Barcelona are expected to announce the signing of Croatian international Ivan Rakitic later on this week. Rakitic will move from Sevilla for a fee of around £16.2m and become part of Luis Enrique's new-look Barcelona team. Rakitic, who is preparing to face Brazil in the World Cup opening match this Thursday, has agreed personal terms with Barca and is just awaiting the clubs to agree the final figure and conditions of the transfer. Upon completion, Barca are expected to commence with Cesc Fabregas' transfer to whichever club he chooses. The Croat is expected to cost the Catalan club around … [Read more...]
Fabregas nears Chelsea switch
Cesc Fabregas is close to completing a £30m move to Stamford Bridge following Barcelona's decision to sell the Spanish international. The Blues are the favourites for Fabregas' signature after former club Arsenal rejected the chance to re-sign him. There was an option in Fabregas' contract that Arsenal would have the first option to buy the player if Barcelona were willing to sell, but Arsene Wenger has refused to take up the offer. Instead it appears as if Chelsea are holding off Manchester City and United in the race to sign Fabregas. Jose Mourinho has openly admitted that he is interested … [Read more...]
Costa passes Chelsea medical ahead of £32m move
Diego Costa has undergone a medical with Chelsea ahead of a heavily-anticipated £32m transfer from Atletico Madrid. The Spanish striker scored 32 times as Madrid won La Liga and reached the Champions League Final in a fantastic season at the Vicente Calderon. Costa was part of the Madrid team that knocked Chelsea out in the semi-finals of the Champions League, and even scored from the penalty spot in the 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge. He has been linked with Chelsea for months and looks set to end the speculation over his signing if he completes personal terms with the club. The deal looks set … [Read more...]
Can Spain succeed without Diego Costa?
If recent rumours are to be believed, Diego Costa’s ongoing injury may ensure he is not included in Spain’s final World Cup roster. The Spanish national team coach, Vicente Del Bosque, has said that all players traveling to Brazil must be 100% fit by June 2nd, something that now seems impossible for Costa. After the past year of confusion and debate over Costa’s switch to Spain, his omission would seem strange and highly unexpected. However, could his absence be a blessing in disguise for Spain and their hopes of repeating as World Champions? … [Read more...]
Is Luis Enrique the Right Choice for Barcelona? They better hope so.
Barcelona wasted no time in appointing Luis Enrique as their new manager. As a former player, captain, and coach of Barcelona B, Enrique seems like the perfect hire to ensure Barcelona returns to its winning ways. However, his C.V. doesn’t necessary mean success is guaranteed; the coaches’ graveyard is littered with epitaphs of managers who seemed destined for success. In today’s game there are too many factors involved and too many unknowns for success to be a given for any manager. … [Read more...]