Josep Maria Bartomeu and the rest of Barcelona’s board of directors are set for a busy 2017, with a number of tasks already awaiting them when they return to work.
Firstly, there are a few Blaugrana contracts to renew, the most important of which are those of Lionel Messi and Luis Enrique. Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez is also on the hunt for a right-back to provide an alternative to Sergi Roberto.
Alexi Vidal has hardly featured, so Darijo Srna might arrive in the winter transfer market while Joao Cancelo could remain a long-term target.
Controversial Aurier in Enrique’s wishlist
The rise of Thomas Meunier at PSG has put a question mark on Serge Aurier’s future at PSG, and if the reports from L’Equipe are to be believed, then there is a good chance that the full-back leaves PSG this summer. According to the French newspaper, Barcelona have been in contact with the player’s entourage regarding a move to the Catalan club.
The Spanish giants have experienced a dangerous vacuum on the right flank of their defence since the departure of Dani Alves to Turin, and with neither Sergi Roberto nor Aleix Vidal doing an adequate job, the club’s purchase of a right-back is imminent; few could fill that gap like Serge Aurier. The Ivorian is one of the best right-backs on the planet today, with exceptional play on both ends of the pitch.
Another Samuel Umtiti
The papers continue to report a link between FC Barcelona and youngster Dayot Upamecano. The Red Bull Salzburg man is regarded as the “new” Samuel Umtiti, meaning a young French defender who adapts to the Barcelona way quickly, that is according to a new report by Edu Polo and Fernando Polo for Mundo Deportivo. Upamecano’s adaptability could be bolstered by the fact that his manager currently is former Barcelona youth coach Oscar Garcia.
His contract is up in 2018, so the timing could be right for Barcelona to make a move, unless Juventus, rumoured to also be interested, pounce first.
Turan will not go anywhere
The Chinese have been shelling out an obscene amount of money on superstars and one Barcelona man who continues to remain on their radar is Barça number 7, Arda Turan.
Last week’s print of Turkish newspaper Fanatik reported Guangzhou Evergrande’s interest in Arda, mentioning a potential salary of a whopping €18 million, which is a huge upgrade on his current paycheck.
However, Turan committed his future to the Blaugrana in his latest interview. “I am very happy in Barcelona. I have a contract until the age of 33. I am in the greatest club of the world. What more can I say?” He said.
Bernardeschi given new contract
Fiorentina are said to have offered Barcelona’s potential January target Bernardeschi a new contract to remain in Florence, one that comes complete with a buyout clause worth an eye-watering €100 million (£85.3 million), per Italian outlet Calciomercato.
In any case, the 22-year-old’s first-team opportunities in Catalonia appear slim as well, as Lionel Messi, Neymar and Suarez make up Barca’s front three, and Fiorentina will look to keep hold of their star with a new bumper contract.
Veratti not for sale
The agent of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has said the reported Barcelona target is “not for sale.” Verratti’s representative, Donato Di Campli, told Italian station Radio Crc any suitors would need to pay a massive fee in order to acquire his client’s signature:
“Verratti to leave PSG? It is a repetitive question. I repeat—it would have to be an offer out of reach for any Italian club. I think he is not for sale,” he said. “Inter? Most big clubs are thinking about him, but the problem is that he is already at a big club and one that does not want to part with its champions.”