out their plans for the summer with director Deco and president Joan Laporta both busy with various endeavours.


Earlier today, we reported that the Barcelona president had met with Pini Zahavi, the agent of Robert Lewandowski and managerial target Hansi Flick.


It appears that Laporta has been keeping himself quite busy having held a meeting with another agent recently.


Laporta met Luis Diaz’s representative


Indeed, as per reports relayed by SPORT, Barcelona president Joan Laporta met with, Carlos Van Strahlen. the agent of Liverpool forward Luis Diaz.


The Liverpool winger is making a good comeback after an injury that sidelined him for much of last season, and is now an undisputed starter under Jurgen Klopp, scoring eleven goals and providing five assists.


Diaz had been on Laporta’s radar before his move to Liverpool and it appears that the Barça president has not forgotten the Colombian international as he had dinner with his agent.


Move unfeasible


As per the report, Laporta is understood to have asked for the hypothetical figures it would take for Diaz to leave Liverpool for Barcelona.


In response, the agent is believed to have mentioned a mammoth figure worth around €120-140 million. Given the starring role he has in Liverpool’s project and the fact that his contract runs until 2027, the figure is not surprising.


Given Barcelona’s financial demands, reaching such a sum is out of the question and Laporta conveyed the same to Diaz’s agent. “It is unfeasible”, the Barça president is understood to have replied.


As mentioned earlier, Barça and Laporta were keen on Diaz in the past as well, while he was still at FC Porto. However, as the club president had revealed back in November 2022, by the time they made their move, the player was in advanced talks with Liverpool.


“There was practically no choice. When we arrived, he was a player that really interested us, but Liverpool already had very advanced negotiations with Porto,” said the president.


Now, given the figures likely to be involved, a move for Diaz this summer can be ruled out.

Barcelona beat Real Madrid, Man City to sign 18-year-old playmaker – report

| 0 comment

Barcelona beat Real Madrid, Man City to sign 18-year-old playmaker – report

Barcelona and Real Madrid find themselves butting heads in pursuit of almost every young and prodigious talent in Spain and outside.

Over the past few transfer windows, the Clasico rivals have warred over the signings of Pablo Torre, Endrick, and Arda Guler, among others.

Another young talent who piqued the interest of both the Spanish super clubs as well as Manchester City is Rayo Vallecano playmaker Marcos Parriego.


Parriego chooses Barcelona

And, as per a report from journalist Rodra P, Parriego has chosen Barcelona despite having offers from both Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Parriego still in his second year of youth football, has shone for Rayo this season. The 18-year-old from Soto del Real came through Real Madrid’s youth academy, playing there through the Alevín stage.

However, the white club decided to discard him, and he continued his training in Vallecas.

Now, despite having offers from both Manchester City and Real Madrid, the teenage playmaker has opted to sign for Barcelona, primarily for two reasons.

As per the report, the economic offer of the Catalans is much higher than those of Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Secondly, the sporting project presented by Barça happens to be more convincing. The cases of Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, and Gavi reinforce the club’s idea of betting on the academy and Parriego believes it would be easier for him to reach the first team of Barça than at Real Madrid.

Where does Parriego play?
As per the report, Parriego stands out for being a quality playmaker. Left-footed, the 18-year-old is one of those who can play freely all over the front line, and with the talent to make a difference from set pieces as well.

According to those who know him closely, this year the 18-year-old has made a leap forward in two differential facets: physique and character.

Thus, Barça have decided to go for Parriego with an offer that has beaten the attempts of Real Madrid and Manchester City. Los Blancos tried until the last moment, but have now given up on a player they had in their ranks and who will now wear the colours of their eternal rivals.

Barcelona monitoring five Manchester City stars who are unhappy with Guardiola

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 | 0 comment




 According to journalist Jose Alvarez on El Chiringuito TV, Barcelona are keeping tabs on the situations of as many as five Manchester City stars who are reportedly unhappy with Pep Guardiola.


The five players in question are Kyle Walker, Joao Cancelo, Aymeric Laporte, Ilkay Gundogan, and Bernardo Silva. Of the five names on the list, four of them, apart from Walker, have been linked with a move to Barça in the recent past.


Silva has been on the Blaugrana’s agenda for a while now. Attempts were made to sign him last summer, but the finances involved prevented the deal. He has not started in three of City’s last four matches in all competitions, which could be the reason for his reported unhappiness.


Given the club’s economic situation has not improved a great deal, there are doubts about whether Barça can pull off his signing next summer, but he continues to be linked.


A more realistic target for Barcelona could be Gundogan, whose contract with Man City expires at the end of the season. Recent reports suggested that the German star was in talks over a renewal, but the aforementioned update states he is not entirely happy with Guardiola.


As for Laporte, the 28-year-old has lost prominence at the Etihad this season as he has been sparingly used since returning from an injury. The Spanish international was linked with Barcelona in the past and could be an option for the summer.


Meanwhile, Cancelo’s future has become a topic of debate in recent times, with his involvement taking a hit post-World Cup. Clubs in Spain are said to be interested in the Portuguese right-back, a position that has been a problem for Barcelona for a while.


In that regard, Walker could also be an option for Barça as his contract expires next year, and has seen his game-time take a hit this season, especially in recent weeks. Indeed, the 32-year-old has played just 13 times so far, starting just two of City’s last six league games.


Considering Barcelona’s Financial Fair Play situation, signing top players who will seek a substantial pay packet will not be straightforward in the summer. For now, however, they are keeping an eye out on the situation of the aforementioned quintet at Manchester City.


Barcelona searching for FFP solutions to sign Brazilian prodigy in the summer

| 0 comment


 

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are already making serious advances in their pursuit of Athletico Paranaense striker Vitor Roque in the summer transfer window.


The 17-year-old Brazilian prodigy has been identified as one of the key targets for the summer transfer window at Camp Nou as they look to bring in a forward to provide some relief to Robert Lewandowski.


Reports earlier today suggested that the teenage sensation also wants to join Barcelona and the same information is reaffirmed by MD, who also state that despite interest from the likes of Chelsea, West Ham United, and PSG, Vitor Roque is leaning towards the Blaugrana.


Deco, Barça’s transfer adviser, has been endorsing the signing of the Athletico striker, who is currently representing the Brazil U-20 side at the South American U-20 Championship in Colombia.


Following Deco’s recommendation, Barcelona’s scouts have carried out a thorough assessment of Vitor Roque and believe that he has great potential and projection.


Furthermore, the 17-year-old’s agent, Andre Cury, is a former employee of Barça and sees the club as the ideal project for the teenager to continue his development and flourish.


Vitor Roque could cost Barcelona around €35-40 million, with the report stating that his agent has agreed with Athletico Paranaense that the payment can be made in three separate instalments of €10 million each in 2023, 2024, and 2025, plus the variables which could range between €5-10 million.


With all these details already on the table, the report states that Barcelona are now working on ways to sign the striker in the summer while not breaching La Liga’s Financial Fair Play regulations.


It is no secret that the Blaugrana’s financial situation is far from ideal due to which La Liga has placed several limitations and restrictions on how they can operate in the market.


And Barcelona are working on finding a way to adhere to those Fair Play conditions set by La Liga and sign Vitor Roque, who turns 18 next month, come summer.


17-year-old Brazilian wonderkid will push for Barcelona move, could cost €30 million

| 0 comment

 


Earlier this week, Barcelona director Mateu Alemany had a meeting with Deco to discuss the club’s strategy with regard to the South American market. Soon, reports emerged that one of the names discussed during the meeting was that of Athletico Paranaense striker Vitor Roque.

The 17-year-old centre-forward has been making waves with his performances for Athletico Paranaense in Brazil over the past year. In 36 matches for the club, Roque has seven goals and three assists, as he helped them reach the Copa Libertadores finals last year.

Currently, the youngster is representing Brazil at the South American U-20 Championship in Colombia, where he has netted three goals in two matches.

Barcelona, who have a scout following players at the tournament, have very good reports on Roque, reports SPORT.

Known fondly as ‘Tigrinho’, the 17-year-old forward is capable of playing as a No. 9 or on the wings and is known for his link-up play and tactical understanding of the game which belie his young age.

Barcelona, for their part, are convinced that Vitor Roque is a much more complete forward and boasts greater potential than fellow Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, who opted to join Real Madrid recently.

Barcelona had held an interest in Endrick, but ultimately did not decide to go for him, firstly because of the investment that was needed for a 16-year-old and also the fact that they believe Vitor Roque can be an even better signing for the club.

The report further adds that the 17-year-old striker will push to sign for Barcelona if they come through with an approach. Such a scenario means that the Catalans do not expect a bidding war for the young forward.

Athletico Paranaense, for their part, will demand a fee of around €30 million for their prized asset, but would be willing to accept the payment in three instalments over three seasons, which would make the operation much easier for Barça.

Vitor Roque will turn 18 years old next month and would be able to move to Europe in the summer. And, Barcelona seem ready to push for the Brazilian prodigy’s signing, with the player also open to moving to Catalonia, as per the report.

Barcelona, Real Madrid very attentive to the situation of €120m Chelsea target – report

| 0 comment


 

Enzo Fernandez was one of the breakout stars of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and has since been attracting strong interest from some of the biggest clubs across Europe, with La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid among his admirers.


The links to the two Spanish behemoths are not something new, although things had gone quiet on that front in recent weeks as it seemed like Chelsea would be signing the midfielder.


But, according to a fresh report from Record, Barcelona and Real Madrid remain very attentive to the situation of Fernandez even as Chelsea continue to make efforts to sign him from Benfica in the ongoing transfer window.


Barça have been following Fernandez from his days at Real Madrid and had an opportunity to sign him for a low fee a while back, but decided not to take up the chance.


The 22-year-old has made rapid strides and has developed into a key cog at Benfica since joining the club in the summer.


So, unsurprisingly, the Portuguese outfit do not intend to make it easy for any suitors to sign up the Argentine and are demanding that his entire €120 million release clause amount be paid.


That pretty much rules Barcelona out of contention considering the financial situation that the club find themselves in. The Blaugrana are in no position to sign any players this month and are unlikely to be able to spend huge money on new signings either.


So, it would be safe to say that Fernandez’s chances of arriving at Camp Nou this year are next to none.


A move to Chelsea, however, could still materialise, with the Blues said to be willing to offer €100 million plus a player in exchange. Real Madrid are also in the mix, although they have Jude Bellingham as their primary target for midfield.


So, Chelsea seems like the most likely destination for Fernandez at the moment. But, both Barcelona and Real Madrid are keeping a close watch on the developments surrounding his future.

Barcelona begin talks with Atletico Madrid for 29-year-old winger over summer deal

Thursday, January 19, 2023 | 0 comment



in the midst of speculations over Memphis Depay’s imminent move to Atletico Madrid, Barcelona have kickstarted their efforts to strengthen the squad.

One of their priority targets is Yannick Carrasco. Reports earlier in the day suggested that the Catalans have even considered him an ideal replacement for Depay. The club are even exploring the possibility of signing the winger on a loan deal this month.

However, according to Toni Juanmarti, Barcelona have opened negotiations with Atletico Madrid for Carrasco, not for the ongoing January transfer window, but for next season.

This is hardly surprising as Los Colchoneros appeared quite adamant in offloading the Belgian international in the middle of the season, especially after losing both Joao Felix and Matheus Cunha earlier on in the month.

But with Carrasco’s contract expiring in 2024, the club from the capital appear to be open to negotiations over the player’s potential exit at the end of the season.

The report suggests Barcelona have asked Atleti for a price for Carrasco. The winger already has offers from England, but the player is open to joining the Catalans, as he looks to take the next step in his career.

Aged 29, Carrasco offers vast experience at the highest level of football, having featured in almost 250 competitive matches at Atletico Madrid. He has also won 62 caps for the Belgian national team and is known for his versatility and creativity in the final third.

The addition of the former AS Monaco starlet could prove to be a good piece of business from Barcelona’s perspective. This is because the player offers significant skillsets to the table and will not cost a fortune, due to his contract situation at Atletico Madrid.

 
© Copyright 2024 FC Barcelona news All Rights Reserved.