SETTABLOID

Barcelona are desperate to sign a new left winger in the summer, given that they currently have no natural option there for next season. They’ve been linked with Nico Williams, Dani Olmo and Porto’s Pepe in recent weeks, and now a new name has emerged at the top of the pile: Luis Diaz.

According to MD, Diaz is the most-desired option for Barcelona officials. They believe that the Colombian international would be very interested in joining from Liverpool during the transfer window.

A deal would depend on Barcelona’s financial situation. If they can raise enough money to return to La Liga’s 1:1 return in the summer, then the chances of a deal being pursued will drastically increase. For now, a plan is in place for that eventuality happening.

Liverpool would likely demand a very significant fee to part ways with Diaz, and there have been questions over his end product over the last 12 months. Given that he’s also 27, it would surely make more sense for Barcelona to go for Williams instead, also taking into consideration that he would probably be cheaper.

Barcelona are on the hunt for a new forward, with an emphasis being laid on the left-wing position.

The Catalans are eyeing a dynamic winger who can take on defenders, as they recognize their lack of options on the left flank.

To that end, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has long been in the club’s crosshairs.

The Georgian winger has reportedly dreamed of donning the Blaugrana jersey and his absence from the Champions League next season has strengthened links.

PSG’s entrance in the race complicates matter

Now, La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Mundo Deportivo) have published a report stating that Paris Saint-Germain are rumoured to have entered the race to sign Kvaratskhelia.

PSG, set to enjoy financial freedom after parting ways with Mbappe, are said to be offering €80 million for Kvaratskhelia, his current valuation at Napoli.

However, Aurelio De Laurentiis, the president of Napoli, is keen to keep him on board and is contemplating raising his salary to €4 million a season along with adding a release clause.

Whatever the result, the financial implications of this seem daunting for Barcelona, who are bound to struggle to match those numbers during these trying times.

Other alternatives

Although Kvaratskhelia’s arrival seems improbable, Barcelona are still interested in tricky wingers like Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, and Xavi Simons.

Simons arguably possesses the highest chance of joining Barça this summer, considering he has the option to choose his destination on loan and is eager to reunite with his boyhood club.

His strengths in midfield and as a left-winger also appeal to coach Xavi Hernandez, who would be open to signing the youngster.

Time will tell how Barcelona intends to shore up their attacking options, but they will continue to evaluate their options until the transfer window swings open.

France Football cancelled the Ballon d’Or ceremony in 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and it’s thought that then-Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski would’ve won the award

Robert Lewandowski could finally be given the Ballon d’Or – four years after missing out on the chance to win it because of Covid-19.

During the height of the global pandemic, organisers France Football decided that the award wouldn’t be handed out for 2020, as multiple leagues and competitions had been curtailed. The Bundesliga and Champions League restarted over the summer, however, and Lewandowski was the talisman for Hansi Flick’s treble-winning Bayern Munich side.

As superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo had endured relative down years, while Kylian Mbappe and Neymar lost to Bayern in the Champions League final, the Pole would’ve been considered a shoo-in to win his first ever Ballon d’Or. What’s more, Lewandowski finished the calendar year with a staggering 47 goals in 44 appearances, the most in Europe.

The award was back up for grabs in 2021 and despite Lewandowski enjoying another remarkable 12 months which included notching a record-breaking 41 goals in 29 Bundesliga games, Messi won his seventh Ballon d’Or in a hotly-debated decision. During his speech, Messi even declared: “Robert, you deserve your Ballon d’Or.”

Three years on his loss, Lewandowski could be honoured with a retrospective win when the 2024 ceremony takes place in October. According to Spanish newspaper Sport, France Football are considering award the 35-year-old with the Ballon d’Or for 2020.

It’s claimed that there’s currently an investigation into Messi’s 2021 win, as the Argentine had recently signed for Paris Saint-Germain and was playing in the city where the historic French magazine is based. 2020 remains the only year which the Ballon d’Or hasn’t been awarded ever since inaugural winner Stanley Matthews took home the prize aged 41.

Lewandowski, now of Barcelona, recently said that it’d be a ‘great honour’ to win the award retrospectively. “Of course I would have liked to receive the Ballon d’Or award,” the Poland captain told Sport Bild last month.

“It’s not that I’m angry or wistful because this trophy is still missing. But my feeling is that it would have been my turn in one of the two years.”

Lewandowski added: “I’ve heard that there are rumours about a retrospective award for 2020. This year was outstanding for me, I was at my highest level, we won everything.

“Let’s put it this way: If I were to receive the Ballon d’Or 2020 four years later, I certainly wouldn’t play offended – it would be a great honour and I would accept the award.”

 

Barcelona take back control of second spot

Barcelona leapfrogged Girona to move back into second spot in the table with victory over Real Sociedad that boosts their chances of finishing as runners-up.

A lovely goal from Lamine Yamal opened the scoring, after some great work from Robert Lewandowski and Ilkay Gundogan, before Barca finally finished it off late on with a penalty.

There was also a first clean sheet in a month to boost Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s chances of winning the Zamora trophy again.

Barcelona have been guilty of letting games slip in recent weeks but it wasn’t the case on Monday night. They may have had to wait until the 93rd minute for a second goal but Xavi was satisfied after the game.

“We have been aggressive in high pressure. We have adjusted very well. And then, in attack, we have been quite good in getting the ball out,” he said. “We have created many chances and, in general terms, I am satisfied.

“We have to prepare for the Almería game. But the good thing about today is that we depend on ourselves to finish second and for the club it is important.”

A glimpse of life without Araujo

Xavi left Ronald Araujo on the bench against Real Sociedad and opted for Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi as his two center-backs for the game.

It might be mischevious to suggest it, but you couldn’t help but wonder if Xavi was thinking about life without the Uruguayan amid speculation he could be sold this summer.

Xavi’s official explanation was that Araujo needed a rest, which is fair enough, but he did also point out the competition for places in central defence.

“We have a tight schedule, with three games in three days and we do rotations, which are also good for group competition,” he told the media ahead of kick-off.

Cubarsi and Martinez didn’t look entirely comfortable, particularly in the first half, but ultimately came away with a clean sheet and all three points.

The win also made it 14 games without defeat for Xavi’s side without Araujo in the starting XI. That’s 11 wins and three draws sans the Uruguayan.

We all know selling Araujo would be a huge call by Barca as when fit he’s one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Yet the simple fact is Barca are well served for defenders and Araujo could command a large fee which could be used to patch other holes in the squad. Barca have a big decision to make.

Raphinha offers a reminder amid transfer talk

All the talk ahead of the game had been about possible moves for Nico Williams and Dani Olmo and a ‘solution’ for the left side of the attack.

There’s also been a fair bit of speculation about Barcelona trying to offload Raphinha for a big fee but he showed once again on Monday night how effective he can be.

Raphinha had several chances to score before he did finally put the nail in La Real’s coffin from the penalty spot late on to seal all three points.

That’s now five goals and four assists in his last ten matches in all competitions for Barcelona – a very healthy return indeed. He’s also now into double figures for goals and assists for the second season in a row for the Catalan giants.

The question about Raphinha’s future was put to Xavi after the game and drew the following response.

“I have already said many times that we will decide at the end of the season,” he said. “I’m happy with how he helps the team, makes differences. He is a very dynamic footballer that I like.”

Whether he stays or goes, there’s no doubt Raphinha has plenty to offer and perhaps has’t received the credit he deserves during his time at Barcelona.

When Vitor Roque was signed by Barcelona last summer from Athletico Paranaense in a deal worth €61 million (including add-ons), there was a lot of excitement surrounding his imminent arrival.

When the 19-year-old did arrive in Barcelona during the winter, fans were naturally expecting great things from Roque. But things have hardly gone according to plans.

The Brazilian wonderkid has hardly gotten a run in the team under manager Xavi Hernandez, who has constantly overlooked the teenage striker in favour of others like Marc Guiu and Ferran Torres.

As such, rumours of a loan exit have been picking up pace of late but his agent, Andre Cury, remains firm – either the Brazilian stays at Barcelona or leaves on a permanent transfer.

Barcelona could sell for €40-45 million

Now, Javi Miguel of AS reports that if an offer worth €40-45 million were to arrive in the summer, Barcelona would consider the sale of Vitor Roque.

It has become abundantly clear that Xavi does not count on Roque as seen by the fact that he has hardly called on the young striker even when there has been a need for goals.

Now, AS states that the fact is that the reports provided by the coaches to the Sports Commission leave little doubt that Roque is not a player for Barcelona and that his profile is not the ideal one to compete for a place in the Blaugrana forward line.

As such, if a good offer in excess of €40 million were to come along, Barcelona would no longer be against a sale.

No shortage of interest

As reported earlier today, Roque is attracting interest from Inter Milan, who are eager to reinforce their attack in the summer.

Furthermore, there is also interest from FC Porto, who are said to be in talks for the Brazilian, with there being reports of a potential player exchange involving Roque and his compatriot, Pepe.

Contrary to last season, the primary point of discussion at Barcelona headquarters is the acquisition of an astute defensive midfielder.

The Catalans recognize that the absence of one largely led to their downfall this season, and in an attempt to rectify that, a number of options have piqued Barcelona’s interest.

Topping the list are Martin Zubimendi and Joshua Kimmich. The pair are highly regarded at Barça, but as of now, the signing of Kimmich seems more feasible due to a few factors.

Kimmich’s decision will come soon

Indeed, as per SPORT Barcelona eagerly anticipates the definitive verdict regarding Kimmich’s future.

The player will decide in a month after consulting with the administration of Bayern Munich, and if he decides to leave, Barcelona is poised to be his first-choice destination.

Alongside the player’s personal inclination towards Barcelona, the club harbours a strong sense of optimism regarding the acquisition of Kimmich.

Due to his contract expiring soon and the need for talks with Bayern, the transfer fee is not anticipated to be a major barrier.

While the main issue appears to be the midfielder’s salary, this obstacle can be overcome by putting in place a long-term contract, which will enable a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Barcelona well-placed to sign another defensive midfielder

Indeed, the arrival of Guido Rodriguez is close to completion, with reports arguing that Xavi Hernandez has already given his seal of approval.

The soon-to-be free agent will arrive on a two-year contract with an option for 12 more months, and he will merely be Oriol Romeu’s replacement.

As such, his signing will not imperil the arrival of Joshua Kimmich or, for that matter, any other top-quality pivot that may enter the club’s radar.

The powers that be at La Liga giants Barcelona are hopeful of receiving a number of big-money proposals for a star member of the club’s backline this summer.

That’s according to Diario Sport, who point towards Ronald Araújo as the player in question.

According to journalist Roger Torello’s report in Mundo Deportivo, RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simon is determined to return to Barcelona this summer and for that, he is willing to do everything in his power.

FC Barcelona enter the final stretch of their La Liga EA Sports campaign with a clear objective. Finishing second is now feasible and within reach, it simply depends on how Barça themselves perform. However, with Barcelona now facing a formidable Real Sociedad side, La Blaugrana will need to be at their best.

Here is how Barcelona could line up against Real Sociedad.

Expected Lineup:

Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

There is little to no doubt about who will start in goal for FC Barcelona. Despite some shaky performances as of late, the German goalkeeper remains the undisputed starter for La Blaugrana.

Right-back: Jules Kounde

The Frenchman continues to provide stability and good balance on the right flank. His versatility has been a massive gift for La Blaugrana, and Xavi may choose to continue counting on it.

Centre-back: Ronald Araujo

It seems likely that Xavi will once again entrust Ronald Araujo to lead the Barcelona defense against a formidable Real Sociedad side. Despite his occasional errors, the Uruguayan remains Barça’s most intimidating defender for opponents.

Centre-back: Inigo Martinez

Recent reports have suggested that Xavi may finally turn to Inigo Martinez to aid the team in this final stretch of the season. This would also give some breathing room to Pau Cubarsi, who can finally have some rest, and a veteran Spaniard can take his place.

Left-back: Hector Fort

After recent speculation about the defensive fragilities on the left-back position, it may be time to give Hector Fort a chance. The 17-year-old Spanish fullback possesses a balanced profile that can provide Barcelona a good defensive outlet as well.

The Danish defender-turned-pivot has become an instrumental part of Xavi’s Barcelona. His physical presence, coupled with his technical expertise, allow Barça to play with much more confidence and composure.

CM: Ilkay Gundogan

In terms of seniority and experience, Barcelona have no midfielder more proven than the German veteran Ilkay Gundogan. One of his best seasons at a personal level in terms of his statistics, he will want to keep helping the team reach their objective.

CM: Pedri

While there may be a strong case for Fermin Lopez to start this game, it must also be considered that penetrating through La Real requires a superior creative outlet that can outplay them. That is where Pedri comes in, who just so happens to be one of the best in the world at doing such a thing.

In terms of producing magic on the field, the teenage sensation that is Lamine Yamal rarely disappoints. Already at the age of 16, this left-footed young pearl has shown he can take Barcelona on his back and single-handedly change the entire outcome of games.

Centre-forward: Robert Lewandowski

The Polish striker seems to have found his shooting boots again, albeit a little too late. Despite that, Xavi’s team will need their target man to step up and deliver if the right opportunities present themselves to him.

Left-winger: Raphinha

The Brazilian winger has enjoyed a much-improved spell of form in recent outings, irrespective of what the final results of the games may have been for the collective group. However, with him in-form, it would be unreasonable to leave him out of the starting eleven.