Barcelona FC Transfer Rumours - Koke is the Latest Entrant into the Scene

The transfer stories are in full flow even before the season has come to an end. If this is the state of affairs now, one could only imagine the pandemonium that could be created once the transfer windows opens. Barca's problems of the season necessiated the reinforcement of more than one position. Since "Necessity is the Mother of Invention", new and fresh rumours get invented every day. One of the problems of having a great season, especially for an underdog is that you get to lose the best players you have got. Most probably that could be what Atletico could be facing this transfer window. Something they won't complain about, since they need the money from the sales very badly.

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Barcelona FC - Transfer News for Today

You can hear rumors. But you can't know them.

That's precisely the fun about rumours, they are to be heard, believed and forgotten. But they are capable of upsetting the emotions, destroying relationships, invoking hope when none exists; but in the end it's not the rumour which is at fault but the idiot who believe that! Then in a transfer season, we all play that innocent idiot part to perfection. So currently we believe that the club is going to sell 16 of it's players, has already signed defenders who will strengthen the defense and the best of all - Zubizarreta, our sporting director has drawn a list of 80 players who we are interested. Yup, you heard it right, 80! That too by a man who could not draw a list of two defenders to buy last season. Once again we are bombarded with rumours, most of them would turn out to be damn lies. Then some would argue that there are not rumours, but fresh news broken out by Catalan media houses. But we all knew when it comes to Sport and Mundo, every rumour is the news and every news is a rumour.

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Reluctant Hero Barca Back in La Liga Title Race!

The reluctant hero is always fun to play

Strange has been this season; like an obedient and polite school boy Barca has tried their best to stay out of the La Liga fight especially in the recent weeks, only to be dragged back right into it by fate, circumstances, whatever you may call it. Last Saturday night we said goodbye to whatever remaining La Liga hope, forward to Wednesday night - Barca's La Liga hopes are up and running big time. May be Barca is destined to play the reluctant hero this time around.

A reluctant hero is a tarnished or ordinary man with several faults or a troubled past, and he is pulled reluctantly into the story, or into heroic acts. During the story, he rises to the occasion, sometimes even vanquishing a mighty foe, sometimes avenging a wrong. But he questions whether he's cut out for the hero business. His doubts, misgivings, and mistakes add a satisfying layer of tension to a story

How well this describes the emotions each of us is facing? Barca has been pretty poor recently. They were expected to keep on fighting, but they have fallen short time and again especially when the pressure was on them. Now by the sheer turn of circumstances they face a situation where we could win the League without being at our best, with effectively one majestic performance. Betting houses have gone crazy, fans have gone crazier. If you have any idea of what's going to happen in two weeks’ time, then don't hesitate to make a football bet at William Hill. Positions have changed so much in a span of days that one would go crazy thinking how things will end up on 18th of May.

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FC Barcelona Transfer Rumours - Amidst the Drama of La Liga, Fantasy Football is ON

It looks like one needs to pray for a steady thinking mind to survive this transfer season. That's how fast and bad the rumours are flying in. Seventy percent of it is the usual crap, which the Catalan based media houses - Sport and MundoDeportivo specializes in. The other 20% looks like is created by rival media houses(read AS and Marca) to destabilize their favorite rival. In midst of all this, true to the nature of the league this season - the League situation has taken a turn for the best or the worst(depends on each person). When we failed to win on Saturday, we gave up all the hope of a silverware this season. But just sheer fate and fate alone, we are dragged back into this race. We have been trying our best to get out of this La Liga race, but it just won't simply let you go.

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Sometimes we ask too much from Barca Players!

With the hard fought 3-2 victory at the El Madrigal we have kept our slender hope of retaining the La Liga title still alive. The game was bit messy withy us struggling to put the ball past Asenjo. Some would say we were lucky as our first two goals came from own goals. But I would say those came from situation and relentless pressure we created. The match was an emotional affair, but that didn't stop some crazy racist Villareal fan from throwing a banana at Alves. Alves reaction to that has been quite classy and it has already gone viral with #weareallmonkeys stealing the twitter storm. But what worries me more is some of the criticism on the team for last night's performance. It wasn't a classy Barca performance by any means but they won. They won it for one man whom they loved, who was a mentor to many and a friend to others. The sheer courage they that these players showed while taking the field to play, let alone win it should be appreciated without any questions being asked.

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Barca Match Highlight - Barca - 3, Villareal - 2

Two own goals and one Lionel Messi goal completed another come-back from behind victory for Barca, this time at El Madrigal, Villareal. After going down 2-0, Barca showed immense courage to bounce back. It can be argued that the performance was bit crappy at times, but one should not discount the mental stat of our players. After losing a guy who was with them for the most of last year, and who has been a mentor to many; it took immense courage for players to turn up today. One should not forget that Tito was not only the manager last season, he has been with this set of boys for most of their playing time.

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Tito Vilanova - One Who Left us Early

You should never get nervous about anything. What today seems important tomorrow isn't so any more.Tito Vilanova

Tributes have been flowing from all directions to the Club following the tragic death of the ex-Barca manager. Every club in Europe and League has expressed their sorrow at the death of Tito Vilanova. The death of our former manager came as a huge shock as we pretyy much believed he was past his worst health issues. How wrong we were? Behind all the brave face, he put up to lift our spirits, he was fighting his biggest battle, sadly to which he lost his life. He is survived by his wife Montse Chaure and two children, Carlota and Adrià. Their loss has been irreplacable and let's all pray for God to give them the strength to overcome this loss.

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Tito Vilanova Succumbs to Cancer | May His Soul Rest in Peace

Barca fans received the tragic news of Tito Vilanova's death today. He was admitted to hospital yesterday after becoming seriously ill and remained extremely critical. Today afternoon he finally succumbed to throat cancer, a disease which has forced him to retire from managing Barca. Let's all remember him in our prayers.

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Will Barca Sell Mascherano this Summer?

With the temporary lifting of transfer ban imposed on Barca, there are too much speculation going on. The latest we have heard is the potential sale of Javier Mascherano. A few months ago all the fans could be up in arms against such a move. But at the current moment there sure will be conflicting ideas on their minds about this possibility. In any case this all will happen if our management does the stuff they are supposed to do - sign quality central defenders. Going by their track record, we could expect them to make a lot of noise about the possibility of signing a number of players, naming them openly, by doing so alerting other clubs to that possibility and eventually getting prized out of the market. They are good enough to make excuses about this and excellent in selling to the members. Remember last summer transfer window?

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Barca identifies Cuadrado as Dani Alves Replacement

Dani Alves future at Barca has been under constant speculation for the past one year. Some expect the club to cash in on a player who was the main stay to Barca's success but also is approaching 30. There is a school of thought that if we are going to make money out of Alves, then that moment would be right now. Barca fans are totally split on Alves. His form may have been bit patchy lately and his crosses has failed to reach the targets. But they do realize that his defensive fragility is due to the fact that he is getting stretched on the right with make shift central defenders alongside him. The management may not mid cash in on the players especially his open outburst against Rosell for selling Abidal. Whatever the case, a final decision will be made by the player and the club after the World Cup.

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FC Barcelona Transfer News - Barca reached Agreement with Mats Hummels?

Latest reports emerging in Catalan media outlets suggest Barca reaching an agreement with Mats Hummels. The Borussia Dortmund defender, Hummels has been in Barca's radar for sometime. He has constantly emerged as the preferred choice for Barca fans in every poll. His lack of pace did worry some, but there is no doubt about his ability. It's not only Barca who has been after the highly rated defender. Both Manchester City and Juventus were looking at the option to sign him. Barca's transfer ban had put City in the prime spot. Now with ban lifted temporarily, everyone expect Barca to sign the Hummels.

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Messi vs Neymar - Why Cruyff is the only one Smiling?

Every time one watched Messi playing against Bilbao last week, one would left to wonder whether he prefer playing alongside Pedro rather than Neymar. It's not the first time it has happened this season. There were pundits who pointed out why Pedro needs to come ahead of Neymar, especially in order to get the best out of Messi. I myself believed that it's not the presence of Neymar; it's the combination of Neymar and Cesc which is working against Barca and also Messi. But lately it has become very clear that to make these two great players work together will take some effort, something which is looking out of Martino's reach. Let's be honest, they have played decently alongside each other. Till last month they were doing well; maybe not in the devastating way we have expected when Neymar signing was announced. But still they were better together. But recently it was a total disaster.

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Thiago Messi and Antonella Offers their Support to Papa Messi

This cute little photo posted by Antonella Messi on her instagram page has gone viral across footballing world. The picture has both Thiago and Antonella wearing Barcelona shirts with Messi's No.10 shirt. One has to admit that the personalized shirt on Thiago Messi with name "Papi" looks so adorable. Regardless of the club treating him shabbly, Lionel Andres Messsi can always count on the support of these two people; in the end that should be the only thing which matters to him.

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FC Barcelona Transfer News - Barca chasing Tim Krul and Willy Caballero

Barcelona is reported to have shown interest in Newcastle United keeper Tim Krul as a potential replacement for Pinto. It is expected that Barca would not offer Pinto an extension and he will play his last match against Atletico in Camp Nou. Signing Krul could be tricky as there are a number of clubs who are behind him. Juventus is learned to be watching the keeper closely. If this turns out to be true then we will have a complete overhaul in the goal with Valdes and Pinto leaving. La Masia product and Barca B goal keeper, Jordi Masip is already expected to be promoted to first team next season.

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FIFA Suspends Barca Transfer Ban - Will the Club Act Finally?

Futbol Club Barcelona's appeal against the Transfer ban imposed by FIFA has been accepted by the footballing body. FIFA also have released the statement describing that they have suspended the sentence as they didn't see the appeal process(both at FIFA and CAS) to be completed before the commencement of the next tarnsfer and registration window. This definitely is very good news for Barca fans as we would finally be able to sign replacements of first team players who are leaving and reinforce positions which are stretched at the moment. We were pretty worried of the propsepect of Pinto being the first choice keeper once Valdes leave this summer. Not to worry anymore as Barca would be able to complete their signing of Ter Stegen from Germany. Not only that Barca will be able to complete the signing of Alen Halilovic. We were looking at the possibility of this Croatian wonder kid being stolen under our nose. Not to be anymore.

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FC Barcelona Transfermarkt - 5 Players who could Leave Camp Nou this Summer

With the Club President indicating recently about a massive influx of players this summer, it may be wise for some of the current squad members to look for better options. It's not that the Club would be going in for a massive overhaul, especially considering that this management has always made only noise and has fallen short on their actions. Regardless of whether the Club management gets their act together, there are a number of players who urgently needs to look at whatever options available to them. These include a number of promising youngsters. Below is the list of players who are expected to leave Camp Nou at the end of this season.

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Barca Tweets - Barca Stars Refuses to concede Title

Barca star players have refused to give up on their title hope. They promised to keep fighting until the end.

Iniesta: "We continue to fight for the Liga. It'd be unforgivable if we wouldn't take advantage of a mistake of our opponents." #fcblive

— barcastuff (@barcastuff) April 21, 2014

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Next Week could be crucial for Barca's Remaining La Liga Hopes

Strange things happen in Football, not one many, many times. So I would say that Barca still have a glimmer hope of retaining their La Liga crown coming next week. But whatever small hope Barca have about La Liga could be decided at the end of next week. As of now, Atletico Madrid stands six point clear of Real Madrid(who have a game in hand) and four point clear of Barcelona. The equation is simple - if Atletico does not drop any point in the next three outings, the League title is theirs for the taking. The last match of the season will be only for crowning. But with some high profile matches coming this week, Atletico may have a chance of dropping some points, something every Barca fan is hoping for.

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FC Barcelona Match Highlights | FC Barcelona - 2, Athletic Bilbao - 1

Lionel Messi and Pedro scored for Barca at the Camp Nou to break the losing streak. The La Liga may have moved out of our grips but we need to restore some pride.

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FC Barcelona Transfer News - Klopp and Marco Reus Tops Barca's Wish list

Barca appears to have zoomed in on the coach and player pair of Klopp and Reus as their prime target for this summer's transfer window, or at least the Catalan wants us to think so. With the season suddenly taking a turn for worse, it is natural to hear clamour to replace Martino. It looks like the Catalan media have identified the current Borussia Dortmund coach as the ideal replacement for Martino. A week ago they were harping on the name of Luis Enrique and others; now they are simply forgotten. It was natural that in this Marco Reus also was added, especially with that brilliant performance against our arch-rival Real Madrid.

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FC Barcelona wins UEFA Youth League

FC Barcelona boys have won this years's UEFA Youth League Cup by beating Benifica in the final 3-0. Watch the highlights below which involve a spectacular Golazo.

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Barca Images GIF - Granada Keeper Saving Lionel Messi Free Kick

This was that kind of night. Nothing would go in regardless of how much we tried. In any other day, this Messi free kick would have gone through, but not today.

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Has Barca conceded la Liga Race? Barca - 0, Granada - 1

When I wrote the preview, I warned specifically about taking Granada lightly in a must win match. That precisely was what Barca did and paid heavily for that. After going down to a shock Brahimi fall Barca failed to react properly in the first half and they paid for that. Even though we threw everything at Granada in the second half, the ball wouldn't go in. With this defeat we may have conceded defeat in our La Liga title defense. Unbelievable has been this week, from challenging for three titles we have been effectively reduced to challenging for the King's Cup. With two consecutive defeats Barca needs to react fast from preventing the season spiralling out of control. To the surprise of everyone who expected Martino to rest many of his usual starters, Martino started with many. The front three had Neymar, Messi and Pedro. The midfield had Iniesta, Cesc and Song. The defense had Mascherano and Busquets forming the central defense with Montoya and Adriano on the flanks.

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Barça Images GIF - Lionel Messi's Brilliant Goal against Milan

Lionel Messi's first goal against Milan in 2012-13 season's Champions League. Those who criticize him should remember how good he is when the team could give him a bit more space. Those who are interested should see Villa's positioning and the effect that has on the defense.

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Barca vs Granada Match Preview

When the season's calendar was drawn, a visit to Granada was one of the least interesting fixture. Now being sandwiched between the two clash between the Capital Giants, this looks a pretty interesting fixture now. This is Barcelona's chance to recover from the disappointment of the Champions League exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid. More importantly, it is the best way to prepare themselves for Wednesday's Copa Del Rey final against Real Madrid. Realistically speaking, this should be an easy away win ( Barca's Wiining odd is at 2/7 at sports betting at Betfair ). But a simple win may not do the job for Barca. We most probably would have to make a statement. A statement of intent which sends a message to the World and to our opponents, especially Real Madrid. With the Champions League exit it is time for us to concentrate on the two available trophies. That should ensure this as a successful season, but if we are not careful we may end up ruining everything. So the consolidation need to start tomorrow against Granada.

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PSG or City, Please Sign Messi | Barca Fans Surely don't Deserve Him!

The search for a scapegoat is the easiest of all hunting expeditions

Lionel Messi is suddenly in the midst of all things Barca, not sure he would like that! There are cries in internet blogs and boards about need to sell him. Sure he was crap against Atletico Madrid, he wasn't the only one! But they only want him to be sold? They say Pep Guardiola took the brave decision of selling Ronaldinho and current Barca management should take similar decision with the Argentinian captain. They easily forget that two weeks ago they were all sitting back enjoying the Clasico victory which was fashioned by the star player almost alone. I do agree that Iniesta was brilliant in that match but let's take the big moments - first goal created by Messi, Second goal created by his sheer will and scored too, third created by a brilliant Messi through ball and scored the penalty. But still they wanted to sell him because he was crap against Atletico Madrid. He wasn't alone in that Iniesta was really poor but somehow all the blame is for Messi to shoulder. When Neymar was playing really poor no one asked him to be sold out. And they want to do that to a man who single handily has fashioned some of the greatest story this team has seen.

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