According to reports from Spanish outlet Diario Gol, Liverpool want Ivan Rakitic as part of the potential deal taking Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona. Despite their tough stance, Liverpool now look resigned to losing the services of Philippe Coutinho after the player handed in a transfer request and the Reds are currently believed to be in negotiations with Barcelona over the sale of the Brazilian playmaker. A fee of around £133million has been quoted for the potential transfer but in recent times, there has been talk that Liverpool could look to agree a cash plus player deal for Coutinho … [Read more...]
Report: Manchester City eye stunning Spanish swoop
According to reports from Jutarnji List, Manchester City are currently planning to sign Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic. Following a strong start to the season, Manchester City have struggled a bit in recent times and are no longer favourites to claim the Premier League title. In order to get City’s pursuit for the English crown back in order, manager Pep Guardiola is expected to be strengthening his squad during the current January transfer window and now according to reports from Jutarnji List, it can be revealed that the Citizens are currently eyeing up a move for Croatian … [Read more...]
Report: Barcelona star to snub Manchester United
According to reports from the Sun, Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic is not keen on making a move to Manchester United. Ivan Rakitic has been a crucial player for Barcelona since joining from Sevilla in the summer of 2014 but the Croatian international has found himself in and out of the team during the current campaign due to the increased level of competition for places. Rakitic still remains a key figure for Barcelona but there have been murmurs that Premier League giants Manchester United will be looking to sign the 28-year-old, as manager Jose Mourinho is said to be a keen admirer … [Read more...]
Luis Suarez leads our La Liga team of the week
The title race in La liga got closer over the weekend with Barcelona squeezing out a result away at Granada, and Real Madrid having to settle for a draw at home against Europa League hopefuls Villareal. … [Read more...]
Barcelona close to Rakitic deal
Barcelona are expected to announce the signing of Croatian international Ivan Rakitic later on this week. Rakitic will move from Sevilla for a fee of around £16.2m and become part of Luis Enrique's new-look Barcelona team. Rakitic, who is preparing to face Brazil in the World Cup opening match this Thursday, has agreed personal terms with Barca and is just awaiting the clubs to agree the final figure and conditions of the transfer. Upon completion, Barca are expected to commence with Cesc Fabregas' transfer to whichever club he chooses. The Croat is expected to cost the Catalan club around … [Read more...]
Atletico Madrid 1-1 Sevilla
Atletico Madrid missed a glorious chance to go clear at the top of La Liga. Having earlier watched Barcelona fail to beat Levante, Diego Simeone's side achieved the exact same result at home to Sevilla. A 1-1 draw that keeps them behind Barca on goal difference. The Vicente Calderon stadium should be renamed the Vicente Cauldron this season as the fans have been ramping up the atmosphere and the decibels. The party spirit before kick off yesterday was frenzied, this was their chance to go top and they would snatch it with both hands. What could go wrong. Sevilla had other ideas, they hadn't … [Read more...]
Four Premier League transfer targets from La Liga
The January transfer window is just around the corner and after the influx of Spanish stars to the Premier League in the summer, more clubs are likely to be monitoring the talent in Spain's Primera Division this winter. At the midpoint of the season just 7 points separate 10th from the relegation zone and the title race looks set to be one of the tightest battles in years after a week in which top spot changed hands three times, so many teams could be looking to spend big to achieve their goals. … [Read more...]
La Liga team of the week – round 14
The international break is finally over -at least for the next 5 months-and the return of La liga feels like early Christmas. As has become the tradition right here on La Liga blog, we recognise and salute the outstanding performers after every match week in our unique Team of the Week feature. Unsurprisingly, the team is dominated by players from Atletico Madrid (the round's biggest winners). … [Read more...]
Sevilla Season Preview
Oh how tight the margins in football can be at times! Falling just short of Champions League qualification the previous season has setback Sevilla significantly and threatens to derail the perennial European challengers. Losing out to Villarreal meant Europa League football last season for the Andalucians but unexpectedly the club fell at the first hurdle. There's no shame in losing to Germans Hannover but failing to grasp the financial incentives which begin at the group stage proved to be the fatal loss. Consequently the exodus began. Zokora, Sanchez, … [Read more...]