Barcelona transfer news: Messi wants Madrid target, Deulofeu joins Watford, and more - 30th January 2018

Barcelona v Espanyol - Spanish Copa del Rey
Messi wants Lucas Digne to be sold

Lionel Messi wants Lucas Digne replaced by Real Madrid target

The Barcelona no.10 is tired of the chances Digne continues to squander, as per Spanish news publication Diario Gol. The Frenchman continues to blow hot and cold, and remains a distant replacement for first-choice left-back Jordi Alba, who has discovered a new wind since the summer departure of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Recently, in the match against Alaves, La Blaugrana had to dig deep to orchestrate a comeback from 1-0 down to win 2-1 and Messi was unimpressed by Digne's performance. Although right-back Nelson Semedo was not at the level one would expect at Barcelona too, the Portuguese is in his first year at Camp Nou and has time to learn.

This is not the case with Digne and the same report from Diario Gol states that the French international could be sold in the summer with Messi already earmarking a potential replacement.

The Argentine's choice is Real Sociedad full-back Alvaro Odriozola, who is on Real Madrid's radar as well. Apart from him, Valencia duo Jose Gaya and Toni Lato are on the Catalan side's radar as well.

Jordi Alba at 28 years of age is not getting any younger and it is important for Barcelona's style of play to find a long-term replacement sooner than later.


Gerard Pique would have stopped playing if not for extension

Espanyol v Barcelona - Spanish Copa del Rey
Pique extended his Barcelona contract until 2022

The 30-year old put pen on paper to seal his contract extension at his boyhood club until 2022, well beyond his 35th birthday. This new contract puts a €500 million release clause on the Barcelona no.3 and extends his stay at the senior level to 14 years. Speaking on the occasion, Pique said, as quoted by the club's official website:

“I am really happy to be celebrating my extension because this is my home and since my return, my desire has been to end my career here. Barça is my home and I thank everyone who has made it possible to continue here. I can only see myself in a Barça shirt. If I had not extended my contract then I would have stopped playing because I only play football because I play for Barça.”

As the player thanked the Board, the Club, players, coaching staff and his family for assisting him “wear the shirt of the club of his life", the club president, Josep Maria Bartomeu said:

“It’s a special day, Gerard Piqué is an experienced player, a Barça fan from birth and let’s hope we can continue to keep winning trophies. The deal was an easy one."

This contract extension ensures that the Spaniard can pass on the mantle to the likes of Samuel Umtiti and Yerry Mina before hanging up his boots in the next decade.


Gerard Deulofeu returns to England on loan

Getafe v Barcelona - La Liga
The end of the road at Barcelona?

The La Masia graduate has failed to cut it at Barcelona the second time around as well after new manager, Ernesto Valverde brought him back in the summer.

The winger went on several loan spells to Everton, Sevilla and AC Milan during his career so far. After playing 110 games in total for the first team and the B team, the 23-year old is now embarking on another loan spell, this time to Watford in the Premier League.

The club's official statement read:

FC Barcelona and Watford Football Club reach an agreement on the loan of Gerard Deulofeu until 30 June 2018. The agreement sees the English team cover his salary and a potential add on of one million euros.

Deulofeu has won the La Liga and two Spanish SuperCups during his time at Barcelona, making him a player with considerable experience for the Hornets. Further, he has played 37 times for Everton and already understands the demands of the league, making it a good deal.

Meanwhile, for Barcelona, another homegrown player bites the dust as this was very likely the last-chance saloon for Deulofeu.

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Edited by Aakanksh Sanketh