The preseason is underway, and the transfer market is hot. Therefore, here are the latest transfer news regarding Barça, from our friends at @barcacentre.
According to ‘sport‘, Valverde would like his squad to be complete in the next seven days. There will be two more signings and four departures that should bring in a lot of money. Firpo is a priority for the left-back position as long as Real Betis lower their demands.
More complicated is the attacker who Barça want to sign. Barça are close to selling Malcom and the idea is to sell Coutinho too before the window closes. If this happens, Valverde would like one more player in attack to complete the squad and Neymar is the chosen one.
IN: Will Firpo be the new left back?
According to ‘MD‘, Éric Abidal and his assistant Ramón Planes have a meeting scheduled with Valverde this week to discuss several open issues related to the preparation of the squad. The left-back position has the highest priority right now. Firpo and Alaba convince Valverde the most.
However, Barcelona do not want to pay a fortune for Firpo and David Alaba is very expensive which means a complicated puzzle must be solved. Abidal and Planes have other alternatives.
One of those alternatives is Philipp Max (25), who stands out for his offensive qualities. Another player who Barcelona have good reports on is Darmian (29), whose contract expires next year. Manchester United could sell him for less than 10 million euros.
Grimaldo (23) and Martín (22) have been ruled out. About Firpo, he is interested in signing for Barcelona, but Real Betis, so far, have not received an offer from Barcelona.
Attacker: who will replace Malcom if he leaves?
More complicated is the attacker who Barça want to sign. Barça are close to selling Malcom and the idea is to sell Coutinho too before the window closes. If this happens, Valverde would like one more player in attack to complete the squad and Neymar is the chosen one.
Neymar and his entourage begin to get nervous. August is around the corner and there is still no advancement in Neymar’s signing for Barcelona.
However, Barcelona B forward Carles Pérez, who scored two goals against Iniesta’s Vissel Kobe, has parked offers to leave the club this summer. Pérez is focused on convincing Valverde to gain a place in the first team.
Pérez would accept a similar role with which Aleñá started last season. First team dynamics although also still registered for Barcelona B so when he does not enter the squad list for the first team, because he knows he will have tough competition, he will help Barça B.
The idea is that if Malcom leaves, his position will might be filled by Carles Pérez or Abel Ruiz. Valverde likes both forwards.
OUT: Malcom? Rafinha? Rakitic?
According to ‘MD’, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Everton and Napoli are looking into the signing of Malcom. Barça ask for around 50 million euros after signing him for 41 million euros a year ago. Everton and Borussia Dortmund have approached the figure that Barça want.
Furthermore, ‘Marca’ reported ttoday that Zenit St. Petersburg are interested in Malcom. Barça want 40 million euros for the Brazilian. An agreement is close. But, ‘MD’ said that there is yet to be an official offer from Zenit.
Valencia want to sign Rafinha, but press so that the payment is made under the formula €5m + €5m + €5m for the history of injuries accumulated by the player, who would sign for three seasons. Barça meanwhile, want the first payment term to be at least €10m.
In any case, Rafinha should have a new club before Barcelona’s tour to the US. Valencia, Milan and Fiorentina are options for the Brazilian.
So far, Barcelona have not received an offer for Rakitić. However, the club expect to have one on the table soon. Manchester United could go for him if Pogba leaves.
