Barcelona transfer news LIVE updates from the Nou Camp
Monday, January 20
- Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar has contacted the Barcelona players
- The Brazilian star texted his former team-mates to ask about Quique Setien
- Sporting Lisbon are finalising a deal for Barcelona talent Abel Ruiz
- Barcelona have received some welcome news in their pursuit of Dayot Upamecano
Edinson Cavani request
PSG’s all-time record goalscorer Edinson Cavani has told the French giants he wants to leave, the club’s sporting director Leonardo has revealed.
The Uruguay international, who turns 33 next month, has found opportunities limited this season and is now keen to call time on his Parc des Princes stay.
Speaking after PSG’s Coupe de France win at Lorient on Sunday, Leonardo confirmed Cavani’s decision and said they had already turned down a bid from Atletico Madrid for the striker.
“It is also true that we had an offer from Atletico Madrid and we did not accept it. On a financial level, it was not high enough compared to the value of the player,” Leonardo said.
“We are listening (to Cavani). After that, I honestly don’t know how it will all end. Right now we are a little more distant from Atletico because we’ve not had any contact for the past few days. Today nothing is clear.”
Neymar WhatsApp
Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar has contacted the Barcelona players to ask about the arrival of manager Quique Setien.
Setien, who replaced Ernesto Valverde at the Nou Camp, kicked off his reign with a 1-0 victory over Granada courtesy of Lionel Messi.
And his appointment has drawn attention from Neymar.
Spanish newspaper El Confidencial claim the Brazilian superstar texted his former team-mates, including Messi, on WhatsApp to ask about Setien’s methodology and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
Neymar is known to fancy a return to Barcelona having grown frustrated with life in France since his 2017 move to PSG.
Abel Ruiz to Sporting Lisbon
Sporting Lisbon are finalising a deal for Barcelona talent Abel Ruiz.
Spanish publication Sport claim Ruiz, 19, is set to complete an 18-month loan to the Portuguese side with only a few formalities left to resolve.
Valencia and a few other clubs had shown interest in the centre-forward, who has scored twice and provided three assists for Barcelona B this season.
The two parties are still negotiating a purchase option and a buy-back clause but Ruiz is likely to arrive in Lisbon to complete a medical in the next few days.
His arrival could trigger Bruno Fernandes’ long-awaited move away from the club.
Dayot Upamecano admission
Dayot Upamecano is said to be a top target for Barcelona, who see him as a potential replacement for Samuel Umtiti.
RB Leipzig director Markus Krosche has claimed he would be shocked if Europe’s elite don’t come calling this month.
“Dayot is currently one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga, so it would surprise me if no clubs came knocking for him,” Krosche told Bild
“He’s certainly an attractive player for the big clubs in Europe but he can still take a few steps forward and develop with us.”
Boubakary Soumare boost
Boubakary Soumare wants to leave Lille.
The France Under-21 international has been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid in recent weeks.
And he’s been unequivocal in his desire to secure a move elsewhere – but not in the January transfer window.
“Yes, of course,” he told L’Equipe when asked if he wants to leave Lille. “I have already discussed with the coach. I told him very clearly. I have a very clear idea of where I want to go in my career.
“I want to do a full season here, yes. It is not time to leave – I don’t want to leave with regrets.”
