1. Arthur Melo
Arthur has reportedly agreed to join Barcelona in January 2019, according to Mundo Deportivo. Barca now need to ensure Gremio, who own 60% of the youngster’s right, agree to their initial offer, believed to be in the region €25 million. The Barcelona board and staff see Arthur as a great way of adding fresh blood to the ageing Blaugrana midfield.
2. Should Barcelona be worried about recent poor results?
Join Francesc and Dan as they debate whether Barcelona’s recent results as worrying as the vast majority of Cules seem to believe. Francesc is then joined by the great Adil @Barca19Stats to discuss the latest Barca news. The show ends with La Ronda of Quick-Fire Listener Questions. Subscribe via Apple Podcasts iOS App, the Android Google Play App or Spotify to make sure you never miss another episode – and then head over to Patreon for plenty of exclusive content, including early access to Episode 62: Will Dembele flop at Barcelona?
The Brazilian playmaker spoke to the Catalan media: “I have come to Barça to win titles. It is a pride and honour to play for the club. I have come here to write my own history. Barça gives me the chance to play with the best and win titles, which has always been my greatest ambition. I am gradually adapting to a different way of playing and training. I’m working hard for things to go right on the field. I’ve been surprised by the enormous quality of the whole squad, but most especially by what a great group of people they are and all they have done to welcome the new arrivals.”
Umtiti’s contract expires in July 2021 but, given his recent performances, it is clear a renewal is now overdue. The French international, who currently has a release clause of merely €60M, is reportedly demanding a yearly of €6M to put pen to paper. Having already attracted interest from major European clubs such as Manchester United, Barca better not rest in their laurels and finish contract negotiations with Umtiti as soon as possible.
5. Barca feeling the effects of their Copa exertion | Marca
Ernesto Valverde may be in his first season as Barcelona coach but he is fouling fall of a familiar theme as the new year begins, with their efforts in the Copa del Rey having an effect on the LaLiga title race.
For some time now, the Blaugrana have been well clear atop the league table and yet two draws in quick succession, against Espanyol and Getafe, led to Andres Iniesta stating on the weekend that this period of the season is always tough. History suggests that this occurrence should be of little surprise, however, given that the Blaugrana’s ability to compete on several fronts often wears them out.
Join Francesc Tomas and Dan Hilton as they discuss the hottest breaking stories from the Camp Nou! Listen via Apple Podcasts iOS App, the Android Google Play App or Spotify.
