Looking for the latest Barcelona news? You have come to the right place! Compiled by Francesc Tomas, host of The Barcelona Podcast, here are the Top 5 Barca stories coming out of the Camp Nou today:
Has Philippe Coutinho signed for Barcelona? | Telegraph
Barcelona’s presumption they will sign Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho was taken to a bizarre extreme when the club’s kit manufacturer announced the Brazilian’s imminent arrival at the Nou Camp.
Sports giants Nike displayed an advert on their official online store on Saturday evening urging fans to purchase their Coutinho jersey for the remainder of this campaign.
It read: “Philippe Coutinho is ready to light up Camp Nou. Get your 2017/8 FC Barcelona kit with the Magician’s name on it. Act fast – free personalisation only available until January 6.”
Angel Di Maria to Barcelona talk grows but ex-Real Madrid man is not needed | ESPN
Di Maria was a divisive second choice to the Liverpool playmaker. In his favour was his relationship with important members inside the Camp Nou dressing room — international teammates Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano — and his versatility and quality in attack and midfield. But against him were two things: his Real Madrid past and his PSG present. Both of those factors, many felt at the time, were reasons not to sign him.
Barca were unable to thrash out a deal anyway. PSG wanted north of €60 million and the Catalans were not prepared to go above €45m at the time. More here.
Umtiti contract with Barca needs urgent review | Marca
The impact on the deal for Van Dijk has affected Barcelona in two ways with first the position of Coutinho, the star man at Anfield but now Liverpool may be ready to cash in to balance the books while, also the Catalan club need to examine Samuel Umtiti’s contract.
Umtiti, now injured until February, joined from Lyon in the summer of 2016 for 25 million euros. It was a modest deal with a buy-out clause of 60 million euros for a player that still had to prove himself but now the contract needs to be readdressed as he has become one of the top defenders in Europe. More here.
Barcelona Mid-Season Review | The Barcelona Podcast
Francesc and Dan focus on analysing the 2017/18 season so far, breaking down their most (and least!) favourite moments since Valverde’s arrival in the summer. Francesc is then joined by Jordi Getman and Galo Ortiz from Penya FC Barcelona NYC to discuss their incredible work to promote Barca’s greatness and vision in New York City. Your hosts close the show with their traditional Ronda of Quick-Fire Listener Questions.
Half a season without Neymar at Barcelona | Barca Blaugranes
Barcelona endured a difficult time this season when they bore witness to the most expensive transfer ever.
Neymar left for PSG for an eye-watering sum and many had expected Barça to struggle in the absence of the Brazilian. But have Barcelona actually suffered, if at all?
The answer is a murmured no. Yes, the Blaugrana have coped incredibly well and even thrived. Players like Jordi Alba have found their form, and Paulinho has added the necessary Samba into the mix. However, it’s not been as rosy as some would paint. More here.
Gremio demand €50M for Barcelona target Arthur | Goal
The vice-president of Gremio, Odorico Roman, claims Barcelona target Arthur will not be allowed to leave the club for less than his release clause of €50 million.
Earlier this month, the midfielder was forced to deny reports he has agreed to join the LaLiga leaders after he was photographed with representatives of the Catalan club. Arthur is a rising star and helped Gremio to the 2017 Copa Libertadores title, shortly after which he was snapped in Barca colours during a meeting with sporting director Robert Fernandez. More here.
You can subscribe to ‘The Barcelona Podcast’ on iTunes, Libsyn, Stitcher or via your preferred podcast app.
The Barcelona Podcast is brought to you by Francesc Tomas (as seen in ESPN, The Guardian) and Dan Hilton (Barcablog). Listen in for the hottest breaking stories from the Camp Nou!
