FC Barcelona transfer rumour update – Paulo Dybala and Neymar

After his brilliant performance in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final, Xavi feels Dybala is ready to join Barcelona

Xavi has always been an admirer of Paulo Dybala. He spoke in Dybala’s favour when he was going to switch clubs, back in the summer of 2015. He wanted Barca to sign the youngster. The club officials did go for him but Juventus snapped him up quickly to end hopes of a potential deal.

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At Juventus, Dybala has grown to be one of the best strikers in the world. Under the tutelage of shrewd manager Massimiliano Allegri, Dybala has turned into a goal machine. The latest display of his ability justify his label as the next Messi.

In the match against Barcelona, Dybala completely destroyed the Catalans. He contributed two goals to Juventus’ tally of three and wiped out chances of a potential comeback.

Now that Barca have got a real taste of Dybala’s talent, we might have had a chance of securing a deal. But unfortunately, Paulo Dybala will be inking a new deal with Juventus. This will rule out any sort of transfer for him for at least this season and the next.

According to Goal.com, Dybala is set to extend his current contract to 2021. As a part of the deal, he will also pocket €7 million annually. Dybala is not Messi, but Dybala and Dybala belongs to Juventus, and not Barcelona.

Chelsea join Manchester United in race for Neymar

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The rumours regarding Neymar never seem to disappear. Chelsea are the latest club to monitor Neymar, according to Metro. And all this because of one crazy person, who is infamous for sacking managers and making over-the-top signings.

Chelsea’s Russian owner Roman Abramovich has reportedly reached an agreement with Barcelona to bring in the Brazilian maestro. Apparently, Abramovich himself negotiated with Barca officials over a deal of €180 million.

But this makes no sense. Firstly, because Abramovich is explicitly going against the wishes of coach Antonio Conte. And secondly, his role at Stamford Bridge would be limited. The Blues have a world-class left winger in Eden Hazard and they have a fine backup in Pedro. They don’t need Neymar.

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Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho has played down rumours of Neymar joining Manchester United. United were heavily linked with Neymar earlier but Mourinho seems to think it is mere ‘speculation’. In his interview with ESPN, he seemed like he wanted Neymar in his squad, but he was pessimistic about the transfer.

"He said, “I always try to be objective and pragmatic with clubs and to ask them what they can give me. To ask for Neymar is absurd. A club like Barcelona can not and will not lose Neymar."

Although Messi is still a young player with years ahead of him, he’s almost 30, and Neymar will be the great player of Barcelona post-Messi.

Next: Juventus thrash Barca 3-0

So much that I think it [signing Neymar] is like trying to break into a safe, impossible.”