Ajax defender Sergino Dest has opened the possibility of joining Bayern Munich when the current season comes to a conclusion. The right-back made his breakthrough with the Dutch champions at the beginning of the current campaign and he has already contributed eight assists from 32 appearances for the club.
Former Premier League striker Noel Wilson believes Tottenham Hotspur should make the move to sign out-of-favour Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona this summer. The Brazilian is currently on a season-long loan at Bayern Munich where he has impressed with seven goals and eight assists, but the German champions are not expected to take the option to buy for £102m.
Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal has refused to speak on his future with Barcelona ahead of the New Year. The Chile international has been used sparingly from the starting lineup at the Blaugrana and there have been claims that he could head through the exit door in January amid his mixed relationship with manager Ernesto Valverde.
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde has said that the Blaugrana have a good chance of winning the Champions League this term. The Spanish giants recently played Inter Milan in the final group stage game on the road and they managed to register a 2-1 triumph despite resting a number of senior players.
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi believes the club should handle Ansu Fati’s progress in such a way that he is not pressurised to perform. The 16-year-old made his debut for the Catalan giants earlier this season and he has already made a mark with a couple of goals against Osasuna and Valencia while starting the Champions League clash at Borussia Dortmund.
Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has acknowledged that he would have loved to see Neymar make the return to the Camp Nou during the summer transfer window. The Brazil international was heavily tipped to rejoin the Spanish champions from Paris Saint-Germain but ultimately, the Blaugrana were unable to strike a suitable deal with Les Parisiens.
Speaking to Spanish outlet Sport, Messi admitted that he would have welcomed the return of Neymar at the Camp Nou despite the attacker’s unceremonious departure a couple of years ago. He added that the Brazilian’s arrival would have enhanced the club’s prospects of meeting their objectives for the season but that was not meant to be.
Brazil international Philippe Coutinho has admitted that things did not work out at Barcelona and he is now focused on succeeding with Bayern Munich. The Brazil international recently joined the Bavarian giants on a season-long loan from the Blaugrana but the Munich giants have the option of landing him on a permanent basis.
Speaking during his unveiling, Coutinho acknowledged that he did not have the best of times at the Camp Nou and he is looking to make amends after making the switch to the Bundesliga holders, he said: “Concerning Barcelona, things didn't work out the way we wanted. But that's the past. This is a new club, a big club, an important club. I hope I'll be here for a long time and win lots of titles.”
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has praised the Blaugrana’s recruitment of Frenkie de Jong and Antoine Griezmann this summer. Jong was signed by the Spanish champions in January itself but the terms of the agreement meant that he would only join the club at the start of the summer transfer window. On the contrary, Griezmann’s switch from Atletico Madrid was more straightforward after the forward’s £108m release clause was triggered earlier this month.
Speaking to reporters, Iniesta hailed the qualities of De Jong and stated that the Dutchman can provide the benchmark for the club’s performances from the centre of the park. Elsewhere, the 2010 World Cup winner also praised Griezmann, who made the switch to the Camp Nou after many years of speculation, he said: “De Jong is an exceptional signing, an upward leap for the club, young, very talented and, if all goes well, will be a benchmark for the Barcelona midfield. I have said it before, Griezmann is an exceptional player, who knows La Liga and the team-mates he is going to have at Barça, so everything indicates that his career as a culé will be positive.”
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has said that Ousmane Dembele has the credentials to become a better player than Neymar and the club are prepared to stick with him for the long haul. The France international has struggled to make a huge impression for the Blaugrana since his £93m move from Borussia Dortmund but the Camp Nou giants are nonetheless keeping their faith in the forward.
Speaking to reporters, Bartomeu said that Dembele was recruited from Dortmund by viewing his potential and the Blaugrana are prepared to watch him grow into a world-class performer. When asked further about the futures of Dembele and Philippe Coutinho, Bartomeu added that the duo remains fundamental to the club’s plans for the forthcoming campaign, he said: “Dembele is young, talented, different. I consider him to be better than Neymar, he has a lot to grow, and we want him to do it here. Dembele and Coutinho are a fundamental part of the squad for the coach.”
Brazilian defender Filipe Luis has said that the return of Neymar to Barcelona would be considered as a shock, although it should benefit the Spanish champions. The Brazil international has experienced a mixed set of fortunes since making the world-record move to Paris Saint-Germain two years ago and he has recently been tipped to head back to the Camp Nou.
Speaking to Globo Esporte, Luis said that he has no idea regarding the future of Neymar, who has bowed out of Copa America duty due to injury. He added that Neymar’s potential return to the Blaugrana can be regarded as a huge shock, though he should prove a great signing for the Catalan giants.
