Latest news with #SPORT
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Flick convinced Raphinha to stay at Barcelona
Barcelona winger Raphinha said he had considered leaving the club but decided to stay after a call with coach Hansi Flick, who gave him a fresh opportunity to prove himself. Raphinha initially struggled under previous coach Xavi Hernandez, saying the Spaniard and his staff did not show much trust in his abilities. He became a regular starter under Flick, compared to just 17 starts in LaLiga during the 2023–24 season. The 28-year-old Brazilian was instrumental in Barcelona's LaLiga title run, contributing 34 goals and 25 assists in all competitions. However, Raphinha said he had not even thought about reaching those numbers before the campaign began. "Honestly, I didn't expect it. The personal goals I had were below these numbers... It has been the best season of my life," Raphinha told Spanish daily SPORT in a interview published on Friday. Raphinha conceded that neither he nor those around him saw him continuing at Barcelona before Flick arrived and persuaded him to stay. "I didn't think it was just me, a lot of people wanted me to leave here. Many fans, maybe the board was not happy with what I was doing, many people. I am a person who thinks that if you are not welcome in a place, it is better not to be in it," he said. "There is no point in banging your head against the wall. I know the way I dedicate myself to my profession and I knew that when the coach changed I had a new opportunity to show my potential and my way of working. "The coach had called me and told me that he was counting on me. That call was very important because it changed my way of thinking. The only person who could stop me was him and he did." Last week, Raphinha signed a contract renewal that will keep him at the club until 30 June 2028. He is set to play in Brazil's World Cup qualifiers, facing Ecuador away on June 5 and Paraguay at home on June 10. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
FC Barcelona Puts Two Title Winners On Transfer List
FC Barcelona has put two members of its Spanish treble winning squad of 2024/2025 on the transfer ... More market to be sold according to SPORT, which cited anonymous sources. FC Barcelona has put two members of its Spanish treble winning squad of 2024/2025 on the transfer market to be sold according to SPORT, which cited anonymous sources. With said campaign finishing less than a week ago, the Catalans are already looking to move certain players on, which will help bring in fresh faces to join Hansi Flick's outfit. Once talked up as the future of the club and given Lionel Messi's number 10 shirt when the Argentine departed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, Ansu Fati looks like he could also be on his way to France in the coming weeks. COPE reported that he has agreed to join AS Monaco, as part of a loan deal that will come with an option to buy the former Spain international outright. Over at SPORT, the Catalan newspaper explains that the potential exits of two more players are being prepared too. They are namely midfielder Pablo Torre and Pau Victor, who like Fati struggled for regular minutes last term and might be better off with a change of scenery. As already detailed, there is an 'overbooking' in midfield with regards to Torre, who is way down the pecking order of a list of eight players for three positions which also includes Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Marcs Casado and Bernal, Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez. He has offers in Spain, France and Germany, but Barca needs to get it right by first making sure Torre extends his contract. With the 22-year-old out of contract on June 30, 2026, Barca needs to make sue it doesn't lose him for free around 13 months for now and especially to a club that can take him on loan first. Pau Victor is in a three horse race with Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres for the number 9 spot, and he has proposals to enjoy more prominence than on Flick's watch from Spanish teams including Real Betis, Celta, Valencia, Sevilla and Mallorca. According to SPORT, FC Barcelona expects to sell each player for around $5.7 million (€5 million) but it is also getting their salaries off the books which will help with Financial Fair Play. Furthermore, it will be wise to make sure any outgoing transfers include buyback clauses.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Premier League Star Will Reduce Salary To Join FC Barcelona
A Premier League star is reportedly willing to reduce his salary to join FC Barcelona. A Premier League star is willing to reduce his salary to join FC Barcelona this summer according to SPORT, which cited anonymous sources. Barca pursued Marcus Rashford in the January transfer window with a view to taking him on loan initially after receiving a thumbs up for the potential operation from head coach Hansi Flick. In the end, however, the Catalans' Financial Fair Play issues got in the way and resulted in the Mancunian heading to Aston Villa for what remained of the 2024/2025 season. That campaign saw Barca end up as treble-winning domestic champions which didn't really need Rashford to achieve their goals save for falling short to Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinals. As Real Madrid continues making signings and approaching players to join its new squad set to be led by fresh appointment Xabi Alonso, Barca knows that it must also bring in reinforcements. The left wing is seen as a priority, with two targets in Luis Diaz and Rashford being shortlisted for possible transfers. With Liverpool reportedly asking for around $96 million (€85 million) for Colombia international Diaz, Rashford would cost far less at something like $45 million (€40 million). According to SPORT, it is for this reason that the option of going after Rashford is gaining more traction, and the forward's agent met with Barca Sporting Director Deco on Wednesday to sound out a potential move. The Catalan newspaper now has further information, and explains how Rashford is willing to lower his salary to make a move to La Liga possible, which will also help Barca manoueuvre better on the Fianancial Fair Play side of things. Though Rashford's camp has reportedly said it will be patient and wait for Barca to get its house in order, it also needs the 27-year-old to put his foot down and refuse to go anywhere else but the current kings of Spain. Such an ultimatum will serve as a 'this or nothing' proposal for United, where Rashford doesn't fit into head coach Ruben Amorim's plans. Yet while that might be the case at Old Trafford, FC Barcelona tactician Hansi Flick can find space for Rashford to provide back up for Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings, if not Robert Lewandowski as a central number 9.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Xabi Alonso appointment has put 29-year-old Real Madrid star's future at risk
A recent update from SPORT suggests that Ferland Mendy's future at Real Madrid could be uncertain following the expected arrival of Xabi Alonso as the club's new manager. Mendy, once backed strongly by Carlo Ancelotti, no longer enjoys the same level of support under the new tactical vision. In fact, under Ancelotti, Mendy was often described as 'the best defensive left-back in the world.' Advertisement The Italian coach considered him vital to his defensive structure, which is why the Frenchman was handed a contract extension last season until 2028, along with a significant salary increase. But things are changing quickly at the Bernabéu. Alonso's system does not favour Mendy Alonso has a clear tactical identity. He prefers playing with three centre-backs and two wing-backs, players who are not just strong in defence, but also capable of contributing regularly in attack and building up play. This system demands high mobility, creativity, and versatility from full-backs, something that doesn't quite align with Mendy's skill set. Ferland Mendy might have to consider his options. (Photo by) Mendy is an excellent defender, solid, disciplined, and hard to beat. But injuries have often slowed him down, and his attacking output is limited. In Alonso's system, he may be seen more as a backup option than a key player. Advertisement Which is why Fran Garcia seems to be a better fit tactically due to his greater flexibility and attacking instinct. Real Madrid looking for reinforcements For that reason, Real Madrid are not wasting time and are already in talks with Benfica for Alvaro Carreras. The 22-year-old Spanish left-back fits the profile that Alonso wants, and the club aims to secure his arrival before the Club World Cup. If Carreras joins, it is likely that either Mendy or Garcia will be shown the exit door, despite both having active contracts. The coming weeks will be crucial for the French defender, who may need to consider his options if he wants regular minutes, especially with a system that may no longer favour his natural style of play.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ancelotti promises to unlock Real Madrid star's full potential with Brazil – ‘He will show his best version'
Ancelotti promises to unlock Real Madrid star's full potential with Brazil – 'He will show his best version' Vinicius Jr. is one of Real Madrid's biggest stars. However, the same version of the forward is rarely seen when he wears the Brazil shirt. Despite having played for the national team for over five years, many fans and experts feel that his performances for the Selecao fall short of the high standards he sets at his club. Advertisement In Brazil, this difference is often criticised. Many believe there are two versions of Vinicius: the electric forward who shines at the Santiago Bernabeu and a more reserved figure in the yellow and green. For a player tipped to be a Ballon d'Or contender last year, his stats for Brazil are underwhelming, having scored just six goals and six assists in 39 appearances since making his senior debut in 2019. Ancelotti's support could be a turning point With Carlo Ancelotti officially stepping in as Brazil's new head coach, there is growing optimism that Vinicius can finally bring his best version to the national team. Advertisement Ancelotti has worked closely with the forward at Real Madrid and knows exactly how to get the best out of him. Under the Italian's tutelage, Vinicius reached new heights, becoming one of the most feared wingers in Europe. Ancelotti has promised to ressurrect Vinicius' international career. (Photo by) In his first press conference as Brazil boss, Ancelotti was quick to address the concerns around the forward's performances. 'It's hard to say why he hasn't been at his best with Brazil. But if it hasn't happened yet, it will now. He's an extraordinary player, hardworking and a real fighter,' said Carletto. Ancelotti also offered a more personal explanation. He believes that the intense emotional connection Brazilian players have with the national team might actually create pressure that blocks natural instincts. Advertisement 'Sometimes players want to do so well for their country that they overthink things. That can affect their performance,' he explained. Still, Ancelotti remains confident that the best of Vinicius in Brazil colours is yet to come. 'I am totally convinced that Vini, with Brazil, is going to show his best version,' he stated firmly. With a new era beginning under Ancelotti, Brazilian fans are hopeful that Vinicius will finally deliver the kind of performances he regularly provides for Real Madrid, only this time, on the international stage. Source: SPORT
