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FC Barcelona’s midfield overhaul – Bernardo Silva and Marco Verratti

By Chiranjib Ghosh

PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 4: Edinson Cavani of PSG celebrates his winning goal on a penalty kick with Marco Verratti during the French Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and AS Nancy Lorraine (ASNL) at Parc des Princes stadium on March 4, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 4: Edinson Cavani of PSG celebrates his winning goal on a penalty kick with Marco Verratti during the French Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and AS Nancy Lorraine (ASNL) at Parc des Princes stadium on March 4, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) /
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Verratti denies Barcelona links, does U-turn by telling agent to listen to offers following 6-1 humiliation


Before the second leg of the Round of 16 tie, ace playmaker Marco Verratti wrote a column on Goal.

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"He wrote, Be careful not to misinterpret my comments as was the case before the first match. No, I do not dream of playing for Barcelona. After the game against Bordeaux, a Spanish journalist asked me a question about the club, I just explained that it was a pleasure for a club like Barcelona, ​​like Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, to show interest in me.These are teams that recruit only big players, so it’s satisfying to hear yourself linked to them. But I will say it again: I feel very great here in Paris and I have great respect for the club. We may not be at the level of Barca, Madrid or Bayern, but we can get there soon."

The U-turn

This clearly clarified his intentions in an assertive manner. But after the 6-1 away loss to Barcelona, the French media fiercely criticised him. This has reportedly angered him and he has changed his mind.

"After the game, Verratti said, “This is a game I will never forget. I hope it will serve as a lesson to everyone. We must find the strength to raise our heads. You have to be men. We lost 6-1, it’s not because of the referee. We are primarily responsible.”"

He has asked his agent to start negotiations with interested clubs. This spells certain doom for Paris Saint-Germain. They are not a selling club and like to keep their stars. PSG do not want Verratti to leave as he is likely to be the face of the club in the years to come. They have rejected every single offer made for him, and put a price tag of €85 million to warn off potential suitors.

Good news for Barcelona

This is very good news for Barcelona as the club has been tracking him for a long time. Club legend Xavi Hernandez picked him out as his successor and it has provided even more motivation to Robert Fernandez. Signing Verratti will be very complicated and expensive but it will be worth it. We can expect Verratti to sign for Barcelona in the summer.

His talent is unquestionable. Verratti is the successor to Andrea Pirlo in the Italian national team and may be the same for Xavi at the Camp Nou.

Hot prospect Bernardo Silva being scouted by Barcelona

Bernardo Silva of Monaco during the Ligue 1 match between As Monaco and Girondins Bordeaux at Louis II Stadium on March 11, 2017 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Agence Nice Presse/Icon Sport)
Bernardo Silva of Monaco during the Ligue 1 match between As Monaco and Girondins Bordeaux at Louis II Stadium on March 11, 2017 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Agence Nice Presse/Icon Sport) /

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Bernardo Silva has turned heads ever since the joined AS Monaco. His rise has coincided with that of Anthony Martial,Kylian Mbappe-Lottin and Djibril Sidibe. Martial has joined Manchester United but he is still plying his trade at the Stade Louis II. Bernardo Silva is part of the fearsome three at Monaco and all of them are in-demand and are very good investments for the future.

Barcelona have been linked with Kylian Mbappe-Lottin and Djibril Sidibe. But it is a first for Bernardo Silva. His signature is a precious one and all top Premier League clubs are trying to capture it. But Barcelona have entered the fray now. Robert Fernandez’s priority is a right-back in the summer transfer window, but that is born out of necessity. But Barca are a club that can afford a few luxuries. That is why links with midfielders and forwards have arisen.

As for the midfielder signing, the first-choice is of course Marco Verratti. But in case he is out of reach, Robert Fernandez has prepared a list of second-choices. Bernardo Silva is reportedly the first name on that list.

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Silva is one of the most gifted players in the Ligue 1. But his stock has risen due to his performances and the interest in him. That is why Barcelona cannot pull of his transfer, or Verratti’s, without the sale of one Arda Turan. Turan was linked with a move to China but he rejected it. As the summer approaches, Arda might fall for the money and game time. His sale will then help fund a midfield acquisition.

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