Valencia are considering making a shock move for Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, according to reports from Don Balon. Despite manager Gary Neville claiming that he does not intend to do too much business in the transfer market in January, it has not stopped Los Che being linked with a host of players. Given his knowledge on the Premier League, Neville is expected to look at players from English clubs if he is to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window and now according to surprise reports from Don Balon, it has been claimed that the former Manchester United star is planning … [Read more...]
More stars set to leave La Liga?
The likes of Angel Di Maria, Alexis Sanchez, Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Ander Herrara all made big-money moves from Spain to England in the summer but are any more La Liga stars heading to the Premier League in January? … [Read more...]
Barcelona close to Rakitic deal
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...]
Confederations Cup Final highlights Barça dilema
Spain's reliance on a core of F.C. Barcelona players in Fifa's Confederationa Cup, to maintain their style of play and dominance of the international game, would appear to have set back the doom mongerers that had brought about the end of the Catalan giant' golden era. Not only does la selección boast 9 players in the squad at the World Cup warm up tournament, but 7 are expected to start tonight's final. Facing la Roja tonight will be Dani Alves and the recently signed Neymar, taking Barça's presence in the showpiece up to 11 players. … [Read more...]
Five Star Barça Shine Without Messi
At half time at the Parc des Princes in Paris in midweek, the alarm bells were ringing for all who viewed F.C. Barcelona as a one man team. After sending an effort just past the top corner of the PSG goal, Lionel Messi pulled up and started rubbing his right knee and then hamstring. An innocuous knock on his standing leg as he shot had left the 4 time Ballon D'Or winner looking human. At the start of the second half, Barça took to the field with Cesc Fàbregas having replaced the mercurial Messi. The Catalans would take a 2-2 draw from the game, conceding a last kick of the game Matuidi goal … [Read more...]
FIFA Virus Affects Barça Plans For Vigo
F.C. Barcelona go into today's clash in Vigo against a Celta side that have been making noises in the Spanish media claiming it is the perfect time to face the League Champions elect. As much as the Catalans may see this as a lack of respect from the Galician outfit, circumstances going into the game would appear to back their claims up. … [Read more...]
Poor start continues for Sanchez
Quite how Alexis Sanchez merited a starting role against Celtic last night astounded those who have kept an eye on the Chilean winger's recent form as his woeful run continued. He lasted 59 minutes, wasting two wonderful chances, before Vilanova hauled him off in place of David Villa. In truth Villa contributed little to the dismal defeat in Glasgow last night but with six goals already this season, compared to just the single strike from Sanchez, he was surely discontent at facing another spell on … [Read more...]
Sevilla performance will keep Barca on their toes
David Villa popped up to score late on against 10 man Sevilla on Saturday and maintain Barcelona's 100% record in La Liga and the Champions League this season but only after coming from 2-0 down. Below par for much of the first half and the start of the second, the Catalan club were somewhat lucky to avoid a similar fate as rivals Real Madrid. Amid the poor start from Madrid, who they face next week, Barca had been running away with La Liga and seemed intent on punishing the capital side. Instead Villa's late goal ensured Barcelona exited the game which they could so easily have lost with … [Read more...]
The reign in Spain occurs mainly on the pitch
Last night Spain rewrote history as they became the first team to retain the Henri Delaunay trophy and in some style too as they thrashed Italy 4-0 in the Euro 2012 final and put forwards their claim to be the best team of all time. Vicente del Bosque's men won their third consecutive major tournament and in an invigorating, attractive way thanks to Silva, Alba, Torres and Mata goals. Spain strode out onto the Olympic Stadium turf riled by growing criticism of their play and a desire to change that. Their dominant and patient traditions of playing had been scrutinised and labelled … [Read more...]