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Newcastle United are reportedly set to rival Barcelona in the race to sign former La Masia prospect, Alejandro Grimaldo, from SL Benfica. According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Barcelona are set to face competition from cash-rich Premier League outfit Newcastle United in the race to sign Alejandro Grimaldo from SL Benfica this summer. Grimaldo came through the ranks at Barcelona’s La Masia academy and made close to 100 appearances for the club’s B team. However, with no clear pathway to the senior side, the 26-year-old left-back decided to leave for Benfica in 2016, where he has thrived.

Grimaldo has been a consistent performer year in and year out for Benfica since his arrival. He has made 249 appearances for the Portuguese giants, registering a return of 19 goals and 50 assists. The Spaniard enjoyed a positive 2021/22 campaign in which he was directly involved in 15 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions. Grimaldo’s current contract with Benfica expires next year, and the 26-year-old has decided not to sign an extension, leading to speculations over his future. Given that they could lose him for nothing in 2023, the Portuguese club could be open to selling the left-back this summer itself, alerting several clubs, including Barcelona and Newcastle United. Continue reading ”                NEWCASTLE RIVAL BARCELONA FOR ALEJANDRO GRIMALDO SIGNING”

Catalan giants Barcelona will finish the current La Liga season with an home game against immediate past Europa League champions Villarreal this weekend. Barcelona are unbeaten in their last four La Liga games and they would be hoping to extend it to five La Liga games when they play hosts to the Champions League semifinalists at home.

Barcelona have had an average season by their high standards and they will finish the season without a silverware for the first time in almost two decades. The Catalans started the season with Dutch manager Ronald Koeman in charge of the first team before he was replaced by club legend Xavi Hernandez after a poor run of results in all competitions. The club has enjoyed stability under Xavi since his appointment towards the end of last year. Barcelona were in mid-table when Xavi was appointed and he has been able to take them to second spot on the league table in a matter of months. Ahead of the final league game, Barcelona have sealed second spot. Continue reading “BARCELONA TO FINISH SEASON AGAINST VILLARREAL”

At this point, it is a well-known fact that Barcelona are keen on signing a new, prolific striker in the summer transfer window. The Blaugrana are intent on landing a marquee attacker who can be the face of the rebuild under Xavi Hernandez and have been long linked with Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland.

But with chances of signing him looking bleak, the attention has shifted to Bayern Munich superstar Robert Lewandowski. The 33-year-old is entering the final year of his contract at the Allianz Arena and is keen on a new challenge, with a move to Barcelona being touted heavily.
Continue reading ”                     BARCA EYEING 22-YEAR-OLD AS LEWANDOWSKI ALTERNATIVE”

Sergio Busquets has been in top form of late and has been an integral figure in Barcelona’s revival under Xavi Hernandez. While the veteran star is still going strong, he is at the stage of his career where his game-time needs to be managed carefully.

With no proper cover for the 33-year-old in the position, Xavi has had to play him relentlessly, with little rest in between. Given the packed fixture schedule, it might affect Busquets’ fitness and, in turn, his longevity. Continue reading “BARCELONA PREPARE 3-MAN SHORTLIST TO REPLACE BUSQUETS”

It is no news that Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona need to sign a proper defender this summer to bolster their ranks. The Catalan giants are now well-packed in attack following their January winter transfer window business, while also having a solid midfield to compliment it. However, they have been too vulnerable in defense and they have been tipped to sign proven defenders to strengthen their back line, something they look to have turned to.

The Camp Nou outfit are set for a major defensive overhaul in the upcoming transfer window, with left-back one of the main areas of focus for the club. As things stand, the Blaugrana have Jordi Alba as their first-choice left-back with no other senior player to cover for him. Alejandro Balde has not been called upon much by manager Xavi Hernandez and there is a possibility that he could be loaned out next season. Continue reading ”                    BARCELONA SET SIGHTS ON DEFENDER SIGNING THIS SUMMER”