Barcelona transfer news: Condition for Mascherano's departure, No Coutinho deal in January more - 12th December 2017 

FC Barcelona v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: Second Leg
Mascherano's departure depends on finding a replacement

Club's spokesperson reveals condition for letting Mascherano leave

The Argentine joined the club in 2010 from Liverpool and has proved to be one of the most consistent players in the Barcelona squad. Despite joining as a defensive midfielder, Mascherano excelled as a centre-back at the Camp Nou. Now, at 33 years of age, he is looking to leave the club as he is no longer a regular in the first team.

Thus, the player has reportedly informed the club of his desire to depart in January. Now, the club's spokesman, Josep Vives, has revealed that the player will be allowed to leave in January if they find a suitable replacement. Vives told in a press conference:

"We respect the player. He has earned it during more than seven years at the club, as the manager previously said, the club shouldn't become weaker from the January transfer window. We should [end the transfer window] stronger."
"The general interest of the club is above the individual wishes of any player. In any case, as the president said, we listen to the player to understand [his intentions] but after the January window we cannot be weaker because the final stretch of the season will be complicated and exciting."

Thus, Mascherano will be hoping Barcelona can sign a defender in the upcoming transfer window so that he can secure regular football elsewhere.


Guillem Balague believes January deal improbable for Coutinho

Brighton and Hove Albion v Liverpool - Premier League
Coutinho could stay at Liverpool until the summer

The La Liga expert voiced his opinion on the Coutinho saga which has been ongoing since the summer. Recent statements from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp have raised doubts on whether the Brazilian will stay at Anfield beyond January. However, Balague feels otherwise and he told Sky Sports:

“Liverpool’s stance is the same, meaning right now they don’t want to negotiate with Barcelona. They are not sitting down with Barcelona and are not setting a price for him. In the summer, it will be a different story, but they have no intention of selling him right now."
"The problem for Barcelona right now is that they don’t have a huge amount of money. Arthur Melo [of Gremio] is still the priority, they will put in an offer for Coutinho but they aren’t very optimistic as Liverpool do not want to sell right now.”

Balague's statements definitely make sense as the English club will let a deal happen in the summer than in January with the season in the balance.


Turan's agent reveals talks with several clubs

FC Barcelona v Real CD Espanyol - Copa del Rey
Turan's agent is in talks with several clubs

The former Atletico Madrid attacker has failed to make the expected impact at Barcelona, ever since he joined the Catalan side in 2015. Further, Turan's failure to make an impression on the new coach, Ernesto Valverde, meant he is surplus to requirements at Camp Nou. Thus, he is currently on the club's list of players who are set to be sold in the upcoming transfer windows to trim the wage bill.

Further, the possible arrivals of new signings will push Turan down the pecking order. Now, his agent, Ahmet Bulut, has revealed that he is in talks with several clubs for a possible January move for his client. He told TRT Spor:

"We're troubled with Arda's situation. He didn't even get to play 10 minutes. We respect Ernesto Valverde but I can't understand how can he assess a player whom he doesn't put on the field."
"I'm having talks with several clubs regarding Arda but I can't name any of them. I'm trying to wrap this up by January but if we can't reach an agreement with any of the teams, he'll stay at Barca. Arda scored 13 goals when Neymar was away injured. He plays hard when he gets a chance."

Thus, Turan is very likely on his way out to end his troubled spell at the Spanish club.

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