Gundogan to Barca and Neymar rumors!
Yes, it is confirmed that Barcelona has agreed with Manchester City to sign Ilkay Gundogan as a free agent.
One of the most asked questions around social media and ticketing platform queries on platforms such as Seatsnet was whether the move would happen.
It was rumored for a long time – ever since City won the Premier League and now, a month later, it looks like the Catalan fans finally have some good news.
Gundogan, 32, has agreed to a two-year deal with Barcelona, with an option for a third year. He turned down offers to extend his stay at Manchester City and proposals from Arsenal and clubs in Saudi Arabia.
The deal is pending the results of a physical, which Gundogan underwent on Wednesday. Barcelona’s financial situation led them to explore the free agent market, and they identified Gundogan as a target earlier this year. Manchester City was reportedly unwilling to match Barcelona’s financial offer and would only extend a one-year contract with an option for a second.
Gundogan’s arrival at Barcelona aligns with coach Xavi Hernandez’s desire to improve the team’s creativity and goal production from midfield, especially after missing out on Lionel Messi. It can be termed a significant announcement after all that Barcelona has gone through in the last two years, and the impact of the Gundogan signing is already showing.
The La Liga champions now have a surplus of inquiries for next season’s fixtures and ticket prices, reports trusted ticket retailer Seatsnet.
Barcelona values Gundogan’s versatility in the middle of the pitch, particularly his ability to play a more profound role. However, sources indicate that the club is still looking to bring in a direct replacement for departing midfielder Sergio Busquets.
Gundogan leaves Manchester City after captaining the team to a historic treble, including their first Champions League trophy. He scored 11 goals in 51 appearances this season and left the club with five Premier League titles and 14 trophies.
Neymar back?
Reports suggest Neymar, the PSG forward, is eager to return to Barcelona this summer. The Brazilian winger left Barcelona in 2017, transferring to the French capital for a record-breaking fee of £198 million. Despite PSG’s aspirations to achieve Champions League glory with Neymar leading the way, the club has fallen short, with their only final appearance in 2020.
Consequently, PSG has given Neymar the green light to seek a new club, and he has expressed his desire to return to Barcelona, as reported by Sport.
However, there are obstacles to overcome in making this deal a reality. Barcelona manager Xavi, who won the Champions League alongside Neymar as a player in 2015, recently stated that bringing the Brazilian back to Camp Nou is currently a low priority.
But a signing from the Brazilian will always be overwhelming, and fans would be excited to see him back. Experts from Seatsnet, trusted football tickets reselling platform, indicate that if this happens, it could also see a spike in ticket sales by at least 5X.
Barcelona lost a little goodwill in not getting the paperwork to Messi on time, forcing him to choose Inter Miami. Ticket demand saw a slight upward surge on Seatsnet when the Messi speculation was on, only to hit the usual level after he announced the Inter Miami move.
Neymar could be a fitting consolation.
Furthermore, Barcelona’s financial situation poses a significant challenge, making it nearly impossible to afford a permanent transfer for Neymar. Last summer, the club had to employ various financial measures to secure signings such as Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Jules Kounde.
The uncertainty surrounding their budget this year contributed to Lionel Messi’s decision to reject his former club and join Inter Miami.
Nonetheless, a loan deal for Neymar cannot be completely ruled out, as it could serve the interests of all parties involved. PSG is actively seeking ways to offload the immensely talented forward, and a temporary return to Barcelona could offer Neymar the opportunity to reunite with familiar surroundings and revive his career at a club where he experienced immense success in the past.
Tottenham advancing in talks for Clément Lenglet transfer
According to a report from Diario SPORT, Barcelona, and Tottenham Hotspur have made progress in their recent discussions regarding the transfer of Clément Lenglet, and they are now closer to reaching a full agreement for the French center-back’s permanent move to North London.
The main point of contention in the negotiations has been Lenglet’s high salary from his original contract with Barcelona. While Tottenham is keen to keep the player, who had an impressive loan spell last season, they are reluctant to take on his salary and pay a significant transfer fee on top of it.
Barcelona’s primary objective is to offload Lenglet’s wages before July 1st, when the new league season begins, and his salary would impact the club’s financial books. This adds to the complexities of Barcelona’s task of reducing their wage bill while simultaneously improving the team.
The report suggests that Spurs would sign Lenglet to a new five-year deal, despite his current contract with Barcelona until 2026. In return, Barcelona would accept a nominal transfer fee of €5 million to finalize the agreement. The Catalan club is willing to agree to these conditions, and the only remaining obstacle is Lenglet’s decision to accept the terms offered to him.
Overall, both Barcelona and Tottenham are making positive strides in their negotiations for Lenglet’s transfer, and a resolution seems within reach as long as the player agrees to the proposed terms.
Barca divided on Zubimendi
The division within Barcelona’s hierarchy regarding the pursuit of Martin Zubimendi continues to create uncertainty. While manager Xavi views Zubimendi as a critical target and sees him as a potential successor to Sergio Busquets, sporting director Deco reportedly prioritizes more financially viable options. This difference in approach reflects Barcelona’s ongoing financial challenges as they seek to balance their wage bill while strengthening the squad.
Despite Arsenal’s failed bid for Zubimendi earlier, Barcelona’s hesitation presents another club’s opportunity to enter the race. The midfielder’s consistent performances in La Liga have attracted widespread attention, and his potential availability next summer could spark renewed interest.
As the situation unfolds, Barcelona will need to find a consensus among its decision-makers to determine whether the pursuit of Zubimendi aligns with its financial constraints and long-term vision. The coming months will reveal whether Barcelona decides to move for the talented Real Sociedad midfielder or opt for alternative targets that fit their budget.
Barca is still World Class says Laptora
Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s positive demeanor suggests he is pleased with the reported signing of Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City. Laporta, who has been seen in public, responded enthusiastically with a thumbs-up when asked by fans about Gundogan’s potential move to Camp Nou.
Speaking briefly to reporters, Laporta touched on transfers and expressed confidence that Barcelona remains an attractive destination for top players. He stated, “We have been working extensively to strengthen the team. The transfer window is progressing well, and that’s all I can disclose now. I must emphasize that world-class players still prioritize joining Barcelona.”
Laporta’s optimistic remarks indicate his belief in the club’s ability to attract high-caliber talent despite their challenges. Barcelona’s efforts in the transfer market will likely continue as they seek to reinforce the squad and regain their competitive edge.
Barca will play Juventus, Arsenal, and Real Madrid in their pre-season friendlies. Ticket options for these matches are already available on Seatsnet.