Barcelona transfer news LIVE: Neymar, Philippe Coutinho, Ivan Rakitic updates plus much more
Thursday August 15
- Welcome to Express Sport’s Barcelona transfer news LIVE blog as we bring you the latest on ingoings and outgoings at the Nou Camp
- PSG have decided to reject Barcelona’s plan to sign Neymar on loan because of one player
- Amid Neymar speculation, PSG have private thoughts about the transfer of Philippe Coutinho as part of a deal
- Stay tuned for all the latest throughout the day
Hagi backs Neymar to Real Madrid
While Barcelona want to sign Neymar from PSG, Real Madrid do too.
And club legend Gheorghe Hagi believes the Samba star can win Los Blancos the Champions League alongside Eden Hazard.
“They can win easier,” he told Super Deportivo Radio.
“Without a doubt. If they sign Neymar and with the Hazard signing, they can win the Champions League again.
“[Zinedine] Zidane will then have to find a place for each one, but it’s the best thing that can happen to a coach. You just have to motivate them.”
Neymar decision made
Barcelona have been considering whether to try and sign Neymar on loan so they can splurge a huge amount of cash on the PSG star next summer.
But Catalan newspaper Sport say PSG aren’t interested in that idea.
That’s because they want to use money from any potential sale to try and bring Juventus hitman Paulo Dybala to the Nou Camp.
Dybala was linked with moves to Manchester United and Tottenham earlier this month but ultimately opted to remain with the Old Lady.
But with PSG circling, he could yet be on the move.
PSG think one thing about Coutinho
PSG believe Philippe Coutinho would be a necessary signing with the club eyeing four deals.
Sport say the Barcelona star, who has struggled for form ever since his arrival from Liverpool in January 2018, is admired at the Parc des Princes.
PSG want the Brazil international to be part of a late summer influx of players.
Mauro Icardi of Inter Milan is also in their sights – but Juventus are currently considered frontrunners in the race for his signature.
Ginola slams Neymar
PSG hero David Ginola has slammed Barcelona target Neymar, insisting he has to be shown the door before the transfer window shuts on September 2.
“It’s a huge disappointment to see those insults from fans because there’s a thin line between love and hate,” he said.
“They are becoming more and more impatient because they were promised great things.
“The insults, the whistles, they were too much, it’s inexcusable. At the end of the day, Neymar is to blame.
“He’s a symbolic player here. When the supporters hear Neymar say: ‘My best memory as a footballer is when Barça came back against PSG’ it was cruel and hurt every (PSG) supporter.
“If a player doesn’t respect the club or its values, they should leave.”