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With a just under a month left to go till the start of the 2019/2020 La Liga season, clubs have understandably begun preparations in earnest, as they seek to consolidate the gains made last season.
Real Madrid have been the biggest players in the ongoing transfer market, with Eden Hazard’s arrival being the marquee signing of this season while a number of players have also departed.
Atletico Madrid have undergone a major squad upheaval, with established stalwarts like Diego Godin, Antoine Griezmann, Felipe Luis and Juanfran all leaving. The club has bought a number of players including Kieran Trippier, Joao Felix, Marcos Llorente and Mario Hermoso to fill in the void left by the core group of players.
Barcelona enter the season as defending champions and would be looking to consolidate on their crown while also making inroads on the continent.
So far, Antoine Griezmann's capture has been the major arrival, while the club continues to be linked with a mega return for Neymar.
In this piece, we shall be aggregating all the latest news and transfer rumours involving Barcelona.
Barcelona make £90m plus two players bid for Neymar
Having signed Antoine Griezmann, Barcelona turned their attention to former player Neymar who sent shockwaves around the world earlier in the summer when he made a desperate plea for Barcelona to sign him.
However given the high cost of Griezmann’s deal, the club cannot afford another marquee transfer, hence the need for a cut-price deal for the Brazilian international.
Reports by Sky Sports have revealed that Barcelona offered a £90m plus two-player bid for Neymar, with the players like Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele, Ivan Rakitic, Samuel Umtiti, Malcom and Nelson Semedo on the list.
PSG had earlier in the week said that Neymar was available for sale at the right price, but it is yet to be seen if they would accept Barcelona’s latest offer.
Barcelona identify Junior Firpo as Jordi Alba backup
Barcelona have addressed out most of the problem areas in their squad, but there is one weak link still left and this comes in the form of a lack of alternative to Jordi Alba at left-back.
The 30-year-old has impressed at Barcelona over the last seven years, but has been overworked due to the lack of options in his position.
With Ernesto Valverde seemingly not impressed with youngster Juan Miranda, the club have turned their attention to Real Betis left-back Junior Firpo.
The 22-year-old had his breakthrough campaign last season and garnered attention with his displays for Los Verdiblancos which have seen him emerge as one of the highest rated young defenders in the world.
He further boosted his reputation with his impressive showing in Italy as Spain triumphed in the European Under 21 championship and as such, Barcelona’s interest in him is understandable
Firpo has a buyout clause of €50m, but Barcelona are confident they can push through a deal for half that price as they seek to find a suitable alternative to Jordi Alba.
Liverpool are also reportedly interested in Firpo and the Blaugrana would have to act quickly if they are to secure his signature.
Barcelona loan Marc Cucurella to Getafe
Official reports from Barcelona have confirmed that the club have loaned out Marc Cucurella for the remainder of the 2019/2020 season.
The 20-year-old had spent last season on loan at Eibar, but just 16 days after his move to the club was made permanent, Barcelona triggered their buyback option only to once again loan him out to Getafe with an option for a €6m purchase.
Cucurella rose through the ranks at La Masia and was tipped to be the long-term replacement for Jordi Alba but that now seems like a distant possibility.
Dembele reportedly rejects Thomas Tuchel's offer
Following reports that Barcelona offered six players for PSG to choose from, Thomas Tuchel apparently put a phone call through to Ousmane Dembele to convince him to head to France.
The pair had worked together for one season at Dortmund, but Dembele is seemingly not moved by the prospect of working with Tuchel again.
The 22-year-old arrived in Barcelona for a club record fee in 2017 but has had an injury plagued spell since then. He however believes he still has a chance to prove himself at the club and hence has rejected the PSG offer.
