Joan Laporta launches Barcelona campaign with Eric Abidal as assistant
Abidal, 35, played for Barça between 2007 and 2013 and made a successful return after undergoing a liver transplant in 2012. “Barça is more than a club and I wanted to carry on working and maintain a link to that,” Abidal, who would help oversee their transfer market dealings, said. Another of his tasks would be to ensure Barça’s La Masia academy, which produced Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi, remained the centre of excellence.
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Has Josep Maria Bartomeu agreed a deal to bring Isco to Barcelona?
Josep Maria Bartomeu insinuated that one of his trump cards in the election campaign was a top level Spanish midfielder, a player who is currently at a Spanish club in a transfer which would be announced in the run up to the Barcelona elections in July. Names quicky came out, with Koke, Vicente Iborra and Dani Parejo put on the table… but reports indicate Bartomeu is talking about none other than a player who plays for Barça’s eternal rival: Real Madrid’s Isco.
Angel Di Maria still doesn’t know which shirt he will be wearing next season. Currently playing in the Copa America, the Argentine only knows two things. The first, is that he still has a contract with Manchester United. The second, is that he would like to leave Old Trafford as soon as possible. And in this scenario, both the player and his agent have spent weeks looking for clubs at the top level prepared to pay what it would cost to do a deal with United. Barça are one of the clubs interested in a possible deal, with the response from Di Maria and his agent positive.
Koke to stay at Atletico Madrid despite Barcelona link – agent
“We are not surprised but flattered,” Koke’s agent Inaki Espizua said. “It’s great to hear these kinds of things, especially from a club like Barca, but right now the player’s position is very clear. He feels he is a key part of Atletico de Madrid’s plans for the future and I therefore have very little else to add.”
Adriano could leave Barcelona, admits agent
Paulo Afonso, the Brazilian’s representative, explained: “Adriano is very happy at Barcelona, he gets along well with everyone and has written true history there. But he wants to play, he wants more minutes, and that’s the only thing that could see him leave Barca. We are listening to offers and, when we meet with the player, we will get together with the club and find the best solution for both parties. He wants to have more minutes and to play for a Champions League team.”
It’s your turn
What do you think? Would you welcome ex-Real Madrid winger Di Maria at Barcelona? Do you trust Abidal as Barca’s new sporting director? I’d love to hear your views. Share your thoughts with our fellow Blaugranas in the comment box below.
