SETTABLOID

FC Barcelona is on the cusp of signing a deal worth upwards of $1.4 billion according to SPORT, which cited anonymous sources.

Nike has been the Catalans’ kit sponsor since 1998, but a relationship spanning more than a quarter of a century appeared to be on the outs earlier this year.

Barca reportedly believed it was being underpaid by the American sportswear apparel firm, and a feeling that Nike had breached its contract also led to the La Liga giants trying to rescind the deal as President Joan Laporta revealed on his podcast back in March.

“We told Nike that, based on some breaches that for us were flagrant, we were terminating the contract,” Laporta explained.

“They had 45 days to compensate us, but they did not do it and we communicated that the contract was terminated, to which they responded with precautionary measures that we have responded to and now we are seeing the solution to these measures.”

“They have tried to improve the contract, but they have made efforts that are not enough because we know that the market pays more,” added the Blaugrana leader Laporta, whose outfit has been continually linked to Puma throughout the furore.

“In this sense, we are civilized, and working with all the options we have. We are convinced that we will have the best contract in the world.

“We are open to everything, but we cannot have a contract much lower than what the market pays. It is our responsibility as executive directors of the club to secure the best contract,” Laporta stressed.

A judge then ruled that Barca had to see out its Nike terms set to expire in 2028, which could have effectively forced both parties to head to the negotiation table if Laporta’s antics hadn’t worked in pushing Nike to improve its renewal offer out of fear of losing arguably its biggest client.

Perhaps we’ll never know, and it appears that what happened in the past will become relevant as Nike and Barca are “about to sign” a new 10-year arrangement according to Nike.

The Catalan paper says that it will be worth anything from $114 to $130.5 million a season, but what is also of great interest to the club and its fans in an immediate sense is a reported $108.7 million signing on fee aside from the total value of the deal possibly hovering around the $1.4 billion mark without considering bonuses for good results.

This is because such a fast cash injection is badly needed by Barca in its bid to navigate Financial Fair Play and possibly return to the 1:1 rule, which Laporta touched on during the most recent episode of his podcast where he discussed why Xavi was fired and Real Madrid’s signing of Kylian Mbappe.

Balancing the books before June 30 could give new manager Hansi Flick a boost in the transfer market, and perhaps help him bring in a big star or two to compliment what he called an “amazing” squad when unveiled a week ago.

According to a report from MARCA, Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet, who spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Aston Villa, has turned down two offers from Saudi Arabia because he wants to stay in Europe.

It is no secret that Barcelona want to resolve Lenglet future soon. For the past two years, he has been on loan to different clubs – most recently at Aston Villa, who have decided not to buy him permanently.

Interestingly enough, Lenglet had two promising offers from Saudi Arabia for the next season, but he chose to reject both.

The same situation occurred last season when he also had opportunities to play in the Saudi Pro League but decided against it as it is said that Lenglet’s preference is to continue playing in Europe at a high level.

Lenglet wants Premier League action

Lenglet’s goal is to keep playing in the Premier League or join a team that will compete in European competition next season.

Lamine Yamal has been arguably the biggest rising star in La Liga this season, establishing himself as a first-team regular for Barcelona at the age of just 16.

Despite little experience at the highest level, Yamal has racked up 7 goals and 10 assists in 50 competitive appearances this term, establishing himself as a trusted attacking option for Barcelona.

Yamal, though, has had his fair share of ups and downs during the course of the campaign. While praises have flown in, with some even comparing him to Lionel Messi, the forward has received criticism as well.

Lamine on comparisons to Messi

In a recent media interaction, Yamal has opened up about the comparisons with Messi and criticism from the press, suggesting that it is better to just focus on oneself.

“In the press, one day they say you are the new Messi and the next day they say you should stop playing,” said Yamal (h/t FCB World), who is currently preparing for the upcoming European Championship.

Yamal will be the youngest player in the Spain squad that will look to clinch the Euros for the first time since 2012.

The 16-year-old, in fact, is one of few Barcelona players selected for Spain’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024. He will travel to Germany alongside the likes of Ferran Torres, Pedri and fellow La Masia sensation Pau Cubarsi.

Adding to his point about media chatter, Yamal added that it is better not to listen to critics and focus on individual qualities.

“The best thing is to focus on yourself and your work, and only think about what the coach, who really wants to help you, and your colleagues are saying,” he said.

Reflecting on the season that went by with Barcelona, he added: “I had very high expectations, because not winning a title in Barcelona is a difficult thing. I think we’ve had a lot of ups and downs, especially in La Liga.

“We did not know how to be consistent. To win the Spanish League, Champions League, Copa del Rey or Spanish Super Cup you have to be consistent, and that’s what we lacked.”

Yamal will be hoping to make a substantial impact for Spain in Euro 2024, though he does face stiff competition from Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal and Nico Williams.

Pablo Torre will soon return to FC Barcelona after a mixed loan spell at La Liga club Girona. The 21-year-old finished the season with a goal and two assists in 29 matches in all competitions, while starting only four La Liga games in total.

Torre’s stint with Michel’s side has not been a roaring success, but the youngster did get some much-needed exposure in the first division and now returns to his parent club with an uncertain future.

A new lease on life for Torre under Flick?

Barcelona signed Pablo Torre from Racing Santander in 2022, beating Real Madrid to his capture, thanks to Xavi’s intervention as he personally spoke to the youngster to join the Catalans.

However, the club legend did not count on the young midfielder much in his debut season, as Torre played just 13 times in all competitions.

Furthermore, reports suggested that Xavi did not plan on including the 21-year-old Spaniard in his plans for next season had he continued as manager.

But, as per SPORT, Torre could be given a chance to stake a claim at Barcelona under the new management of Hansi Flick.

What plays in Torre’s favour compared to Xavi’s period is that Flick tends to play with attacking midfielders in his preferred 4-2-3-1 system.

And this is the ideal position for the youngster, in which he can develop all his talent. After all, the 21-year-old brings much more to the table while playing in an advanced midfield role, where he can make the best use of his vision, final pass, and finishing ability.

No shortage of competition

The ‘problem’ for Pablo Torre is that there are many teammates in Barcelona who can get more out of this position.

Pedri, for example, is one of them, with Flick already viewing the Spaniard as a key piece of his project.

On top of that, there is also Fermin Lopez, who could be one of the main candidates to play behind the centre-forward after a fine breakthrough season with the first-team setup.

Sergi Roberto has been a hot topic in Barcelona circles lately, with questions arising as to whether or not the club will be able to extend the veteran’s contract.

Earlier in the year, Barcelona had almost guaranteed a contract renewal to Roberto, owing to his performances and influence in the dressing room.

However, following the exit of Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona’s operation to renew the contract of Roberto has slowed down. Doubts have also started to arise on whether or not the club have the financial capacity to do so.

Roberto ready to wait for Barcelona

After a period of deliberation, Sergi Roberto appears to have made a decision on his future, reports Diario SPORT.

It seems the Spaniard is ready to wait for Barcelona to sort out their economic problems and appears willing to settle for any adjustment to his contract, if necessary.

Roberto has always had his heart set on another season at Barcelona. The veteran understands his role in the dressing room and following the appointment of a new coach, his role could be more vital than ever.

Ready to consider offers

At the same time, however, Roberto is not completely killing the idea that he might not be able to renew at Barcelona.

Should the club fail to propose an offer, Roberto will be ready and has vowed to listen to any offers that come his way.

Roberto has received interest from a host of clubs across the world. But the veteran had not considered those offers, as he had his heart on a prolonged stay at Barça.

The situation has changed now and Roberto will consider offers from other clubs, thereby creating a way out, should Barcelona fail to renew his contract which expires at the end of this month.