Earlier this month Catalan leaders signed a declaration of independence that would see the region become separate to Spain and could lead to Barcelona being kicked out of La Liga. Catalonians voted overwhelmingly in favour of independence from Spain, and president of the league Javier Tebas has insisted that if this political shift is realised, he would not allow the Catalan team to compete in the competition. While speaking with the press he said that if a rebellion succeeds, they would make plans to continue life in La Liga without the Spanish giant. His explanation was that Spain's sport laws dictate that only teams from Spain or Andorra were allowed to participate in Spanish leagues. However, while speaking at a press conference about the team's 2016/17 accounts just 24 hours after the announcement, club general director, Oscar Garu, said that the team must stay in the competition due to the organisation's budget being based on the club's involvement … [Read More...]
Barcelona Righting Last Season’s Wrongs with Early Dominance
The 2017/18 season is proving to be quite the reversal in form for one of Spain’s giants. Barcelona had a somewhat substandard 2016/17 with only a Copa Del Rey to show for their efforts whilst their arch rivals Real Madrid took a mighty La Liga and Champions League double. However, after being left in the shadow of Real Madrid’s achievements, Barcelona have picked themselves up and find themselves quietly going about their business in a fashion unexpected for a club of such magnitude as the Catalans find themselves. Seven games in to the new season and seven wins have followed for Ernesto Valverde’s men and since replacing Luis Enrique in the summer, the former Athletic Bilbao man has been building confidence and impressive results in a side that lost a key player in Neymar Jr in the summer. What is most remarkable however, is that nobody seems to be aware of the job that Valverde is doing at the Camp Nou. Last season Barcelona trailed Real Madrid by just three points but … [Read More...]
Can Atletico Madrid Topple Barcelona this weekend?
The stand out fixture of Spain’s top flight this weekend can be none other than Barcelona’s trip to Atletico’s brand-new Wanda Metropolitano. So far in the league things have been going well for the Madrid outfit in their new home with wins over Malaga and Sevilla on home turf already in the bank, however, now they face the stiffest visiting opponent of all in Barcelona. Seven matches in to the new season and Barce head coach Ernesto Valverde has guided his side to seven straight wins and five points clear at the top. However, what will be of more importance to the Barce faithful is that they sit a healthy seven points clear of arch rivals Real Madrid. Could that winning run end this weekend? According to recent head to head meetings between the two the simple answer is no. The last two times Barce visited the red and white half of Madrid, they went back to Catalonia with maximum points in the bag with Atletico boasting just one win in the sides last thirteen meetings in … [Read More...]
Can Ousmane Dembele replace Neymar?
Barcelona were powerless to prevent Neymar moving for a world record transfer fee €222 million to Paris Saint-Germain during the summer transfer window. What followed was the Catalan club struggling to negotiate with Liverpool for Philippe Coutinho before settling on a €105 million deal to sign Ousmane Dembele for Borussia Dortmund. The French international had only shone in the German Bundesliga for one season after his move from Rennes, and had only made his professional debut two years before becoming the second most expensive player in the world at the age of 20. Whilst the youngster will have enormous pressure on his shoulders, simply playing at Camp Nou for the Spanish giants alone is enough, but add comparisons between him and Neymar will only make it harder. Perhaps the Brazilian’s performances and goals during his three years in Barcelona will be tainted by the way he departed from the club. It left a bitter taste in the mouth of many fans. Ousmane Dembele is a … [Read More...]
Should Atletico Madrid re-sign Diego Costa?
They say in life you should never go back. For Diego Costa, Atletico Madrid may be the only option. The Chelsea striker was told he was no longer part of the manager’s plans at the end of last season but neither the club nor player found a resolution. Costa is currently on the books at Stamford Bridge and cannot move again until the January transfer window. Reports state that he’s been out partying in his country of birth, Brazil. The 28-year-old made his name as one of the best striker’s in the world during the 2013-14 season when he scored 27 goals in 34 La Liga games for Atletico Madrid, helping Diego Simeone’s side to a shock title as well as reaching the Champions League final in the same season. It was certainly a surprise when the news broke out that Antonio Conte didn’t want the striker. Costa has won the Premier League title in two of his three seasons with Chelsea, scoring an impressive 52 goals in 89 games. Atleti couldn’t pull off a deal to bring the … [Read More...]
6 La Liga Players Shortlisted for Golden Boy Award
Six players currently contracted for Spanish La Liga clubs have been shortlisted for the 2017 Golden Boy award. The award is run by Italian newspaper, Tuttosport, with the award given to Europe’s most-impressive footballer under the age of 21. 25 of the most promising players in Europe are shortlisted each year, dating back to 2003 when the Golden Boy award first started. Real Madrid forward Borja Mayoral is among the nominees. The 20-year-old came through the youth system before spending last season on loan at VfL Wolfsburg. He scored and provided the cross for the own goal which led Zinedine Zidane’s side to victory at Real Sociedad on Sunday. Espanyol defender Aaron Martin is the second and final Spaniard on the list of nominees. The second most expensive player in the world, Ousmane Dembele, who signed for Barcelona over the summer, is among the favourites, after his outstanding performances for Borussia Dortmund last season that earned him his big money move … [Read More...]
Big Players; Big Money; players that clubs have made a profit or loss on
With the continued meteoric rise of money in football it means more and more is being spent by clubs on the transfer of players. This article will look at the biggest profit or loss that has been made from clubs following the sale or buys of the top players around the world. Profit GARETH BALE – AROUND £76 MILLION PROFIT Back in 2007 a 17 year old Bale was just beginning to show glimpses of his talent which prompted Tottenham to pay £10 million for his signature. Then following 6 successful years at the club he was recruited by Real Madrid and signed for a record at the time of £86 million. This meant a profit of around £76 million for Spurs. CRISTIANO RONALDO – AROUND £68 MILLION PROFIT Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson saw the potential superstar in Ronaldo and decided to invest in 2003 bringing him in for £12 million. This seems like nothing in today’s market but was a large figure at the time to pay for a player with no real experience at the top level. Ronaldo … [Read More...]
Two Games in, what three things have we learnt?
The first international break of the season comes around quickly for La Liga teams and although only having started their campaigns two weekends ago, already find themselves with time off to reflect on their opening couple of fixtures. It may be far too early to read too much into the new campaign, but based on what we have seen in the 180 minutes each side has had to show case their talents, we can take some strong assumptions as to how the season may pan out. Asensio looks the Real deal Marco Asensio’s double against Valencia at the weekend proved what we already knew, that the 21-year-old is the likely heir to the Ronaldo throne. In all competitions, this season, the Spaniard has scored four goals in five games and is making Gareth Bale look surplus to requirements. Asensio’s form against Valencia took some of the pressure away from Real head coach Zinedine Zidane who saw his side draw 2-2 with Marcelino García Toral’s men in which Real had 22 shots to Valencia’s … [Read More...]