Lautaro Martinez: Barcelona hold off on race to sign Argentine this window

<p> Barcelona<span style="background-color: white; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px;">have decided not to pursue their interest in signing Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.</span></p><p class="mol-para-with-font" style="background-color: white; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; min-height: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Argentinian striker has been strongly linked with a move to the Nou Camp all year and is valued at around £90million by the San Siro club. </p><p class="mol-para-with-font" style="background-color: white; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; min-height: 0px; padding: 0px;">However, given the financial uncertainty at Barcelona, the Catalans have been unable to meet Inter’s asking price and have subsequently withdrawn from the transfer race. </p><p class="mol-para-with-font" style="background-color: white; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; min-height: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKV8qLThNL8f_28kzEpZrL3QE-uYODO5bTUeLzr341N1cLB3_8UF5zEpSxocaBPraXk5-xPmdwOOxDZPWokOMcpxgvG3Dgg7vLnfLl29iYMUvUUxuxyrOS5Rg_uMQki4I_wyGWUVrBlA/s634/33709122-8780225-image-a-1_1601278526225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKV8qLThNL8f_28kzEpZrL3QE-uYODO5bTUeLzr341N1cLB3_8UF5zEpSxocaBPraXk5-xPmdwOOxDZPWokOMcpxgvG3Dgg7vLnfLl29iYMUvUUxuxyrOS5Rg_uMQki4I_wyGWUVrBlA/s320/33709122-8780225-image-a-1_1601278526225.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="mol-para-with-font" style="background-color: white; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; min-height: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="mol-para-with-font" style="background-color: white; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; min-height: 0px; padding: 0px;">The La Liga giants will, however, continue to look to fill the void left by Luis Suarez - who completed a controversial £5.5m move to Diego Simeone's side after being told by Ronald Koeman he was no longer required.</p><p class="mol-para-with-font" style="background-color: white; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; min-height: 0px; padding: 0px;">Martinez would have been an ideal replacement for Suarez as he scored 14 goals in Serie A last season and found the net once again on Saturday to help his side triumph 4-3 over Fiorentina.</p><p class="mol-para-with-font" style="background-color: white; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; min-height: 0px; padding: 0px;">Martinez did originally have a £100m release clause in his contract but that option expired in July.</p><p class="mol-para-with-font" style="background-color: white; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; min-height: 0px; padding: 0px;">Inter are now asking for a minimum of £73m for their striker and will refuse to accept additional players as part of the deal, according to <a class="class" href="https://m.calciomercato.com/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" style="color: #003580; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: -0.01em; margin: 0px; min-height: 1px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Calciomercato</a>.</p><p class="mol-para-with-font" style="background-color: white; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; min-height: 0px; padding: 0px;">Despite initially vying for the 23-year-old's signature, Barcelona knew that if they met Inter's asking price, they wouldn't be able to strengthen in other areas prior to the transfer deadline of October 5. </p><p class="mol-para-with-font" style="background-color: white; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; min-height: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ideally, Koeman would like to add depth at centre-back and right-back before the summer window closes. </p><p class="mol-para-with-font" style="background-color: white; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; min-height: 0px; padding: 0px;">As a move to Spain is now off the table, Martinez looks set to stay at the San Siro for another season. </p><p class="mol-para-with-font" style="background-color: white; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; min-height: 0px; padding: 0px;">Martinez's contract is due to expire in 2023, but it seems likely that the striker will agree new terms with the club.</p><p class="mol-para-with-font" style="background-color: white; font-family: graphik, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -0.16px; margin: 0px 0px 16px; min-height: 0px; padding: 0px;">Barca have been linked with Lyon forward Memphis Depay, who Koeman managed at international level with Holland, as an alternative option for their forward line. </p>

Barcelona Sport Suarez Lautaro Martinez: Barcelona hold off on race to sign Argentine this window

 Barcelona   have decided not to pursue their interest in signing Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez. The Argentinian striker has been str...

Read more »

Koeman: It seems like I'm the bad guy in this Suarez story, but it wasn't me

<p> <strong style="font-family: sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ronald Koeman has played down Lionel Messi's reaction to Luis Suarez's move to Atletico Madrid.</strong></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSaa2cSsrQTcMRfguro_3m8Gv7MJxEQUevE2hGGcLHJnAwLVahEoNQpxj5RAwnHwaS1sT57-om1_Wjh9qxMRZteS8dQKmFqCuEHYq_vDUuOsa0lJx2vonHaNeRM3v2NlPbLj5UzWp_70/s1296/r750930_1296x729_16-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSaa2cSsrQTcMRfguro_3m8Gv7MJxEQUevE2hGGcLHJnAwLVahEoNQpxj5RAwnHwaS1sT57-om1_Wjh9qxMRZteS8dQKmFqCuEHYq_vDUuOsa0lJx2vonHaNeRM3v2NlPbLj5UzWp_70/s320/r750930_1296x729_16-9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">The new Barcelona boss has allowed the striker to leave the club this summer, although he admitted it wasn't all his own decision.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"It seems as though I'm the bad guy in this film because, behind my call to Luis Suarez, I've shown respect towards him as a person and a player," Koeman said during Saturday's pre-match press conference.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"I told him that if he stayed it would be difficult for him to play, but that if he stayed he'd be part of the group.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"Before I signed, the club had already made some decisions and I've supported those decisions.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"It wasn't just up to me.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"It's normal that Messi is sad when one of his friends leaves the club.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"Leo has been an example for everyone in training and in matches.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"Not once have I seen him not ready for a season.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"He's shown great commitment. I don't have any doubts in that sense."</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">As for Suarez's replacement, Koeman admitted that Barcelona are in the lookout for opportunities to sign one before the window shuts.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"We're always looking for players to improve the team," the Dutchman said.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"It could be that the players we want can't [come] because of the club's financial situation, but I accept that and I knew it beforehand.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"We have lots of top-quality players up front.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"If the squad stays as it is, we'll have to accept it."</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">Riqui Puig is another player that Koeman has suggested should leave the Camp Nou in search of more game time.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"In Riqui Puig's case, there is lots of competition in his position," Koeman added.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"It's not true that he's not in my plans because he'll be in the squad tomorrow.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"It's nothing to do with his shirt number."</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">Unlike Riqui Puig, Ansu Fati is set to play a major part in Barcelona's first team this campaign.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"Ansu Fati is a great talent," Koeman said.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"Few players at his age show this level.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"He's young and has to learn things but, if he's made his international debut, it means something.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"He's a player for the future for the club, although it's impressive that he's good enough to play for the first team at his age."</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">Philippe Coutinho has returned to Barcelona following his loan spell at Bayern Munich and Koeman is looking forward to having him at his disposal.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"Coutinho can play perfectly well as a No.10 or on the left wing," he said.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"He's a player that likes to help the team defensively.</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"He's got a good shot on him, he plays well in space...</p><p style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; margin: 22px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px;">"I like him and let's hope he succeeds at Barcelona this season."</p>

Koeman Sport Suarez Koeman: It seems like I'm the bad guy in this Suarez story, but it wasn't me

  Ronald Koeman has played down Lionel Messi's reaction to Luis Suarez's move to Atletico Madrid. The new Barcelona boss has allowed...

Read more »

Messi says He is fed up with Barcelona following Suarez departure

<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvVbpjN0N7d4LYn8zXvp8Pw2HgkHh6WwD3i008E97JfuUfi6rkFM9BQE6xAQ9zvySoCNcMma8RO4tsiqNk5aob0tCSGlzLZaYb8nbG5mhDy2oAFReV30nKEVpknoyhhQGzBoM79OIPTo/s696/images-21-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="696" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcvVbpjN0N7d4LYn8zXvp8Pw2HgkHh6WwD3i008E97JfuUfi6rkFM9BQE6xAQ9zvySoCNcMma8RO4tsiqNk5aob0tCSGlzLZaYb8nbG5mhDy2oAFReV30nKEVpknoyhhQGzBoM79OIPTo/s320/images-21-3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></strong><p></p><p><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></strong></p><p><strong style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Lionel Messi says Luis Suarez deserved a better send-off from Barcelona but that he is “no longer surprised” by the club’s behaviour.</strong></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.74; margin-bottom: 26px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Suarez</strong> has joined Atletico Madrid after being told he was not in new Barca boss Ronald Koeman’s plans.</p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.74; margin-bottom: 26px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Earlier this month, Messi said he would stay at Barca despite wanting to leave because he felt he had no option.</p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.74; margin-bottom: 26px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">In a post on Instagram, Messi paid tribute to Suarez, saying it will be “strange” to see him “with another shirt and much more to face you”.</p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.74; margin-bottom: 26px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">“You deserved a send-off matching who you are – one of the most important players in the club’s history, achieving important things both as a group and individually.</p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.74; margin-bottom: 26px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">“Not to get thrown out like you have been. But the truth is at this point nothing surprises me.”</p><div class="golde-advertisement_2" id="golde-1207405205" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><amp-ad data-ad-client="ca-pub-8063376950556629" data-ad-slot="4372241110" data-auto-format="rspv" data-full-width="" height="320" style="box-sizing: border-box;" type="adsense" width="100vw"><div overflow="" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></div></amp-ad></div><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.74; margin-bottom: 26px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Uruguayan Suarez scored 198 goals in 283 games to become the third highest goalscorer in Barcelona’s history.</p>

Messi Sport Suarez Messi says He is fed up with Barcelona following Suarez departure

  Lionel Messi says Luis Suarez deserved a better send-off from Barcelona but that he is “no longer surprised” by the club’s behaviour. Suar...

Read more »