A whole host of updates on the personnel situation at Spanish giants Barcelona have come to the fore late on Saturday evening.
The info comes by way of transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who has first presented quotes on the part of Director of Football Mateu Alemany.
Alemany, at one point not long ago, was widely expected to call time on his stint at the Camp Nou, to make the move to England with Aston Villa.
After reports to the contrary recently began to surface, however, the Spaniard tonight reiterated his intention to stay put:
Alemany on his future: “Aston Villa have a great project and a great coach… but Barcelona is the biggest club in the world”. 🔵🔴 #FCB
“I will stay here at Barça”, he confirmed. pic.twitter.com/FNYlOnw7X8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 20, 2023
Next up comes the latest on the ongoing reunion links between Barca and Lionel Messi.
Ahead of the imminent expiration of his contract with French champions-in-waiting Paris Saint-Germain, Messi has of course been hotly tipped to take his talents back to Catalunya with a view to next season.
Barça vice president Rafa Yuste: “I’d love for Leo Messi to return here. Of course it depends on his decision, but we’d love to have Leo back”. 🔵🔴 #FCB
“We hope for Messi here next season”. pic.twitter.com/NRrwwEJSvX
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 20, 2023
Elsewhere on the arrivals front, an insight into the current mindset of Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman Ruben Neves has too been forthcoming.
Amid Barcelona’s search for a long-term replacement for the departing Sergio Busquets, Neves has frequently been named as a potential answer in the media.
And it would appear that the Portuguese himself would be very much in favour of such a move.
Neves, it is understood, has already agreed on the terms of a long-term contract with the powers that be at the Camp Nou.
In a blow for the midfield conductor, however, Blaugrana boss Xavi Hernandez has since turned his attentions towards alternative targets with a view to the summer:
Rúben Neves will wait for Barcelona as he agreed terms on potential long-term contract. He hopes for Barça move — not main priority for Xavi now. 🔵🔴 #FCB
Here’s Neves with Wolves fans today, via @NathanJudah 🎥👋🏻pic.twitter.com/fXaGhwWcYn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 20, 2023
Last but not least comes an update on the future of a current member of Xavi’s attacking ranks.
The player in question? Raphinha.
Despite only linking up with Barca last summer, wide-man Raphinha has already been heavily tipped for a surprise exit, as the Catalans’ board seek out funds for use on other areas of the club’s squad.
If the latest comments on the part of the Brazilian himself are anything to go by, however, then he will be going nowhere anytime soon.
Speaking on the back of his side’s La Liga defeat to Real Sociedad tonight, Raphinha confirmed his intention to remain a Blaugrana player ‘for many more years to come’:
Raphinha on his future: “It’s very clear, I want to stay here for many more years to come”, told BeIN Sports. 🚨🔵🔴 #FCB pic.twitter.com/XxtOO9TJlz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 20, 2023
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