BARCELONA
Deal Done: Lionel Messi to return to Barcelona as both parties begin talks
Deal Done: Lionel Messi to return to Barcelona as both parties begin talks
As the summer transfer window approaches, Lionel Messi’s future is still up in the air as he must decide whether to stay at Paris Saint-Germain or go back to his beloved Barcelona.
The Ligue 1 champions in Paris want the 35-year-old to sign a new contract before the end of the current season. There hasn’t been a clear development since PSG’s sporting director Luis Campos announced last month that the club is in negotiations to extend Messi’s contract.
Barcelona wants the World Cup champion to come back, and the La Liga giants are in touch with Messi’s camp to talk about a future comeback, according to the Catalan club’s vice president Rafael Yuste.
“Leo and his family know the affection I have for them,” Yuste said via the Guardian.
“I participated in the negotiations which unfortunately did not lead to a certain result. I’ve always had and I have this thorn in my side that Leo couldn’t continue at our club. Messi knows how much we appreciate him. I would love for him to come back. We’re in contact, of course, with them.”
Messi is still one of the finest players in the world of football, if not the best, and the World Cup winner might be a huge asset to Barcelona. Is dropping the Argentine into that a sensible idea, though, given how well the Catalan club has performed in domestic competitions this year and how the team is progressing as a whole?
In 32 games this season, the World Cup winner has scored 18 goals and provided another 17 assists, without counting his outstanding play for Argentina.
Messi’s football destination for the upcoming season is still unknown, but he is likely to remain in Europe because it will keep him in the best shape possible for the Copa America in 2024.
In other news,BREAKING: Manchester United announces Mason Greenwood potential return date
Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao 1-0 – All Goals & Highlights – 2023
Barcelona put their off the pitch troubles behind them with a hard-fought win against Athletic Bilbao that sends them nine points clear at the top of La Liga.
It means they go into next week’s Clasico against Real Madrid knowing that if they win the game they will be 12 points in front with just 12 games left to play – Xavi will be very close to his first league title as a manager
It was the first match played after Barcelona were officially accused by the public prosecutor in Spain of paying a former referee to influence matches in their favor and there was a certain irony to this win coming thanks to two VAR decisions that went their way.
When they scored just before half time the flag was raised for offside but the goal was given on review. And then deep in the second half Iñaki Williams scored what looked like a brilliant equalizer but an earlier handball had been spotted and so after checking it pitchside Jesus Gil Manzano ruled the goal out.
BARCELONA
“I would love to “- Barcelona winger Raphinha sends Man United star controversial transfer message
“I would love to “- Barcelona winger Raphinha sends Man United star controversial transfer message
Barcelona star Raphinha has admitted he would love for Casemiro to make a controversial transfer move to the Nou Camp.
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro spent nine years at Real Madrid before joining Manchester United in the summer transfer window heading into the current season. He won three LaLiga titles and five Champions Leagues during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
He featured in 19 Clasico matches during that spell, winning nine games against Barcelona, losing six and scoring once. Barca and Madrid famously despise each other, with few players featuring for both teams over the course of their careers.
But Raphinha, who arrived at the Nou Camp in the summer, now wants Casemiro to become part of that special group. He has urged his international team-mate to join him in Catalonia as Barca prepare to host United in the Europa League on Thursday.
“I always say, I would love to have Casemiro on my team. In addition to his experience and what he has achieved in football, he is a great leader, a great person,” Raphinha told ESPN of his desire to play with Casemiro at club level.
Casemiro (Getty Images)
“He manages to complete a team with football, with the quality he has, with the defensive part he has, he is one of the best midfielders in the world. I prefer to avoid messages, pinpricks and such. Sometimes we talk, but nothing about football, we leave it to talk later.
“Before the game, let them concentrate there on their side, and I on mine, and tomorrow we’ll talk meet and catch up, but after the game. I believe in a very physical game, with a lot of contact.
“It will be a game of great quality, we are doing well in the league, they are also doing well in the Premier League. I think it will be a very good game to watch and play. Anyone who has the opportunity to watch it, I believe will be very satisfied.”
Casemiro will feature at the Nou Camp in the first leg of the knockout clash in a welcome boost for Erik ten Hag. The Brazilian has been ruled out of United’s last three domestic games but will come into the side to face Barca.
In other news, Four Man United star players missing from training ahead of Barcelona clash
(VIdeo) Goal Watch: Kevin De Bruyne gives City the lead after Tomiyasu erro
Arsenal have absolutely gifted City the opening goal.
Awful backpass from Tomiyasu, De Bruyne pounces with Ramsdale out of position and he lifts the shot into the empty net.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE GIVES MANCHESTER CITY THE LEAD OVER ARSENAL!!! WHAT A GOAL FROM KDB!!!pic.twitter.com/SedGQj7tLA
— Football Report (@FootballReprt) February 15, 2023
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