Let's talk transfers
In their ongoing discussions for Koundé, Barça pull off an ace!
Even when the deal between Sevilla and the English club appeared to be all but done, FC Barcelona drew a trump card in Las Vegas to edge over Chelsea in the race for Jules Koundé. With Mateu Alemany coming up with a plan that the Sanchez Pizjuan likes very much, Barça have now entered the picture.
According to a report from the highly knowledgeable Helena Condis of Radio COPE, Barcelona's chances of landing Sevilla center-back Jules Koundé are improving and the Catalans are "increasingly optimistic" they will be able to do so.
Condis claims that Barça will make a formal offer of more than 50 million euros to Sevilla in the next hours, and that the player's desire to play at Camp Nou is the key factor in boosting Barça's confidence about the likelihood of a deal. Koundé has decided to wait for the Blaugrana for "sporting reasons" after speaking with Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel and Barça manager Xavi Hernández. The 23-year-old has consistently preferred the Catalans to transferring to England, and now that Barça has officially entered the race, things appear to be moving quickly towards a resolution.
Koundé may already be a member of the Barça team, according to more knowledgeable sources like Javi Miguel of Diario AS and Gerard Romero, and an official announcement might come at any time. This is indeed exciting news for all Barca fans; after the official announcement of signing Robert Lewandoski another big signing might be just around the corner.
Reports suggest Frenkie De Jong is willing to accept a pay reduction to remain at Barcelona following a discussion with Xavi
According to a report from Diario AS, Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong met with coach Xavi Hernández on Sunday in Las Vegas to talk about his future with the team. According to the report, which cited sources in the locker room, Xavi made it clear from his and the club's perspectives that while Frenkie is a popular player and would be welcome to return for next season, he is currently making extremely high wages and must try to accept a salary reduction to help the team's finances.
However, Frenkie De Jong is unwilling to leave, and following their conversation on Sunday, Xavi, the club believes De Jong is aware of the situation and is willing to accept a drastic pay reduction of about 50% in order to stay at Barça.
Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski's arrival at Barcelona has raised some questions about Memphis Depay's future there. According to Diario Sport, Tottenham have already spoken with Barcelona about a transfer and are prepared to spend €17 million for the Dutchman. Memphis is currently valued at €20 million by Barcelona, but given that his contract expires in the summer of 2019, the club might be open to accepting a little lower price. Memphis would want to remain at the Camp Nou but is prepared to move if minutes are difficult to come by in the upcoming season.
The 28-year-old is rumoured to be open to waiting for alternative offers because he isn't crazy about returning to the Premier League and there may be interest from Serie A clubs. Richarlison, Fraser Forster, Ivan Perisic, and Yves Bissouma were just a few of the players that Tottenham acquired during the summer transfer window. Prior to the 2022–23 season, Clement Lenglet also left Barcelona for Spurs, but it is not yet known if Memphis would follow the defender to north London.
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